API Stories
Nanostics Inc. Reaches Key Milestones in Growth and Expansion
Yesterday, Nanostics Inc. announced two significant milestones that mark the next phase of their growth.
- New Home at the BBDC: Nanostics announced their official relocation to the Biotechnology Business Development Centre (BBDC)—a multi-tenant incubator within the Life Sciences Campus at Edmonton Research Park (ERP), where they’ll be joining a growing community of life sciences companies to further support their growth and development.
- Clinical Lab Accreditation: Nanostics received a provisional accreditation for their clinical lab from the College of Physicians & Surgeons in Alberta (CPSA), allowing them to continue providing their ClarityDX Prostate test to patients.
Nanostics’ success is a testament to our ecosystem’s collective effort in helping establish Edmonton as a leading hub for life sciences innovation and our growing capacity at the Life Sciences Campus within Edmonton Research Park as we continue to expand infrastructure to support high-potential life sciences companies like Nanostics.
Read the full press releaseAdvocating for Life Sciences as a Key Driver of Economic Growth
Our CEO, Andrew MacIsaac, spoke at the Life Sciences, Health and Biotech panel during the Economic Developers Alberta Leaders’ Summit and Conference, alongside Alberta health leaders to discuss opportunities for economic development in the life sciences sector.
During the session, Andrew shared valuable insights into Alberta’s key economic drivers, highlighting the untapped potential and emerging opportunities within the life sciences. Focusing on strategic approaches
to accelerate growth, Andrew underscored the importance of collaboration in unlocking Alberta’s
full potential to drive a dynamic, innovation-driven economy.
Thank you to Economic Developers Alberta for having us! We’re proud to be part of these conversations and look forward to continuing our collaboration across industries to drive economic growth and development in the province.
Strengthening Collaborations to Boost Edmonton’s Innovation Ecosystem
Our CEO, Andrew MacIsaac, recently participated in a panel discussion at MIT REAP Edmonton’s inaugural Townhall, joining fellow members to highlight the team’s unique cross-sector collaboration to build a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem that will position Edmonton as a hub for innovation and investment.
The event was kicked off with warm remarks from Deputy Minister of Technology and Innovation Janak Alford, who spoke to the importance of community-driven innovation and Alberta’s growing potential as a global hub for entrepreneurship. Followed by the panel discussion moderated by Christiana Manzocco, the team explored how Edmonton can better align its entrepreneurial, academic, corporate, capital and government sectors to support startup creation, drive long-term investment, retain talent and keep IP local through grassroots collaboration. Check out the key takeaways from the discussion.
The event also included interactive focus group sessions, where attendees had the opportunity to participate in a collaborative exchange of ideas, setting the stage for meaningful networking among entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders and ecosystem builders.
We’re delighted to have the Honourable Nate Glubish, Minister of Innovation and Technology, wrap up the event, reinforcing the province’s commitment to supporting innovation, investing in talent and accelerating Alberta’s momentum as a leader in tech and entrepreneurship.
Fueling Startup Growth: Exploring Funding Strategies with VC Insights
Last month, we teamed up with Thin Air Labs to co-host a dynamic panel session that explored non-dilutive funding opportunities, offering life sciences startups valuable strategies to accelerate their growth.
Our CEO, Andrew MacIsaac, alongside Thin Air Labs’ Director of Operations,
Dr. Katie Greene, and Varme Energy’s VP of Development, Rory Wheat, shared critical insights on how innovators can secure funding from various non-dilutive sources. Here are some key takeaways from the discussion:
- Understand Grant Objectives
Granting agencies fund projects that align with their priorities—such as innovation, economic growth, or sustainability. Tailor your application to demonstrate how your project meets these objectives and support your claims with data. - Utilize Program Coordinators
If you have questions about a grant, contact the program coordinator. They can help you determine if the grant is a good fit, saving you valuable time.
- Think Beyond Industry Label
Some grants are available to projects outside your specific industry. For example, sustainability initiatives may qualify your company for environmental funding.
Life Sciences Week is Calling for Presenters!
