Finnzymes Awarded the BioFinland Prize
Press release April 21, 2005
The BioFinland prize for 2005 has been awarded to Finnzymes, a Finnish biotech company. The criteria for the award emphasize that Finnzymes' determination to carry out scientific research and development result in successful products and processes. The prize will be presented to the company at the Opening Ceremonies of the BioFinland 05 Congress, April 26, 2005.
“This year we wanted to award the prize to a company that is a good example of success in the biotechnology field and which, with its example, promotes confidence in the future of the sector. Finnzymes' way of opening up its own paths was also a deciding factor,” says Saara Hassinen, Assistant Director at Finnish Bioindustries. Representatives of Sitra, the Finnish National Fund for Research and Development; Tekes, the National Technology Agency of Finland and the Finnish Fair Corporation comprised the other members of the awards committee.
“The prize is a valuable recognition to the entire staff. We are grateful that work well done has been recognized even outside the company,” Pekka Mattila, CEO of Finnzymes notes.
“Forging our own paths has come naturally to us. When Finnzymes was established in 1986, only a few financiers were investing in the biotechnology field in Finland. The Tekes financing has played an important role in starting up research and development projects. From the beginning, we have financed the growth of our company through operational income. At present, Finnzymes is experiencing strong growth — we have signed important international agreements, and new concepts and companies will be joined to the company in the near future. We will become a significantly larger company,” Pekka Mattila continues.
The prize will be presented at the opening ceremonies of the international BioFinland 05 Congress on April 26, 2005. It will be presented by the Speaker of the Finnish Parliament Paavo Lipponen, who will address the congress on behalf of the Government.
The BioFinland prize is granted to an internationally successful researcher or company. In 2003 the prize was awarded to the American professor Patrick O. Brown from Stanford University. This year the award, in the amount of 10,000 euros, has been donated by the Finnish Fair Foundation.
The BioFinland 05 congress and the simultaneously organized Investor Forum are part of ChemBio Finland 05, a large event highlighting the latest innovations in chemical and biotechnology, at the Finnish Fair Centre in Helsinki.
Additional information about the prize
Ms Saara Hassinen, Assistant Director, Finnish Bioindustries
+358 9 1728 4308
firstname.surname@finbio.net
Ms Carmela Kantor-Aaltonen, Finnish Bioindustries
+358 9 1915 9035
firstname.surname@finbio.net