The 2016 ASTech Awards are one week away and Bennett Jones is proud to once again be a supporter of the event and an ongoing sponsor of ASTech. 16 finalists will vie for top honours at the 27th annual awards ceremony on October 28 at the Chateau Lacombe in Edmonton. Finalists represent the pinnacle of innovation and achievement in science and technology across Alberta.

Bennett Jones Martin Kratz is a member of the ASTech board of directors and is the governance chair of the executive committee. He is a partner in Bennett Jones Calgary office and head of the intellectual property practice at the firm.

Martin says, “Bennett Jones invests in ASTech because of the positive impact it provides to Albertans. ASTech helps make our province more attractive for science and technology business investment. It also helps attract and inspire leaders in innovation and business. The ASTech Awards are a celebration of this and congratulations to all the finalists.”

On the same night as the awards, the Next Gen Innovators Showcase will be held, which will profile the up-and-coming innovation projects in Alberta that are ready for the spotlight. This year, 13 of the nearly 30 Next Gen Innovators are students from across the province.

Bennett Jones sponsorship of ASTech is part of the firm’s overall support for the innovation sector in Alberta. In April 2016, Bennett Jones launched Kickstart, a program to provide startups and entrepreneurs with the legal advice they need to help them grow. More on Kickstart is available at https://www.bennettjones.com/Kickstart/

About the ASTech Foundation

The Alberta Science and Technology Leadership Foundation (ASTech) was created in 1989 to showcase the critical science and technology foundations in the key industries driving the Alberta economy. ASTech encourages innovation by highlighting stories of success and rewarding inspired leadership.

About Bennett Jones

Bennett Jones is one of Canada's premier business law firms and home to over 380 lawyers and business advisors in nine offices. With exceptional experience in complex cross-border and international transactions, the firm is well equipped to advise foreign businesses and investors with Canadian ventures, and connect Canadian businesses and investors with opportunities around the world.

Media contact

Peter Zvanitajs
Senior Communications Advisor
Bennett Jones
T: 416 777 6128 | C: 437 999 6214
E: zvanitajsp@bennettjones.com
W: www.bennettjones.com