Life Sciences Week returns September 22-26, and we are currently seeking dynamic presenters for Showcase Days, taking place on September 23 in Calgary and September 24 in Edmonton.
Whether you want to deliver a presentation or join a panel discussion, the Showcase Days offer the perfect opportunity to highlight your latest innovations and game-changing insights, while collaborating with fellow experts to drive thought-provoking discussions about the sector.
Don’t miss out—submit your applications now!
Apply to presentEvents
Canadian Health Food Association Conference & Trade Show
Dive into the future of natural health at the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) NOW Conference and Trade Show from April 25 to 27 in Vancouver!
Our Product Manager, Marina Barbu, and Regulatory Specialist, John Huang, will be exhibiting at the event and are looking forward to engaging with industry leaders and innovators looking to accelerate the development of their Natural Health Products (NHP).
Meet over 900 exhibitors and discover the latest brands, products and innovations in natural health! If you’re attending, be sure to stop by our booth, connect with our team and learn how we can help bring your natural health products to life.
Reserve your spot2025 Bloom Burton & Co. Healthcare Investor Conference
The 2025 Bloom Burton & Co. Healthcare Investor Conference—Canada’s premier event for healthcare investment and innovation, returns on May 5 to 6 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
This annual conference brings together Canada’s leading publicly listed and venture-backed private healthcare companies, alongside some of the most exciting early-stage innovators in biotech, medtech, diagnostics, digital health, and more.
Our CEO, Andrew MacIsaac, and Director of Business Development, Shawn Couch, are eager to connect with industry leaders, showcase our work and gain valuable insights to support ongoing growth and strategic development in the life sciences sector. Join us in Toronto to explore the future of healthcare innovation, meet with key stakeholders and discover new opportunities to collaborate!
Register & Learn moreAdvancing Healthcare Through Simulation: A Provincial Summit
We’re proud to sponsor Advancing Healthcare through Simulation: A Provincial Summit on May 7 at the NAIT Feltham Centre, where we’re joining leaders from across Alberta to spotlight the power of simulation in healthcare education, workforce development and innovation.
Dive into three expert-led discussions and live demos exploring topics such as enhancing clinical competency through simulation-based education, accelerating workforce readiness to meet Alberta’s healthcare demands and unlocking innovation through simulation and digital technologies.
Join us and engage with top thought leaders, explore groundbreaking simulation tools, and discover how collaboration can drive better outcomes across the health system!
Get your free ticket!MaRS Impact Health 2025
The future of health is now! We’re proud to be a community sponsor and join the brightest minds in health innovation at MaRS Impact Health 2025, taking place on May 7 to 8. Over two days of insightful panels, pitches, and conversations, we’ll be connecting with industry leaders to help shape the future of healthcare.
Our CEO Andrew MacIsaac will be speaking at the event, and two exceptional Alberta-based founders have been selected to pitch. Stop by to meet Andrew and our team—and learn how we’re driving bold and real-world impact across the life sciences industry!
Secure your spotLife Sciences & Innovation News
- Entos Pharmaceuticals is collaborating with Circio Holding ASA to combine Circio’s circVec DNA vectors with Entos’ Fusogenix PLV delivery technology. The partnership aims to develop novel, potent, and repeat-dosable therapeutics for genetic medicine, chronic disease treatments, and vaccines.
- Lumiio co-founder and chief medical officer Lawrence Korngut received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his contributions to the Canadian and global ALS community. The ALS Society of Canada selected Korngut as one of 39 recipients for impacts on advocacy, research, fundraising, and clinical care.
- My Viva Inc will expand to the Middle East through a partnership with Rehani LLC.
- Neuraura received funding from the Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation Ignite program. Neuraura is among 23 Canadian innovators supported by CABHI’s Ignite program, which helps develop, test, and validate solutions to improve the lives of older people, those living with dementia, and their caregivers.
- Nimble Science is conducting a clinical trial in Canada using its SIMBA Capsule in collaboration with Lallemand and principal investigators Eamonn Quigley, Jens Walter, and Christopher Andrews to find solutions for IBS.
