API Stories
API’s industry support grows as new manager of the Biotechnology Business Development Centre
Andrew MacIsaac, API’s CEO, says, “we’ve been working round the clock to turn the facility into the phenomenal resource that it has the potential to be!”
API promotes life sciences sector in meetings with US Ambassador and PrariesCan
Opportunities to promote the potential of the life sciences sector in Alberta and Canada is important to API as we work to create an environment where innovators thrive.
API invited to meet with US Ambassador
API was honoured to meet with David L. Cohen, US Ambassador to Canada, and Holly Waeger Monster, US Consul General, as part of their visit to Edmonton.
Invited to take part in a meeting hosted by Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, API shared how the United States’ and Canada’s life sciences industry can work together to advance new discoveries and bring more life-saving therapeutics to market.
The United States is the largest pharmaceutical market in the world, and our close proximity makes us ideal partners in advancing health innovations.
API talks life sciences with PrairiesCan
Prairies Economic Development Canada came to Edmonton to meet with API and other life sciences leaders. We discussed the strengths of the sector, opportunities for growth, and how we can capitalize on the talent in our post-secondaries and industry.
We thank Diane Gray, President, and Joanne Pawluk, Director General of Business Innovation and Community Development at PrairiesCan, for taking the time to meet with us and learn about the latest developments in our industry.
API is hiring an Administrative Assistant
API is looking for an Administrative Assistant to join our team. Read the job posting on the API website and share with anyone you think may be interested in applying!
Events
Who will win the Life Sciences Investment Summit on March 23?
The Top 5 companies have been selected and are polishing their pitches for the Life Sciences Investment Summit finale on March 23, 2023!
It’s an exciting night where you can watch start-ups share why they should win, and see which company investors select as the winner of this year’s summit. Join us in-person in Calgary, or watch the LIVE event virtually – get your free ticket now.
Last year’s event was a huge success, and we think this year may be even better!
Health Innovators’ Meetup: Innovation Mixer
For our meetup in April, you’re invited to a networking event where you will have the opportunity with other entrepreneurs, investors, service providers, and other ecosystem players.
This event will be at a NEW location – Northern Chicken on 104 Street downtown.
Your network is your net worth. Start building yours in Edmonton’s health and life sciences ecosystem today!
Join us on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 5 pm (note this new time!)
Register for free!
Life Science & Innovation News
PRAIRIE Hub for pandemic preparedness receives $2 million funding
As part of its work to build a strong biomanufacturing and life sciences sector, the Government of Canada has established five research hubs across Canada. The University of Alberta is leading the PRAIRIE Hub, with includes universities, non-profits and industry partners. The hubs are funded through the Canada Biomedical Research Fund.
API has been proud to support this initiative as chair of the commercialization portion of the application committee.
With the research hubs established, they will now identify projects to submit to a national competition that includes $570 million in available funding. This collaborative approach and increase in capacity will mean Canada is better prepared to face future pandemics and protect Canadian’s health and safety.
- Read the Government of Canada news release
- Read the University of Alberta’s Folio story on the PRAIRE Hub
Alberta life sciences companies making waves
It was an exciting month for Alberta’s life sciences industry – among the newsmakers were:
- Future Fields secured US$11.2 million in funding from investors and the federal government for the world’s first production facility for recombinant protein. Read the Taproot Story about the investment and a Forbes feature on their technology that uses fruit flies for recombinant protein production.
- Oscar nominees will be gifted products for Edmonton companies: a pain-relief cream and calcium supplement from Sinoveda, a botanical health company; and a serum from ecoMD.
- Jason Ding, Chief Business Officer from Ento’s Pharmaceuticals shared highlights from his experience as a leader in the life sciences in a video produced by CPA Canada.
Alberta sets new venture capital record
Alberta’s tech and innovation sector attracted an impressive $729 million in venture capital funding in 2022 – a 30 per cent increase over 2021. This was reported through the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association’s 2022 annual report.
While the rest of Canada as a whole saw a decline in venture capital dollars, this growth means Alberta is now capturing 12 per cent of the venture capital invested in Canada.