Archive for 2025
PEI BioAlliance Appoints Lauren Ledwell as New CEO, Building on 20 Years of Sector Growth
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lauren Ledwell new CEO, PEI BioAlliance
Charlottetown, PEI – August 6th, 2025 The Prince Edward Island BioAlliance is pleased to announce the appointment of Lauren Ledwell as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 2025.
A visionary business leader, Ms. Ledwell brings extensive experience in business transformation, venture capital, and system innovation to the sector. She will succeed founding CEO Rory Francis who announced that he would retire in 2025.
“Lauren Ledwell’s leadership in the innovation economy as a tech entrepreneur, investor, and mentor is a significant asset for the continued growth of our sector,” shared Charmaine Noonan, Chair, Board of Directors who led the executive search. “Ms. Ledwell’s ability to build inclusive teams and experience with businesses spanning all stages of development and sizes aligns with the PEI BioAlliance’s core purpose to build a thriving PEI bioeconomy collaborating with industry, academia and government to promote innovation and generate prosperity in our province.”
The Board of Directors appointed Ms. Ledwell after conducting a six-month search to find the next leader of this industry-led organization, respected nationally for its achievements in cluster model driven sector growth. The national search came full circle, as Ms. Ledwell had recently returned to her home province with her family.
“I’m thrilled to join the PEI BioAlliance and to build on the tremendous momentum of this respected bioscience cluster organization,” shared Lauren Ledwell, incoming CEO, PEI BioAlliance. “I’m looking forward to working alongside the talented BioAlliance team, regional and national cluster organizations, and with all partners that have shaped PEI’s thriving bioscience sector to date. Together, we’ll continue advancing innovation, accelerating growth, and championing leadership in the bioeconomy.”
Most recently Ms. Ledwell was with Sandpiper Ventures, spearheading Seed and Series A investments in inclusive, high-growth Canadian tech companies. She previously held senior roles at Manulife, RBC, and Maple Leaf Foods, and served as CEO of discoverygarden.
A strong advocate for Canada’s innovation economy, she co-founded the Atlantic chapter of Women’s Equity Lab, serves as founding Chair of the Board for the PEI IT Alliance, and is a mentor with Creative Destruction Lab and Emergence. She was also recently appointed a Board Director of Venture for Canada. Ledwell holds an MBA from the Rotman School of Management and has completed executive education at Ivey Business School and BI Norwegian Business School.
The PEI BioAlliance celebrates its’ 20th Anniversary this year. Rory Francis as a founder has been a catalyst in PEI’s bioscience industry as we know it today, with a cluster of 50 plus companies that combined generate $612 million in annual revenue and $460 million in exports. Under Mr. Francis’ leadership, the BioAlliance helped to attract new investment, scale innovative companies, and catalyze collaboration across industry, academic, and public sector partners.
“Rory’s vision and tenacity have transformed the bioscience landscape in Prince Edward Island and across the region,” said Charmaine Noonan, Chair of the Board of Directors. “He built not just an organization, but a model for what regional innovation and collaboration can achieve. His legacy of economic leadership and deep community impact will carry on—and we are incredibly grateful for his service.”
An event to celebrate Mr. Francis will be announced at a later date.
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Media Contact:
Bobbi Jo Walker, Director of Communications & Marketing
PEI BioAlliance
403-952-8304 / bobbijo@peibiolliance.com
PEI’s Pegasus Biotech to Collaborate on Developing Cutting-Edge Influenza Vaccine
Congratulations to Charlottetown-based Pegasus Biotech Inc. as they embark on an important scientific collaboration with a consortium developing a cutting-edge vaccine for broader protection against influenza.
Over the two years, this new collaboration will employ next generation nucleic acid vaccine and delivery technologies, developed by 4basebio and Pegasus Biotech, to combine seasonal influenza vaccines with ConserV Bioscience’s antigens clinically proven to induce broadly protective immune responses.
This work is supported by the National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada in collaboration with the UK government 🇨🇦 🇬🇧
Invitation to Summer Social July 15, 2025 5 PM – 7 PM
Grab a few colleagues and catch those good summer-time vibes at this free biocluster event!
Please RSVP here
SEKISUI Diagnostics and the Government of PEI Announce $16 million Investment to Expand Reagent Contract Manufacturing Capabilities at Charlottetown Facilities
The Province of Prince Edward Island and SEKISUI Diagnostics announce a Charlottetown expansion.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 16, 2025 – BOSTON, Massachusetts
SEKISUI Diagnostics and the Government of Prince Edward Island today announced a $16 million (CAD) capital investment in the company’s Charlottetown facilities as part of an ambitious business expansion into contract manufacturing of reagents for global clients.
