In celebration of bioscience, innovation and solutions, Premier Dennis King signs official declaration of Global Biotech Week in the province

Charlottetown, PE – As Canada celebrates Global Biotech Week, Prince Edward Island continues to make strides locally in bioscience and biotechnology innovation. A key component of the Island’s economy, the bioscience industry is among the fastest growing sectors in PEI. Now with 60 companies, seven research organizations, and employing 2,200 highly skilled individuals, the PEI BioAlliance has created an innovation ecosystem that has doubled its economic impact since 2016. In 2020, private sector companies added an unprecedented $100 million to business revenues, bringing the total to $365 million annually. Additionally in 2020, the sector invested $85 million on new equipment and facilities and attracted $60 million in private sector investment.

“Global Biotech Week is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the bioscience industry’s accomplishments and contributions to our province. Prince Edward Island’s thriving biotech sector has been a key economic driver in our province and was one of our most resilient sectors throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Premier Dennis King. “The tremendous growth that we have seen here on PEI is only the beginning as the sector embarks on an ambitious plan to continue to grow the cluster model locally and continue to be a leader nationally and globally in this space.”

Dedicated to celebrating science, innovation and solutions, this year’s Global Biotech Week will be held from Sept. 27 – Oct. 3, 2021. The purpose of Global Biotech Week is to raise awareness of the industry and its global potential among policymakers, policy influencers and the general public more broadly. On Sept. 27, Premier Dennis King signed an official declaration of the observance in PEI.

The PEI bioscience sector has been nationally and internationally recognized for the collaborative economic cluster model that has advanced and grown the sector. Coordinated by the PEI BioAlliance, the bioscience cluster includes bioscience companies, federal and provincial government partners, as well as research and development organizations such as the National Research Council, University of Prince Edward Island, the Atlantic Veterinary College, Holland College, Agriculture and AgriFood Canada, and BioFoodTech. Through the Emergence Bioscience Business Incubator, the cluster has excelled in helping startups and early-stage companies move from research and technology development to commercial success.

Most recently, the PEI BioAlliance announced the launch of their 2021-25 Strategic Plan, that will guide the work and planning needed to achieve the PEI Cluster’s vision to be a leading force in Canada’s bio-revolution. BioAlliance goals for 2021-25 are to aggressively increase private sector revenue, employment, investment attraction, capital expenditures as well as spending on research and development, with the vision of cluster companies achieving $500 million in revenue by 2025 and $1 billion by 2030.

Oliver Technow, Board Chair of the PEI BioAlliance and CEO of BIOVECTRA, one of the leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations in North America, suggested that since COVID-19, Canada and the world is re-awakening to the importance of having the knowhow and infrastructure to be more self-reliant in manufacturing vital drugs and vaccines to protect population health.

“Governments, academic researchers, and private sector partners must work together to ensure all the elements are in place for success. Prince Edward Island has done an excellent job of implementing an ecosystem approach that has created significant competitive advantage for manufacturing businesses, and facilitated a ‘can do’ culture,” said Technow.

This rapid growth of the sector has meant finding innovative solutions to address constraints to future growth, including expanding and growing a skilled workforce, as well as increasing incubation, scale-up, and manufacturing infrastructure.

Launched in 2020, the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) provides world-class technical skills development and training in life sciences specializing in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. It is a unique partnership between industry and academic partners across Canada to address the significant future skills needs of the Canadian life sciences sector.

Additionally, to provide the necessary infrastructure for growth, the new Bioscience Manufacturing Incubator (BMI) is a 20,000 sq-ft facility comprised of six fully serviced, self-contained units to support pilot-scale manufacturing of bio-based products. Located in the BioCommons Research Park, this project is nearly complete, with industry tenants expected to move in this fall.

For more information on the PEI BioAlliance and the local bioscience cluster, visit peibioalliance.com.

