The SDEE April 17, 2014 event “Get to Know Your Neighbors” provided a unique opportunity for San Diego entrepreneurs to showcase their companies and network with fellow entrepreneurs. This event was sponsored by SDEE and organized at the Janssen Research and Development Center in San Diego, CA. The program included an Open Exhibition and Networking session and a presentation on the “Origins and History of Biotech in San Diego” by Dr. Ivor Royston.

Dr. Royston is a serial entrepreneur, instrumental in founding and growing the San Diego biotechnology community since 1978. He co-founded Hybritech, Inc., San Diego’s first biotechnology company, IDEC Corp (Biogen Idec) and has founded or helped finance many other companies in our community. Dr. Royston is also a member of the San Diego Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.

The event provided a structured networking environment to help connect collaborators, vendors, customers, advisers, investors, researchers and job seekers. Exhibitors represented an array of products and services including imaging; drug discovery; software; reagents and instrumentation; consumables; consulting; CROs; recruiting and employee benefits. With 40 exhibitors and 200 attendees, “Get to Know Your Neighbors” provided a truly interactive networking opportunity for people representing all aspects of our biotechnology community.