More than 100 business leaders, scientists and entrepreneurs gathered in Lexington Friday, November 12 for the Second Kentucky Conference on Natural Products Innovation.

The conference, sponsored by the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture’s Natural Products Alliance (NPA) and Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center (KTRDC) in collaboration with the Kentucky Life Sciences Organization (KLSO), focused on identifying resources, building partnerships and establishing successful enterprises in the life sciences industry.

“We have put natural products in the forefront of the university’s efforts,” said UK President Lee T. Todd Jr., who presented the opening address. “We are proud to be a part of this conference.”

Keynote speakers included Mary Jo Waits, Center for the Future of Arizona, who spoke about Life Science Cluster Development; Paul Kelly, Martek Biosciences, who talked about trials and innovation in natural products manufacturing; and Roger Wyse, Burrill & Company, who covered key lessons and current climate for early-stage biotechnology firms.

Conference sessions included snapshot presentations on grants, sources of commercialization support, workforce development, and technical and manufacturing support.  There also were presentations showcasing start-up companies and developments in plant-made pharmaceutical production.