Premier Lantz announced that the province is contributing $3.9 million in capital investment for the initial facility build-out, repayable on a lease-back arrangement and a labour rebate in support of the Charlottetown expansion.
Sekisui Diagnostics anticipates that the new 22,000 square-foot facility in Charlottetown will be completed by 2026 and will go directly into production for a European customer. Output capacity will triple from 4,500L to 20,000L batch sizes. The expansion will add 25 highly skilled positions to the company’s local workforce of 200 employees.
The Hon. Rob Lantz, Premier of Prince Edward Island and Bob Schruender, President and CEO, SEKISUI Diagnostics shared the podium at the Canada Pavilion during the BIO International 2025 Conference and Exhibition to make the announcement.
“If your medical professional ordered a diagnostic test for you, chances are likely a SEKISUI Diagnostics product made that possible. One of Canada’s best kept secrets is that Prince Edward Island is a leader in our national bioscience ecosystem and has been improving the lives of patients both at home and around the globe for over 50 years,” said Premier Rob Lantz. “Investments, such as what we announced today, are a testament to our province’s enduring commitment to advancing the success of both health innovation and prosperity at home through our highly innovative cluster of bio companies.”
“We are proud that this investment will continue to strengthen our capabilities as we ramp up to break into the market of contract manufacturing on a much larger scale,” shared Bob Schruender, President and CEO SEKISUI Diagnostics. “We thank the Government of Prince Edward Island for their support of this expansion and ongoing belief in both our company and also in the growth of the bioscience sector over many years.”
“We applaud the strength of the private, public partnership that was reflected by today’s announcement,” stated Rory Francis, CEO, PEI BioAlliance. “As a sector we have worked closely with government, industry, and academic partners over the last 20 years to grow bio-based small and medium-sized enterprises, foster cutting-edge biotechnology, and ultimately enrich the lives of patients and our province.”
Quick Facts:
- SEKISUI Diagnostic’s product lines include clinical chemistry reagents, i.e. “tests for Cardiac, Liver and general health” point-of-care tests, blood collection tube materials as well as enzymes and specialty biochemicals.
- As an anchor Prince Edward Island biosciences company Sekisui Diagnostics has had a long-term partnership with the provincial government completing 7 building expansions and over $40 million in capital investment within the last 10 years.
- This project creates 25 new and highly skilled employment opportunities to the company’s PEI site, recruiting from the local workforce, along with roles specialized for University and College graduates.
- Construction of the 22,000 square foot facility is expected to be completed in 2026.
- The bioscience sector in Prince Edward Island grosses over $600 million in revenue annually.
About Sekisui Diagnostics
With over 40 years of experience, SEKISUI Diagnostics’ mission is to enhance life with science and improve the health of all people by supplying innovative medical diagnostics globally to physicians, hospitals, laboratories and alternate testing locations as well as partnerships with the world’s leading healthcare companies supporting accurate and timely patient diagnosis across the globe.
Media Contacts
Lisa Turner
SEKISUI Diagnostics
Director, Communications & Commercial Marketing
lisa.turner@sekisui-dx.com
Bobbi Jo Walker
PEI BioAlliance
Director, Communications and Marketing
bobbijo@peibioalliance.com
You’re Invited – PEI BioAlliance 20th Anniversary Kickoff
Boosting Atlantic Canada’s Bioscience Business Incubator
March 13, 2025 · Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Atlantic Canada’s bioscience sector continues to grow at an impressive pace, creating jobs and driving innovation across the region. To support this momentum, the Government of Canada is investing in the Emergence Bioscience Business Incubator, a key initiative that provides critical commercialization and mentorship services to bioscience companies across the region.
Supporting the Future of Bioscience in Atlantic Canada
Today, Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, announced a $2,569,000 investment to support the delivery of Emergence 4.0 by the Prince Edward Island BioAlliance. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
This investment will enhance the capacity of Emergence to support the formation and growth of innovative bioscience companies that are leading the way in Atlantic Canada. Emergence will continue to develop its mentorship network, increasing access to investment opportunities, and supporting bioscience firms in navigating commercialization and regulatory pathways.
Read the full release here.
Funding support available to businesses dealing with tariff implications
The Province of PEI is launching new initiatives to further support Island businesses through marketing and export trade efforts, as well as loan assistance for operational needs.
The Export Enhancement and Diversification Assistance Program, offered through Innovation PEI,
will cover up to 60 percent of costs (to a maximum of $32,000) associated with promotion, marketing, and exploration of new global export opportunities for Island businesses that rely on exporting their products and services.
Read the full release here.
NPC invests in seven Canadian start-ups, surpassing $10M in Canada’s bioeconomy
Natural Products Canada (NPC) has announced investment of $1.7 million into seven early-stage companies bringing its total to $10.6M in investments in 88 Canadian opportunities. The seven companies are recipients of NPC’s Commercialization Programs and represent highly innovative bio-based and natural products.
