EDINBURGH is to host one of the world’s biggest life science investment conferences a year from now, it has been announced.

More than 600 top venture capitalists are expected to converge on the city next May when BioEquity Europe comes to town.

In the run-up to the conference, Scotland’s profile as a centre of excellence in biotechnology will get a boost as invitations are sent out to some 6000 financial professionals and biotech firms around the globe.

The Capital’s success in securing the prestigious event was announced in Paris where this year’s conference is taking place.

Ed Gillespie, senior director of operations at Scottish Enterprise, which will host the 2004 conference, said: “Hosting BioEquity Europe will be a significant boost for Scotland’s biotech and life sciences industry and underlines its growing stature and strength in this sector.”

BioEquity Europe is widely recognised as the premier investor meeting for the European life sciences industry, and has become an international platform to showcase profitable life science investment.

Ken Snowden, a member of Scottish Enterprise’s biotechnology team, claimed it was a unique opportunity to bring entrepreneurial companies together with the investors, bankers and analysts who can make the difference between success and failure.

“Aside from the boost to the Scottish biotech industry, this is good news for the economy overall.

“Many of Scotland’s biotechnology innovators have the potential for creating major new scientific and medical products which can in turn create wealth and jobs.”

The two-day conference will combine presentations by up to 65 companies with a series of seminars highlighting the guidance and expertise of Europe’s leading investors.