- Northern RNA and BioAro signed a strategic MOU to collaborate on advancing clinical trials using RNA technologies, such as mRNA, miRNA, and siRNA. The partnership aims to combine Northern RNA’s manufacturing capabilities with BioAro’s precision medicine innovation to accelerate the development of therapies in Calgary.
- Northern RNA received a grant from Alberta Innovates to develop and scale up advanced manufacturing processes for next-generation lipids. The work will begin in its current biomanufacturing facility and then transfer to its commercial-scale lipids manufacturing facility, which is currently in development.
- Northernmost announced the closing of an oversubscribed seed financing round at $2.7 million. The funding will support the development of its NoMo Kidney Pump, a next-generation perfusion machine that is designed to modernize donor kidney preservation and transport. CEO Ron Mills said the company is eager to showcase NoMo at upcoming conferences.
- Pacylex Pharmaceuticals began dosing acute myeloid leukemia patients with oral zelenirstat, an indication for which it has Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations. The Edmonton-based company hopes to bring it to market first.
- RetinaLogik has completed a $1.1 million funding round and has received Health Canada’s Class II medical device approval and its VR-AI-powered technology, essentially a portable headset for visual field exams and other eye tests.
- Voyageur Pharmaceuticals has completed human testing of its Health Canada-licensed barium contrast media suite: SmoothLD, SmoothHD, VisionHD, and VisionLD. Twenty-four test subjects participated in Phase 1 testing. The company anticipates initial commercial sales in Canada soon, with international distribution discussions ongoing.
- AgeCare partnered with Platform Calgary to foster innovation in aging technology and senior living. The partnership aims to connect tech startups with industry leaders and healthcare providers to develop technologies that improve the quality of life for aging Canadians. Platform Calgary CEO Terry Rock said the collaboration will amplify the AgeTech sector in Calgary.
- Biohubx is offering a North American Soft Landing Program from Sept. 15 to 26 in Calgary and Edmonton. The two-week program is designed for international companies in diagnostics, medical devices, oncology, biomanufacturing, or digital health looking to enter the North American market. It includes introductions to life sciences and health tech networks, funding opportunities, Alberta organizations and resources, clinical trial opportunities, research collaborations, and strategies for navigating trade policies with the U.S. The application deadline is June 2.
- BIOTECanada is hosting a Coast-to-Coast Competition for Canadian biotech companies to pitch to investors and pharma leaders at the BIO International Convention. The top prize is a spot at the 2026 BIOTECanada Investment Summit in Whistler, B.C. Applications are due May 1.
- Calgary Economic Development unveiled its innovation strategy and 2025 Report to the Community. The strategy aims to establish Calgary as the innovation capital of Canada, potentially adding 187,000 jobs and $28 billion in economic activity by 2034. The strategy focuses on creating sector-specific innovation nodes throughout Calgary, connecting academia, startups, and funders. Mayor Jyoti Gondek highlighted the Prairie Economic Gateway, expecting it to channel more than $7 billion in investment, and create 30,000 jobs.
- The Alberta government is investing $800 million over eight years to implement AI in cancer detection and treatment. The province is partnering with Siemens Healthineers, which is investing $175 million, and the Alberta Cancer Foundation to replace outdated equipment. Premier Danielle Smith announced the creation of two centres: an oncology training centre in Calgary at the Arthur J. E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, and an AI and machine learning centre in Edmonton.
- The Alberta government is investing $100 million over three years to transform the University of Alberta‘s Biological Sciences Building into the Life Sciences Innovation and Future Technologies (LIFT) Centre. The project, to be completed in five phases, will double the number of laboratory seats from 1,600 to 3,200, creating space for approximately 2,500 new domestic undergraduate students, and 700 additional graduate students in the faculties of Science and Agriculture, Life, and Environmental Sciences.
- At the University of Alberta, Brandon Pentz and David Guo won the annual Yatscoff Family Award in Medical Entrepreneurship pitch competition for their idea to improve the accessibility of prosthetic and assistive devices in Tanzania. Mitchell Wagner, an MSc student, placed second for his idea for continuous processing of blood breakdown during mechanical circulatory support, and Annika Tam placed third for Artbook 30/30, an eye movement-based art therapy tool for Huntington’s disease.