Media Contact
Clara Deacon
Director of Communications and Marketing
PEI BioAlliance
C: 403.701.2815
E: clara@peibioalliance.com

Emergence is pleased to announce the appointment of Bernadette Fernandes as Lead Mentor, Market Access and Exporting, effective August 30, 2021.

In this role, Bernadette will be responsible for mentoring Emergence bioscience business incubator clients in going to market and developing their export readiness strategies. Operating out of New Brunswick, Bernadette will also support companies in the scale up and preparatory work required to develop international sales, as well as the implementation of successful marketing approaches to develop an international brand and to convert target audiences into customers.

Bernadette is a seasoned professional with extensive international experience in marketing, sales, business development, operations, human resources, risk management, and corporate leadership. As the CEO and founder of The Varanda Network, a ten-year-old economic development organization, Bernadette provides business services globally for start-ups, immigrant entrepreneurs, SMEs and multi-nationals across various sectors.

A dynamic, energetic and passionate leader, Bernadette has worked in the area of international market access since 2006, with a specific focus on exporting since 2013. Having worked closely alongside BioNB, government, industry partners, and most recently academia, Bernadette is familiar with the nuances of the innovation ecosystem that allows bioscience companies to grow and thrive.

Emergence is Atlantic Canada’s bioscience business incubator dedicated to assisting start-ups and growth-stage companies in efficiently bringing their products and services to market. Emergence provides companies with business incubation services including mentorship and advisory services, team mentorship program as well as access to networks and resources.

Please join us in welcoming Bernadette to the Emergence team.

Emergence client RPS Biologiques Inc. is pleased to announce that its latest Veterinary Health Product (VHP), Puralyze™, recently received two notification numbers from Health Canada’s Veterinary Drugs Directorate (VDD). Puralyze™ received approval in both liquid and powdered forms allowing this novel natural product to be marketed and sold in Canada.

As part of Global Biotech Week: Sept. 27 – Oct. 3, please join us for a Bio Networking Session, presented by Emergence. This session will be hosted in person and virtually and will feature a presentation by Keiretsu Forum Canada: Lessons from a thousand pitches – How to make the investment short list. This presentation will be followed by a short Q&A and networking.

Recently, Emergence became an official Network Partner of Keiretsu. Under this agreement, Keiretsu will provide access and support from their global investor network as well as a range of education and training opportunities to Emergence companies.

Speakers:

• Kevin Sterling: President – Toronto, Keiretsu Forum Canada
• Jason Cleaversmith: Executive Director, Incubation, PEI BioAlliance

RSVP: Register for the event
Date: Tuesday, September 28
Time: 10 – 11:30 a.m. ADT
In Person Location: Bedeque Ballroom, Delta Prince Edward

Emergence companies gain access to a range of education, training and investment capital opportunities

Charlottetown, PE – Emergence, Atlantic Canada’s bioscience business incubator and Keiretsu Forum Canada (Keiretsu) have entered into an agreement, making Emergence an official Network Partner of Keiretsu.

Under this agreement, Keiretsu will provide access and support from their global investor network as well as a range of education and training opportunities to both Emergence companies and the Emergence mentor team. Keiretsu will also provide Emergence companies with a potential source of investment capital, should they be accepted, while Emergence will provide Keiretsu with access to the latest high potential bioscience companies.

Emergence is Atlantic Canada’s bioscience business incubator dedicated to assisting start-ups and growth-stage companies in efficiently bringing their products and services to market. Emergence provides companies with business incubation services including mentorship and advisory services, team mentorship program as well as access to networks and resources. Emergence has more than 50 client companies from across the region in the incubator program and in 2019, these companies raised more than $200 million in capital.

“We are very pleased to partner with Keiretsu to offer this added benefit to both the companies in the incubator as well as our mentors,” said Jason Cleaversmith, Executive Director, Incubation and Infrastructure, PEI BioAlliance. “This partnership will elevate our service offering and continue to support bioscience companies in the region to thrive.”

