Government of Canada celebrates opening of new biotech facility in Concord
News release
$1-million investment to help increase viral vector manufacturing capacity and advance life-saving treatments
October 16, 2025 – Concord, Ontario
To strengthen our country’s position in the global biotechnology sector and support the development of life-saving treatments for Canadians, the Government of Canada is investing in local companies that are advancing health innovation and domestic manufacturing capacity.
Today, the Honourable Judy Sgro, Member of Parliament for Humber River–Black Creek, on behalf of the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), visited Tailored Genes to celebrate the grand opening of its new 5,145-square-foot viral vector manufacturing facility in Concord. While there, MP Sgro announced an investment of more than $1-million, through FedDev Ontario, towards advanced equipment to enhance the testing and development of gene and cell therapy methods at the new facility, with the aim of treating rare and life-threatening diseases.
Tailored Genes uses its tailoring background to provide customized advanced gene and cell therapy applications to clients with the power to treat, and potentially cure, genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, HIV/AIDs, and certain cancers. This new facility is part of a more than $2-million project to relocate the company from Toronto Western Hospital to a larger, more advanced facility. The new labs will provide biotech companies, academic institutions, and gene therapy startups with better access to domestic expert advice and tools to turn discoveries into market-ready treatments more efficiently. By expanding its operations, Tailored Genes is supporting local innovation and equipping clinicians with cutting-edge therapies to treat serious diseases.
The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting local innovators and homegrown healthcare solutions, enabling Canadians to access the latest life-saving medical technologies.
Quotes
“Together, we are helping clinicians get faster access to the next generation of medical innovation and treatments to improve lives. By investing in local companies like Tailored Genes Inc., our government is addressing a critical gap for domestic biotech manufacturing to ensure that we have the needed tools and space to bolster Canada's world-class life science sector and build a more resilient future.”
- The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“This investment is great news for Concord and Canada’s biotech and life sciences sector. Tailored Genes Inc. is doing incredible work, and this new facility will help them to advance life-saving treatments and strengthen our community’s role in Canada’s health innovation ecosystem.”
- The Honourable Judy Sgro, Member of Parliament for Humber River–Black Creek
“Today, as we open the doors of Tailored Genes, I am filled with gratitude. Thanks to the support of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, the partnership of The City of Vaughan, and the dedication of our incredible team, we are not just opening a facility, we are opening a new chapter in innovation, collaboration, and hope for the future of gene therapy.”
- Dr. Chetan Tailor, Founder and President, Tailored Genes Inc.
Quick facts
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From tailoring fabric to tailoring genes, Tailored Genes begins with a family lineage of tailors and garment makers, passing down a tradition of precision, care, and customization that continues today with gene therapy.
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Founded in 2014 in a 200-square-foot lab in downtown Toronto, where Dr. Tailor developed viral vectors after hours, Tailored Genes now delivers high-quality, custom viral solutions globally to help researchers and therapeutic developers bring their innovations to life.
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Viral vectors are modified viruses used in gene therapy to deliver working genes into cells, helping fix genetic defects. This method shows strong potential for treating inherited disorders, immune conditions, rare diseases, and eliminating cancer cells.
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Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $250 million in nearly 70 life science projects within southern Ontario, creating over 4,900 jobs and maintaining over 3,200 jobs.
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Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested nearly $1.2 billion in almost 1,500 projects in the Greater Toronto Area, estimated to support over 113,000 jobs.
Associated links
Contacts
Sofia Ouslis
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
sofia.ouslis@ised-isde.gc.ca
FedDev Ontario Media Relations
media@feddevontario.gc.ca
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