Federal Government Funds Life Sciences Innovation Hub in Vancouver
In a move to bolster Canada’s life sciences sector, the federal government has announced a significant investment in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), revealed that $6 million in funding has been allocated to establish a new life sciences innovation centre in the city.
This investment, made through PacifiCan’s Regional Innovation Ecosystems program, targets a critical need in Vancouver’s thriving life sciences ecosystem: the lack of specialized wet lab space. Wet labs are essential for hands-on research and experimentation, enabling scientists and companies to develop groundbreaking therapies and health innovations.
The recipient of the funding is adMare BioInnovations, a pan-Canadian organization dedicated to advancing early-stage technologies and supporting life sciences companies. With this investment, adMare will oversee the construction of a 30,000 square foot innovation centre in Vancouver. The facility will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure, including advanced plumbing and electrical systems, HVAC upgrades, and cutting-edge laboratory equipment.
The new centre is designed to address the growing demand for wet lab space in Vancouver, a resource that is currently in short supply. By providing turnkey wet lab and office space for up to 10 life sciences companies at a time, the facility will enable these businesses to grow, innovate, and develop life-saving therapies. Additionally, companies will have access to adMare’s talent development programs, which aim to foster innovation and strengthen British Columbia’s life sciences ecosystem.
The investment is expected to have a significant economic impact, creating and maintaining over 100 quality jobs in the region. It also aligns with British Columbia’s broader strategy to support early-stage biotech companies and reinforce the province’s leadership in life sciences innovation.
In announcing the funding, Minister Sajjan emphasized the importance of supporting local innovators. “In British Columbia’s thriving life sciences sector, local innovators are creating health solutions needed around the world. By partnering with organizations like adMare BioInnovations and investing in critical lab infrastructure in Vancouver, PacifiCan is creating the right conditions for industry growth.”
Gordon McCauley, President and CEO of adMare BioInnovations, echoed this sentiment. “PacifiCan’s investment in the adMare Innovation Centre will expand our capacity to support emerging life sciences companies, helping them scale, attract external investment, and create high-quality jobs in Canada. As companies grow and move on to their own facilities, they make space for the next generation of startups—fuelling a continuous cycle of innovation that strengthens the industry, drives economic growth, and delivers meaningful advancements for patients.”
This federal investment underscores Canada’s commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the life sciences sector. By addressing the critical need for wet lab space and supporting early-stage companies, the new innovation centre will play a pivotal role in advancing global health solutions and solidifying Vancouver’s reputation as a hub for science and innovation.
AdMare BioInnovations, the recipient of the funding, is a pan-Canadian organization with a proven track record of advancing early-stage technologies and supporting life sciences companies. The new 30,000 square foot innovation centre will feature advanced infrastructure, including specialized plumbing and electrical systems, HVAC upgrades, and cutting-edge laboratory equipment. This facility will provide turnkey wet lab and office space for up to 10 life sciences companies at a time, enabling them to develop groundbreaking therapies and health innovations.
The centre is expected to have a significant economic impact, creating and maintaining over 100 quality jobs in British Columbia. By providing access to world-class infrastructure and talent development programs, the facility will help emerging life sciences companies scale, attract external investment, and create high-quality jobs in Canada. This investment will also reinforce British Columbia’s leadership position in life sciences innovation, supporting the province’s strategy to grow early-stage biotech companies.
In addition to the federal government’s $6 million investment, the Province of British Columbia is also contributing $10 million to this project. This combined investment underscores the importance of addressing the critical need for wet lab space in Vancouver, which is essential for hands-on research and experimentation. Wet labs are highly regulated research environments where scientists can work with liquids, chemicals, and biological matter to develop innovative drug therapies and health solutions.
By supporting the establishment of this innovation hub, the federal government is creating the right conditions for industry growth and reinforcing Canada’s reputation as a global leader in life sciences. This investment aligns with the broader goal of fostering innovation and strengthening the country’s biomanufacturing capabilities, ensuring that Canada remains at the forefront of addressing global health challenges.
Conclusion
The federal government’s $6 million investment in Vancouver’s life sciences innovation hub represents a significant step forward for Canada’s biomanufacturing and life sciences sector. By addressing the critical need for specialized wet lab space, this funding will enable early-stage companies to innovate, grow, and develop groundbreaking health solutions. The new 30,000 square foot facility, managed by adMare BioInnovations, will not only create over 100 quality jobs but also strengthen British Columbia’s position as a leader in life sciences innovation. This investment underscores Canada’s commitment to fostering a thriving ecosystem that supports scientific advancement and global health challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much funding was allocated to the Vancouver life sciences innovation hub?
The federal government allocated $6 million in funding to establish the new life sciences innovation centre in Vancouver.
What is the purpose of the new innovation centre?
The centre aims to address the critical need for specialized wet lab space in Vancouver, providing turnkey facilities for up to 10 life sciences companies to conduct hands-on research and develop innovative therapies.
Who will manage the new innovation centre?
AdMare BioInnovations, a pan-Canadian organization, will oversee the construction and operation of the new 30,000 square foot facility.
Where will the innovation centre be located?
The centre will be located in Vancouver, British Columbia, within a thriving life sciences ecosystem.
How many jobs will the innovation centre create?
The centre is expected to create and maintain over 100 quality jobs in the region.
What other benefits will the innovation centre provide?
Besides state-of-the-art infrastructure, the centre will offer access to talent development programs, enabling companies to scale, attract investment, and contribute to Canada’s life sciences ecosystem.