Established in 2012, Keiretsu Forum brings together its investor members with the best investment opportunities in emerging companies from around the globe. Keiretsu Forum is the fastest growing, largest, and most active angel community in the world. It is the largest global investment network with over 50+ chapters and over 3,000 accredited private equity investors, venture capitalists, family offices and corporate/institutional investors.

“What makes Keiretsu Forum unique are partnerships such as these with the PEI-based Emergence Incubator,” said Ozan Isinak, President, Keiretsu Forum Canada. “This will clear the path for bioscience companies in Atlantic Canada to access a globally competitive early-stage eco-system while allowing our active investor base and our portfolio companies to diversify into new geographies. We look forward to building a deep relationship with the regional community.”

PEI companies will represent three out of the eight semi-finalists slots at the 2021 BioInnovation Challenge (BIC) pitch event. Hosted by BioNova, the BioInnovation Challenge is one of the longest-running business competitions in Atlantic Canada, celebrating and propelling the region’s next top innovators.

This year’s BIC will be held virtually during BioNova’s annual BioPort conference, Nov. 2-5, 2021. The finalists from PEI, who are also all Emergence clients, are: Au Naturel Solutions, Bactana Canada, and Remidose Aerosols. Two additional Emergence clients were also selected: Pivotal Health Sciences and Takaya Technology.

Both a pitch competition and business accelerator, BIC has supported the creation of over 70 new companies in the sector and distributed $465,000 in prize value since 2011. Last year’s eight BIC semi-finalists raised over $1 million in 2020, despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The eight semi-finalists will present their business ideas on November 3rd to an experienced panel of judges who represent industry and investment organizations knowledgeable about health and life sciences. Three finalists will then be selected to pitch in the finals on November 5th, with a winner to be announced that afternoon at the closing of BioPort. This year’s winner will be awarded a grand prize valued at $55,000, comprised of $25,000 in seed funding to develop their business idea and an advisory services package exceeding $30,000.

These eight semi-finalists were selected from a group of high-caliber applicants developing medical technologies, bioproducts, and natural health products with a shared focus on better health outcomes and environmental sustainability. Learn more about the entrepreneurs who will be pitching virtually on Nov. 3 during BioPort 2021:

Au Naturel Solutions Inc. — PEI (Emergence)
Simone Cormier, Founder
Specializes in the manufacturing of an all-natural materials breast prosthesis made of sustainable and environmentally-friendly materials and an innovative attaching system which does not require purchase of a specialty bra.

Bactana Canada Corp. — PEI (Emergence)
John Kallassy, CEO
Bactana Canada Corp. uses a microbiome discovery platform to develop innovative products through use of cutting-edge molecular and DNA sequencing methods to improve animal productivity and ultimately animal protein production. Their initial product is a patented feed additive for poultry and potentially swine.

Remidose Aerosols Inc. — PEI (Emergence)
Dr. Michael Mayne, President
Manufactures medical grade devices that deliver accurate dosing of purified cannabis oil. Their three primary products are an inhaler, an oral spray, and a topical aerosol device, each of which enable rapid onset of premium bioactive cannabinoids to avoid over consumption.

Pivotal Health Sciences Inc. — NB (Emergence)
Craig Jackson, CEO
Uses sustainable extraction and encapsulation technologies without the use of high energy or chemical additives to reduce the number of steps required to transform raw feedstock to high-value nano encapsulated bioactives.

Takaya Technology Inc. — NS (Emergence)
Erin MacKean, Co-founder & COO; Jennifer McFarland, Partner Development
Takaya Technology Inc. has developed a novel, medical grade N95 mask with advanced respirator seals to provide healthcare workers greater protection against COVID-19 and other airborne pathogens.

Axtion Independence Mobility Inc. — NS 
Tracey McGillivray, CEO; Liam Maaskant, CPO
Created a mobility device that combines a four-wheeled rollator walker with an elevating seat to prevent falls and enable independent recovery from a fall should one occur.