NPC’s most recent investment will enable a total of $4.6 million in pivotal activities to help the seven companies address key challenges in their go-to-market journey. The recipients include start-ups from across the country developing sustainable, bio-based products ranging from allergen-free pet food to soil and water remediation, and are comprised of: ALT-PRO Advantage; BioSun Products; Black & Blue Foods; Chinova Bioworks; Henri Nutrition; Magna Engineering; and Tersa Earth Innovations.
Read more at the full release.
PEI bioscience cluster accelerates as a powerhouse economic engine with impressive 2023 performance
PEI BioAlliance releases new survey data showing private sector revenue exceeds $612 million
Charlottetown, PE – The Prince Edward Island Bioscience Cluster continues to make its mark as a top driver of the province’s growing economy. Today, the PEI BioAlliance released the results of a survey of over 50 bioscience sector companies based on 2023 business performance. Private sector company revenues reached more than $612 million, with a GDP impact that makes bioscience the second-largest industry in Prince Edward Island, growing 84% since 2018.
Exports of manufactured products outside of Canada, including pharmaceutical ingredients, diagnostics, vaccines, and natural health products for human, animal, and fish health were $460 million. Investment attraction topped $38 million, and capital expenditures were $111 million, highlighting the significant growth and expansion of PEI businesses. Notably, spending on salaries rose to $115 million, with an average annual salary of $79,300, making the Cluster the highest-paying private sector employer in the province. The bioscience sector currently employs 2,200 people.
The sector is a major contributor to provincial, federal, and local governments’ tax revenue, with an annual contribution of $106 million in 2023, almost doubling over the previous five years.
PEI’s bioscience community is recognized nationally and internationally for its collaborative economic cluster model that drives innovation and sector growth. Through the aligned efforts of business, academia, research, and government partners, the PEI Bioscience Cluster has surpassed 2025 growth targets and is well on its way to becoming a billion-dollar industry by 2030.
“In these times of economic uncertainty, it is rewarding to see our sector continue to grow as a key pillar of PEI’s economy,” said Charmaine Noonan, Board Chair, PEI BioAlliance and Senior Director, Merck Animal Health PEI. “We firmly believe that the world will continue to need the specialized health products and services that our highly sophisticated companies are producing.”
PEI’s bioscience sector recently captured international headlines with two landmark transactions.
In September 2024, Agilent Technologies completed its acquisition of biopharmaceutical manufacturer BIOVECTRA for $925 million (USD). In February 2024, Merck Animal Health acquired Elanco Animal Health’s aqua business for $1.3 billion (USD) in cash with PEI fish vaccine manufacturing assets a key part of the transaction. These landmark deals reflect the global recognition and value of companies that have grown from early beginnings in PEI.
The rapid growth of the Cluster has put pressure on two key enablers of continued success: the availability of skilled personnel and the availability of specialized R&D and manufacturing facilities.
To address these challenges, the Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island recently broke ground on the $50 million BioAccelerator, a unique in Canada 62,000 sq ft multi-function facility that will provide lab and manufacturing facilities and services to research organizations, entrepreneurs, and small and medium-sized companies that are the economic drivers of future growth.
Located in the BioCommons Research Park in Charlottetown, the BioAccelerator will build upon recent public and private sector investments such as BIOVECTRA’s first-in-Canada mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility, the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) training facility, and the Bioscience Manufacturing Incubator.
“It’s incredibly encouraging to see how investments from multiple levels of government into a strategic sector like the biosciences have helped it successfully accelerate to being an Island economic force. As we continue to support a healthy, sustainable, and diverse economy, the Province is pleased to see Island bioscience businesses and their goods and services reach global markets,” added Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Trade Cory Deagle.
Rory Francis, CEO of the PEI BioAlliance, said that these advancements are investments in the province’s future. “The sector’s economic success means positive benefits for Islanders through high-paying jobs and increased government revenues,” said Francis. “These revenues enable government investments in housing, health care, education, roads, climate change mitigation, and many other programs and services important to Islanders. We’re pleased to continue to contribute to the future prosperity of PEI.”
The full report is available to read here.
You’re Invited | Upcoming BioNetworking Session
You’re invited to our upcoming BioNetworking event! 👥
This session will feature informative presentations from natural products chemistry experts Croda Canada, Natures Crops International, and nutracelle. Discover how these industry leaders are advancing natural products chemistry by transforming plant-based ingredients, omega-rich oils, and protein innovations into health and wellness solutions. A networking lunch will follow the presentation and panel.
📆 Tuesday, February 25, 2025
⏰ 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
📍 Holman Grand Hotel, Dunes/Beach Room
