“In 2024, our ecosystem made tremendous progress in positioning Canada as a global leader in life sciences. Key initiatives, such as the Canadian Critical Drug Initiative (CCDI), gained significant momentum with the groundbreaking of the Critical Medicines Production Centre (CMPC) and ongoing construction efforts. We also strengthened international partnerships, from hosting a South Korean delegation during Life Sciences Week to showcasing the Canadian ecosystem at global conferences like the BIO International Convention, The MedTech Conference, and BioJapan.
This growing momentum reflects our dedication to building a thriving life sciences ecosystem that attracts world-class talent, drives investment, and delivers breakthroughs that strengthen Canada’s healthcare system and improve health outcomes worldwide. We look forward to carrying this momentum into 2025.”
– Andrew MacIsaac, CEO
Our Year in Retrospect
As we begin a new year, we’re excited to reflect on 2024 and celebrate the remarkable strides we’ve made towards building a thriving life sciences sector and enhancing quality of life (sciences) for Canadians. Together with industry leaders and ecosystem partners, we achieved milestones and created opportunities that not only drive economic development and growth, but also accelerate research, empower talent, and build a connected community.
Growth in Action
We’re proud to share API’s growth and impact in 2024, with the support of our ecosystem partners:
- Supported 80+ companies: Through various startup commercialization initiatives, programs, and incubation support, we helped accelerate 82 life sciences startups, spin offs, and scale ups in 2024 alone, increasing the total number of companies we’ve supported to over 100.
- Engaged in 135+ events: We were proud to support, attend, and participate in over 60 life sciences and community events. Additionally, we hosted several events throughout the year, including the annual Life Sciences Week in Alberta, which featured more than 70 individual events.
- Supported new team members and trainees: We expanded our team significantly in 2024, with new team members joining us in various capacities. We also supported 60 trainees through a range of programs and courses offered via our life sciences training hub and Mitacs. With this growth, we are better equipped to drive innovation, accelerate progress, and strengthen efforts on industry projects.
“API is excited to welcome dynamic team members who bring invaluable subject matter expertise, ready to propel our future manufacturing facility and other initiatives into operation. Our enhanced capacity is not just about production—it’s about fostering growth, driving innovation, and strengthening relationships that fortify the life sciences ecosystem.”
– Amy Gaucher, VP, Shared Services
Building a Resilient Future in Healthcare
Critical Medicines Production Centre
In 2024, we marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of the Critical Medicines Production Centre (CMPC) at the Edmonton Research Park, a cornerstone project within the nearly $200M Canadian Critical Drug Initiative (CCDI), led in partnership with the University of Alberta.
The CMPC will be a commercial-scale manufacturing facility that will boost Canada’s capacity to produce and secure supply of critical medicines, provide increased support for innovators, enable on-site small molecule production for the Canadian market, and fuel economic growth. Since breaking ground in June, the building’s exterior has progressed significantly, with the warm shell expected to be completed by early 2025. Meanwhile, custom equipment is being built in Europe and the United States, with initial deliveries set for early 2025. The CMPC is anticipated to be fully operational by 2026.
Life Sciences Campus
This year we initiated the planning and positioning of the Life Sciences Campus (LSC), a transformative hub at the Edmonton Research Park. The LSC is designed to scale life sciences companies in the Edmonton region and catalyze growth across the ecosystem by acting as a nexus within a life sciences economic development corridor.
Already home to the Critical Medicines Production Centre (CMPC), the BBDC, and other multi-tenant facilities like Research Centre One, the Life Sciences Campus supports scale-up companies employing 5 to 100 employees and occupying spaces between 1,000 and 30,000 square feet. These facilities include shared services and amenities to foster collaboration. Further development is envisioned for additional incubation space and the possibility of large, single tenant builds. Together, these spaces represent a bold vision for a dynamic, interconnected environment that advances life sciences innovation in the region.
Calgary Incubation
Through our collaboration with the Life Sciences Innovation Hub at the University of Calgary, we expanded API’s core services in the Calgary region, including support for local start-up PanAccess Innovations. Additionally, we assumed the space previously occupied by DynaLife, enabling us to support the continued work of the Biohubx incubator.
Connecting Ecosystems, Advancing Life Sciences
With continued support from partners, we have shaped a stronger, more connected innovation community through ongoing initiatives and programs:
- Life Sciences Week 2024: We tripled the inaugural year’s impact, drawing interest from over 4,000 life sciences experts and enthusiasts and hosting more than 70 events. The Cities of Edmonton and Calgary issued official proclamations and a special declaration from the Honourable Adriana LaGrange officially recognized Life Sciences Week in Alberta. Life Sciences Week will now be celebrated in the province during the last full week of September in perpetuity. We also welcomed an international delegation from Gangwon, South Korea, strengthening international ties and fostering collaboration within the global life sciences ecosystem. Save the date for September 22-26, 2025, and stay tuned as we prepare for Alberta’s most dynamic life sciences celebration yet!
- Life Sciences Investment Summits: We co-hosted two Life Sciences Investment Summits with Startup TNT, enabling more than 20 life sciences companies to pitch for funding, connect with potential investors and grow their network. Stay tuned for updates on the 2025 Life Sciences Investment Summit!
- Life Sciences Venture Coaching Program: In its second year, the Life Sciences Venture Coaching program supported five companies in their journey toward commercialization through expert mentorship and tailored support. Culminating in person during Life Sciences Week, participants were equipped to deliver the perfect pitch that could attract potential investors in the audience.
- Incubation Hubs: Our incubation programs, delivered at the Health Innovation Hub at University of Alberta and the Biotechnology Business Development Centre, supported 69 companies in 2024, providing them access to equipment, infrastructure, and expertise required to scale and commercialize. The BBDC was recognized with a BOMA Edmonton award for its ‘above and beyond’ operational support.
- ERP Stewardship: In early 2024, the City of Edmonton entrusted us with the stewardship of the Edmonton Research Park (ERP), and we led a successful bid with Explore Edmonton to secure Edmonton’s spot as one of the top three contenders to host the 2026 International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) World Conference. Though we were not selected to host the conference, we were proud to represent Edmonton on behalf of the Edmonton Research Park and showcase our region’s vibrant innovation ecosystem on the global stage.
- Establishing an International Presence: We actively participated in various national and international industry events, including the CHFA NOW Conference, BIO2024, DeepTech’s Life Sciences Mission to Asia, The MedTech Conference, and more. These engagements have further strengthened Alberta’s position as a key player in the life sciences landscape, creating new opportunities for collaboration and the growth of the ecosystem across Canada.
Charting the Path Forward
Alberta is emerging as a powerhouse of innovation and growth in the life sciences sector. This momentum would not be possible without the support and collective effort of the dedicated leaders, partners, and others within our life sciences community whose commitment and vision continue to drive a thriving and dynamic future.
As we begin 2025, we’re excited to build on this momentum to strengthen Alberta’s position as a national leader and affirm Canada’s presence on the global life sciences map. Together, we’re charting a bold path forward, unlocking the full potential of our life sciences sector, and transforming the future of healthcare.