From lab bench to convention booth and beyond: Atlantic biosciences industry takes Boston by storm

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

42 organizations promote region's products and innovation at BIO International Convention

June 9, 2023 · Moncton, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Atlantic Canada’s bioscience innovation ecosystem is booming. The industry’s recent and rapid growth has given rise to new companies, more jobs and is reflected in an important shift in perspective about Atlantic Canada. Key strategic infrastructure developments are leading to advances in research, products, and skills development, capturing the attention of domestic and international markets and partners. The swift nature of this progress is spurring the region’s economic momentum and leadership in the bio manufacturing and life sciences industries.  

Yesterday, 42 Atlantic Canadian companies, research organizations, institutions and industry associations concluded a four-day trip to Boston, Massachusetts, where they attended the BIO International Convention (BIO 2023) and showcased the best that Atlantic Canada has to offer when it comes to biosciences products and services.

The trip came at a perfect time for participating delegates, with the recent publication of the Atlantic Canada Momentum Index already creating buzz over Atlantic Canada as a place to prosper, grow and settle. Atlantic Canada is gaining attention as a global leader in start-up ecosystems, ocean tech, biomanufacturing and aerospace.

While in Boston, the Atlantic Candian delegation showcased a sample of the region’s leading products and innovations in biosciences, life sciences, pharmaceutical technology and biomanufacturing. The conference facilitated networking opportunities on workforce development and training, as well as connected members of the Atlantic Canadian delegation with key international players.

The industry and trade relationships built and strengthened at BIO 2023 will help accelerate the region’s outstanding momentum and enhance Atlantic Canada’s economic resiliency by creating new opportunities to drive high-value products and services.

Quotes

“Once again this year, the region’s biosciences industry demonstrated they have earned their place as leaders in the global innovation ecosystem at Bio 2023. The Atlantic Canada delegation successfully showcased new initiatives in research, innovation, skills and training, and infrastructure within the region that are helping to advance Canada's Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy. Our strong presence at the conference is a testament to the achievements and capabilities of the bioscience industry in Atlantic Canada, and ACOA is proud to support these outreach and growth opportunities for our region.”  

  • The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

 “The Atlantic Canadian delegation to BIO 2023 successfully highlighted new initiatives in research, innovation, skills and training and infrastructure in the region that are advancing Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy. Our strong presence at the conference is a testament to the achievements and capabilities of the bioscience industry in Atlantic Canada.”

  •  Rory Francis, CEO, Prince Edward Island BioAlliance

Quick facts

  • Atlantic Canada’s biosciences industry consists of approximately 900 organizations, which account for 6 percent of Canada’s bio-economy establishments.

  • These organizations include commercial businesses as well as hospital and university research institutions, and employed 10,800 people in 2019.

  • The Prince Edward Island BioAlliance Inc. organized a group of 42 Atlantic biosciences companies, research, health and education institutions and business accelerators to attend the BIO International Convention in Boston, Massachusetts.  Financial support for this delegation in the amount of $192,250, was provided in part through the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement, a federal/provincial agreement between the Government of Canada and the governments of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.  

  • In the last five years, the Government of Canada, through ACOA, has invested in excess of $87 million for over 250 projects to support growth in Atlantic Canada’s bio-economy.  

  • An additional investment of $25 million to support the design and construction of a BioAccelerator facility in Prince Edward Island’s BioCommons Research Park was also recently announced.

  • Growth in Atlantic Canada’s biosciences industry supports Canada's Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy objectives.

  • The Public Policy Forum published The Atlantic Canada Momentum Index, a report that provides insight into data proving positive upward trends and accelerated momentum across key social and economic indicators.

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Contacts

Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Media Relations
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
mediaroom-salledesmedias@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

 
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