BIONATION Overview:
With unprecedented levels of growth in recent years, the entire life science ecosystem has established a national network of value for brilliant new solutions aimed at solving for some of the most complex needs for human health, our environment, and food security. From basic research to global commercialization, the sector has been experienced historic levels of growth while attracting global investment. Known for the excellent quality of research, a highly skilled workforce and with hundreds of companies poised for commercial success, the momentum found throughout the Canadian biotech ecosystem is outstanding.
BIOTECanada welcomes Chris Hadfield to BIONATION 2024!
BIOTECanada is beyond excited to announce our keynote speaker for BIONATION 2024: the legendary astronaut, business leader, tech entrepreneur, and bestselling author, Chris Hadfield! 🌟 As a pioneer who’s pushed the boundaries of science and technology, Chris Hadfield embodies the innovative spirit that drives Canada’s biotech sector. Join us as he shares his unique insights on leadership, exploration, and the role of innovation in shaping the future.
Minister François-Philippe Champagne to Address BIONATION on the Future of Innovation
BIOTECanada is pleased to announce the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, The Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, PC, MP, will deliver remarks at BIONATION 2024. His insights on the future of biotechnology, innovation policy, and Canada’s role in the global science landscape will set the stage for transformative discussions. Join us as we explore the intersection of science, industry, and policy at BIONATION.
Minister Mark Holland to address BIONATION on the Future of Healthcare
BIOTECanada is pleased to announce the Minister of Health, The Hon. Mark Holland, PC, MP, will deliver remarks at BIONATION 2024. Minister Holland’s remarks will touch upon the future of healthcare and how Canada is advancing innovation in the life sciences sector, fostering collaboration, and addressing the most pressing health challenges of today and tomorrow.
BIONATION 2024 featured speakers and panelists
BIONATION 2024 Event Details
The Canadian biotech ecosystem comes to Ottawa for BIONATION 2024 on
September 24 – 25, 2024 at the National Arts Centre.
Tuesday, September 24
1 p.m.
Registration opens
2 p.m.
Welcome:
Andrew Casey, President & CEO, BIOTECanada
Oliver Technow, CEO, BioVectra & Chair of BIOTECanada
2:20 p.m.
Presentation of BIOTECanada Gold Leaf Award for Community Leadership
2:40 p.m.
BIONATION: Embracing & Accelerating Biotech Innovation
With a focus on the remarkable scientific breakthroughs and innovations leading the sector, this discussion explores the Canadian landscape of solutions being developed to address the next generation of solutions here in Canada today. From gene therapies, to diagnosis and treatment for rare diseases, to personalized medicine, to how artificial intelligence is being used throughout the sector, the strength and capacity of the sector to continue to build value and opportunities for years to come is here today, with Canadians leading the way.
4:00 p.m.
Keynote Address:
Minister François-Philippe Champagne, Innovation, Science and Industry Canada (ISED)
5:00 p.m. -7p.m.
BIOTECanada Gold Leaf Awards
Reception and Presentation (O’Born room)
Wednesday, September 25
As the world emerges from the impact of the pandemic, nations throughout the world are looking to build the for solutions needed for any future public health emergencies, establishing an unprecedented global competition for great ideas and the investment dollars required to nurture them into reality. There are dozens of solutions at hand, every one of them an asset to ecosystem growth and global competitiveness. Canada can help them to grow their operations here with the investment and people needed to reach commercial capacity.
1:45 p.m.
BIONATION: People Powering the Ecosystem
Curiosity, discovery, ingenuity, and expertise are the trademarks of the highly skilled national network of people who are driving the momentous growth of the life science ecosystem in Canada. Known for the caliber of our research and a highly skilled workforce, Canada has established its credentials as a place where biotechnology innovation thrives. The current momentum of the sector throughout Canada and sheer volume of growth presents an unprecedented opportunity for employment growth, career development and leadership. Meeting this moment with the talent of today and inspiring the talent needed for tomorrow, is a priority the sector is working to address.
3:15 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Meet our 2024 BIONATION Builders:
Check back often as we feature videos of the incredible work of our BIONATION Builders.
We are pleased to announce that BIONATION 2024 has reached full capacity with representation from throughout the Canadian biotechnology ecosystem. We extend thanks to all who have expressed interest in the BIONATION event, our members, stakeholders, and partners for their support of BIONATION 2024. Your engagement is pivotal in showcasing Canada’s leadership in science, discovery, and innovation, as we come together in Ottawa to highlight the biotech sector’s immense potential at BIONATION 2024.
For those unable to attend this year’s at-capacity event, we encourage you to stay connected. On this page, you can explore event details, access key publications, and experience highlights from the program. We look forward to your continued involvement in the BIONATION community through these platforms.
Publications
Anchor Companies
Canadian life sciences can lead the world. The adMare Institute seeks to provide balanced and data-based analysis. Watch this video summarizing adMare first report: Canada’s Evolving Life Sciences Industry: Exploring Ecosystems, Clusters, and the Need for Anchor Companies.
adMare Institute’s first white paper, Canada’s Evolving Life Sciences Industry: Exploring Ecosystems, Clusters, and the Need for Anchor Companies considers the role of innovation ecosystems, advantages of industrial clusters, and impact of anchor companies on the life sciences industry. The paper highlights how innovation ecosystems differ from clusters, and explores the symbiosis that exists among the component parts. We also propose a definition of research-based anchor companies in the Canadian context and explore the critical roles they play in leading internationally prominent life science clusters – a role that is absent in Canada.
BIONATION 2023 Highlights
Learn More
What is BIONATION
The BIONATION program was created in 2020 by BIOTECanada as a platform for a national dialogue on the achievements and developments of the biotechnology ecosystem in Canada. BIONATION hosts events, develops policy papers and resources, and ultimately connects Canada’s biotechnology entrepreneurs and research and development leaders with the government. BIONATION has helped to make Canada a biomanufacturing and life sciences powerhouse. Today, more than 900 innovative Canadian biotechnology companies anchor our national discovery and development network. The ecosystem driving the network is an economic catalyst present in every Canadian region and is driving the unprecedented opportunities that lay ahead.
Investing in BIONATION
Beginning with the 2021 federal budget, the Government of Canada has made significant investments to build out the domestic life sciences ecosystem and enhance Canada’s biomanufacturing capacity: The $350 million Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) included a Life sciences stream of up to $50 million In 2023, The $2.6 billion Canada Innovation Corporation (CIC) was created to drive Canadian business investment in research and development (R&D). The Council of Expert Advisors (CEA) will advise the Government of Canada on the long-term, sustainable growth of Canada’s biomanufacturing and life sciences sector, and how to enhance our ability to protect the health and safety of Canadians. Canada’s first-ever National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases makes available up to $1.4 billion over three years to provinces and territories to improve access to new and emerging drugs for Canadians with rare diseases.
Our Moment is Now
We have made incredible progress over the past few years, but we must not take our foot off the gas. Every other leading economic jurisdiction in the world is also investing heavily in their domestic life sciences sectors as they too understand the vital role biotechnology innovation plays in the global economy.
Now through BIONATION we are focusing on the next set of policy reforms and programs to build a more globally competitive Canada.