It is National Biotechnology Week in Canada and a chance to shine a light on one of the sources of economic diversification here in Alberta.

Biotech showed the role it can play in diversification earlier this year when Alberta-based Fedora Pharmaceuticals signed a 750 million dollar deal with Meiji Pharma of Japan and Swiss drugmaker Roche, to tackle antibiotic resistance - a deal that would have been nothing but a dream 10 years ago.

The steady growth of biotechnology in Alberta cuts a wide swath across agriculture, human health, and yes, even the energy sector and the as the song goes the future is so bright you might want to wear shades.

Mel Wong took on the role of President and CEO of BioAlberta in August and brings with him a wealth of experience on the government side of biotechnology growth. He spoke with Don Hill to kick off our Biotech Week blog postings and says there are many more opportunities ahead for the sector.