December 5, 2005

The World Economic Forum Announces Ottawa-based DNA Genotek as Canada's only Technology Pioneer for 2006

Ottawa, 5 December 2005 - The World Economic Forum today announced 36 Technology Pioneers for 2006. DNA Genotek Inc., an Ottawa-based company, has been selected as a 2006 Technology Pioneer. DNA Genotek is the only Canadian company selected for 2006.

Technology Pioneers are companies that have been identified as developing and applying highly transformational and innovative technologies in the areas of energy, biotechnology and health, and information technology. This year's class of companies has been selected not only because of the cutting-edge work undertaken by the organizations, but also because their work has potential long-term impact on business and society.

In line with the Forum's commitment to improving the state of the world, the Technology Pioneers programme was established in 2000 to provide a new perspective on technological change. The programme is run by the World Economic Forum with Apax Partners and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu as Strategic Partners. Through its Technology Pioneers programme, the Forum identifies and integrates those companies around the world that are involved in the design and development of new technologies. Each innovation, whether it has large or small consequences, is another step in society's attempt to harness, adapt and utilize technology to change and improve our world. The World Economic Forum is invested in monitoring and highlighting these innovations and exploring possible societal repercussions.

"The creative innovations produced by our Technology Pioneers hold the promise of significantly affecting the way business and society operate", said Peter Torreele, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum. "As a global knowledge hub, we see the Technology Pioneer community as key contributors to this dialogue and to the mission of the World Economic Forum."

DNA Genotek is revolutionizing the global genetic research community with its Oragene•DNA™ DNA Self-Collection Kit. Oragene•DNA is the easiest, most reliable and cost-effective way to collect and preserve large amounts of DNA from people. With Oragene•DNA, a donor simply deposits a saliva sample into a small plastic container. Once the container is closed, the saliva is mixed with a chemical solution that stabilizes the DNA until it is extracted and analysed. Oragene•DNA is facilitating genetic research by enabling the collection of large amounts of DNA from large populations. Large-scale population studies are essential to determining the underlying genetic causes of disease and health conditions.

"We are honored to be selected as a Technology Pioneer and would like to thank the World Economic Forum for this recognition," said Ian Curry, President and CEO of DNA Genotek. "Oragene•DNA's ease-of-use and effectiveness have already resulted in its rapid adoption by top-tier health research institutions around the world. As a result, Oragene•DNA has already helped to improve understanding of how DNA influences a wide variety of diseases. Advances in genetic research and testing are expected to continue improving the way health conditions and diseases are diagnosed, treated and prevented, resulting in major improvements to global healthcare. Our company is proud to help accelerate these important findings."

About DNA Genotek
DNA Genotek is focused on improving DNA collection. The company's lead product, the Oragene•DNA™ DNA Self-Collection Kit, is the easiest way to collect and preserve large amounts of DNA from saliva. Oragene•DNA's reliability and ease-of-use have resulted in rapid adoption at top-tier health research institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, Cambridge, and Johns Hopkins. DNA Genotek markets its products worldwide and has established a global customer base, with more than 1500 labs in 58 countries currently testing and using its products.

About the World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum (www.weforum.org), based in Geneva, Switzerland, is an independent organization committed to improving the state of the world. Funded by the contributions of 1,000 of the world's foremost corporations, the Forum acts in the spirit of entrepreneurship in the global public interest to further economic growth and social progress. The Forum serves its members and society by creating partnerships between and among business, political, intellectual and other leaders of society to define, discuss and advance key issues on the global agenda. Incorporated in 1971 as a foundation, the World Economic Forum is impartial and not-for-profit, and is tied to no political, partisan or national interests. In 1995 the Forum was awarded NGO consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.