Dubai: 19 April, 2009 - TECOM Investments, a member of Dubai Holding, today announced the appointment of Dr Marco Baccanti as the Executive Director of Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), to lead the Life Sciences Park towards a new course of development that builds on its successful growth over the last four years.

An industry veteran, Dr Baccanti brings to DuBiotech an excellent research and development background, in addition to his specialization in intellectual property, science parks, business development through research/industry relationship management, technology transfer, and industrial clusters.

Dr Amina Al Rustamani, Chief Executive Officer of TECOM Business Parks, said: "As a leading organization that focuses on the right talent, TECOM Investments is delighted to have Dr Marco Baccanti leading DuBiotech into its next phase of growth. With his distinguished track record in the biotechnology industry and his extensive experience, he will be an invaluable asset to the organisation.

"Dr Baccanti's appointment comes as part of our initiative to strengthen the executive management team at an important stage in our business progression. We are confident the life sciences park will gain added momentum in its growth path towards becoming the pivotal regional centre for research and development."

Prior to joining DuBiotech, Dr Marco Baccanti has been the Managing Director of San Raffaele Biomedical Science Park in Milan, Italy and CEO of Fondazione Parco Biomedico San Raffaele in Rome, Italy, responsible for research and business development of the organisations.

Dr Baccanti said: "The progressive and dynamic DuBiotech has already grown rapidly into one of the region's leading cluster for life science businesses. I feel privileged to be part of DuBiotech's talented team and am looking forward to contributing to the continuing growth of the park into a globally renowned destination."

Prior to his role in San Raffaele, Dr Baccanti was the President of International Association of Science Parks (IASP). He also served Italian Association of Science Parks (APSTI) as Secretary General. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Assobiotec, the Italian association of biotech entrepreneurs, affiliated to Confindustria. He is a member of a group of experts on cluster competitiveness policies of DG Enterprise, European Commission, Bruxelles, nominated by the Italian Minister of Industry.

In addition, Dr Marco Baccanti is a contract Professor for short courses about innovation management, science park management and technology transfer at University Vita-Salute San Raffaele (Milan), University S.Anna (Pisa), Federico II (Naples), University of Siena, Università Cattolica (Piacenza) and SSUP (Lugano, Switzerland) and in internal training courses for Confindustria (Rome), IASP, UNESCO. 

A graduate in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Milan, Dr Baccanti has to his credit over 20 articles on research, technology and innovation.

Now, starting its second phase under the new leadership, DuBiotech will foster the competitiveness of its Business Partner community by providing new value added services, attracting new companies and developing allied activities.

-Ends-

About DuBiotech
Announced in February 2005, the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech) is a science and business park dedicated to the biotechnology industry, set within a 'free zone'. DuBiotech has two arms.  The first is the Foundation for Research and Innovation (FRI) that will initially focus on government-funded R&D in medicine and genetics, plant biotechnology encompassing food and agricultural biotech, environmental biotech and equine-related biotechnology.  Other areas include drug discovery, stem cell research, infectious diseases and forensic research.  The second arm of DuBiotech aims to set up a biotechnology industry cluster with cutting-edge infrastructure, facilities and services for incubators, R&D labs, biotech-related educational institutions, suppliers, biotech-related manufacturing companies and organizations from other sectors in the industry.  DuBiotech is advised by an independent steering committee on scientific, business and ethical matters. In cooperation with global research leader, RTI International, DuBiotech is developing comprehensive regulations that address all aspects of biotech activity. Being in a 'free zone' means biotechnology firms in the park have 100 % exemption from any form of taxation for 50 years, 100 % business ownership and 100 % repatriation of capital.

For further information, please call:
Zeba Ahmad
JiWiN
Tel: +9714 361 3590 (direct)
+9714 361 3333 (switchboard)
Fax: +9714 388 8001
e-mail: Zeba.Ahmad@jiwin.ae   

Hammam Alyazji
JIWIN
Mob: +971 50 923 2100
Direct: +9714 3755877
e-mail: Hammam.Alyazji@jiwin.ae

© Press Release 2009