Networking Group - Global Life Science Opportunities Business Exchange (GLOBE)

Global Life Science Opportunities Business Exchange (GLOBE)

GLOBE is a collaborative initiative dedicated to supporting North Carolina's life sciences companies in expanding their international business. Formed through the partnership of Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), U.S. Commercial Service North Carolina (CSNC), Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), and the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, the group connects professionals with resources, insights, and opportunities that facilitate global business growth and competitiveness.

Mission

Empower North Carolina's life sciences sector by providing a platform for:

Identifying International Opportunities: Helping companies recognize and access high-potential global markets for their products and services.
Establishing Global Partnerships: Offering and supporting strategies to build relationships with international distributors, buyers, and business partners.
Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Guiding certifications and compliance issues in various global markets.
Leveraging Diplomatic Channels: Utilizing diplomatic contacts and other international resources to assist in global expansion efforts.

Our network is open to:

Life sciences companies aiming to enter or expand in international markets.
International trade professionals and consultants.
Government, non-profit, and academia representatives.
Students and professionals interested in global business within the life sciences sector.

Get Involved

No membership required. Participate in our virtual events, access valuable resources, and connect with industry experts to enhance your company's global reach. Join us in driving North Carolina's life sciences sector toward international success.

For more information, contact:

Melissa McGurk, International Trade Manager, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), [email protected]

Crystal Mills, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service North Carolina (CSNC), [email protected]

Owen George, International Business Counselor, Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) [email protected]

Upcoming Events

Join us for an insightful webinar on the thriving German medtech market, renowned globally for its excellence in medical products "made in Germany." This session will introduce the robust ecosystem supporting medtech companies in Germany, with a special focus on the outpatient and hospital markets.

This webinar is designed for international companies eager to explore the opportunities within the German medtech market. Whether you're looking to export, invest, expand, or stay informed, this session will provide valuable knowledge and actionable insights.

What You'll Learn:

Overview of the German medtech ecosystem
Key insights into the outpatient and hospital markets and the relevant market access conditions
Highlights on automation, robotics, assistive devices, and care solutions

Special Feature: We'll also discuss the renowned Medica trade fair held in Germany, offering tips for first-time visitors and exhibitors to maximize their experience.

This session is organized by GLOBE – Global Life Sciences Opportunities Business Exchange, an Intellectual Exchange Group with the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. GLOBE partners include the U.S. Commercial Service, Small Business & Technology Development Center, and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.

Panelists:

Nadine Litchfield is Senior Manager Healthcare at Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI), the foreign trade and inward investment agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. Nadine has been with GTAI since 2012, assisting numerous companies from various industries with their investment plans for Germany. Prior to her role at GTAI, she assisted German, Dutch and US companies with their entry into the US respective European market and served as Authorized Trade Representative of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the Netherlands and Belgium.

Michael Weisser, CEO of AiM (an IGES Group company), has been working at AiM for 16 years, providing consultancy services to industry. His focus is on market access and reimbursement of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that are based on the use of medical devices, IVD and digital products. This involves setting up strategies and implementing them hands-on in the European and specifically German context.

Join us for an exclusive webinar on the German (bio)pharmaceutical market, the fourth largest in the world and a global leader in research, development, and production. Discover the strengths that make Germany a powerhouse in the pharmaceutical industry and explore the opportunities it offers for international companies.

This webinar is designed for international companies eager to explore the opportunities within the German (bio)pharma market. Whether you're looking to export, invest, expand, or stay informed, this session will provide valuable knowledge and actionable insights.

What You'll Learn:

Overview of the German (bio)pharma market
Insights into Germany's leading role in R&D and production
The German reimbursement and pricing system for pharmaceuticals

Panelists:

Dr. Marcus Schmidt is Director Chemicals & Healthcare at Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI), the foreign trade and inward investment agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. His industry group advises international healthcare companies expanding into Germany. Dr. Schmidt has been involved with attracting foreign direct investment to Germany since 2000. After working as a Project Manager in Berlin, he served as Director North America in New York and Washington, DC, as well as the global Group Director for Technology & Services. In 2023, he was seconded to the Directorate for Innovation and Industry at the Federal Chancellery. Prior to his career in economic development, Dr. Schmidt served in various legal positions in Germany and Japan.

Tilo Mandry, Lead International Liaison Manager, IGES Institut, Berlin. Tilo conducts comparative studies on international health systems and reimbursement and pricing procedures for innovative therapies. His focus is on advanced therapies, combinations of drugs and medical devices, digital health applications and orphan drugs. He studied law at the University of Cologne and Vanderbilt University and received his PhD from the Philipps-University of Marburg.

Past Events

Discover why Germany's healthcare expenditures are the highest in Europe and explore the latest market data, trends, and developments shaping this vital sector.

Comprehensive market data and insights
Current trends and emerging developments relevant for market access
Key subsectors driving growth

Panelists:

Before her role at GTAI, she assisted German, Dutch and US companies with their entry into the US respective European markets and served as Authorized Trade Representative of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the Netherlands and Belgium.