MycoFutures North Atlantic — NL 
Stephanie Lipp, Co-founder
MycoFutures North Atlantic is developing a highly-durable mycelium-based leather alternative using the root system of fungi. This product will reduce the environmental impact of apparel and footwear manufacturing.

Picketa Systems Inc. — NB 
Dominic Levesque, Co-founder & CTO
Picketa Systems Inc. created a soil and plant scanning technology and software platform to log and manage user data to optimize crop fertilization.

PEI BioAlliance partner Natural Products Canada (NPC) is pleased to announce a strategic partnership that will support its unique natural product innovation network of advice, connections, programs and investment to advance Canadian natural product innovation.

With $20 million in new support from the Government of Canada, NPC and its partners will help 500 Canadian companies developing natural products and technologies as diverse as nutrition supplements and feed ingredients to compostable packaging and environmental remediation.

Read full story.

On August 9, Island Abbey Foods, owners of the Honibe brand, hosted local, provincial and federal officials, members of the media, representatives from the business community and other invited guests for a milestone groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the expansion of their local Island Abbey Foods facility.

Read full story.

Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) programming will strengthen the national life sciences talent pipeline

Charlottetown, PE – The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences supports the Government of Canada’s announcement of a Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy. The strategy aims to grow a strong, competitive domestic life sciences sector, with cutting-edge biomanufacturing capabilities, while creating good jobs for Canadians, and to make sure Canada is prepared for pandemics and other health emergencies in the future.

“CASTL welcomes the commitment and investment from the federal government to help power a talent engine for Canada’s biomanufacturing industry,” said Penny Walsh-McGuire, Executive Director, CASTL. “Collaboration between industry academia and government stakeholders will be crucial for the development of our talent pipeline and for realizing the full potential of Canada’s biomanufacturing industry.”

The Government of Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy includes a commitment of $2.2 billion over seven years from Budget 2021 to continue growing a strong and competitive sector and to ensure Canada is prepared for future pandemics. The strategy consists of five pillars:

1. Strong and Coordinated Governance
2. Laying a Solid Foundation by Strengthening Research Systems and the Talent Pipeline
3. Growing Businesses by Doubling Down on Existing and Emerging Areas of Strength
4. Building Public Capacity
5. Enabling Innovation by Ensuring World Class Regulation

CASTL offers New Skilling, Reskilling and Upskilling programming for individuals to acquire the academic knowledge, and technical and professional skills to have a successful career in life sciences. CASTL is a Canadian centre-of-excellence dedicated to providing world-class training for bioscience talent creation specializing in biopharmaceutical processing. CASTL’s work will provide an ongoing, rich talent pool for biopharmaceutical manufacturing in Canada.

In support of developing a skills and talent pipeline for Canada, CASTL recently announced the signing of a commercial agreement with the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) in Ireland to be the exclusive provider of NIBRT licensed training programs in Canada. This formal partnership will support Canada’s need for skilled and trained individuals to continue the growth of the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. CASTL will be NIBRT’s fifth global partner and received letters of support from adMare BioInnovations, BioTalent Canada, BIOTECanada and Innovative Medicines Canada, as part of this initiative.

“Through state-of-the-art training and education programs and by leveraging our national networks and partnerships with industry and academia, CASTL will support the economic demand for individuals who are work-read to enter, thrive and meet the needs of Canada’s biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry,” said Walsh-McGuire.

CASTL was developed by the PEI BioAlliance, with support from the Government of Canada, the Future Skills Centre, and the Government of Prince Edward Island. Current partners include Acadia University, BioTalent Canada, Holland College, National Research Council, PEI BioAlliance, Université de Moncton, University of Prince Edward Island, as well as numerous industry partners.

Government of Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy will support the growth of a strong, competitive sector

Charlottetown, PE – The Prince Edward Island BioAlliance welcomes the Government of Canada’s announcement of a Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy. This strategy includes a commitment of $2.2 billion over seven years from Budget 2021 to continue growing a strong and competitive sector and to ensure Canada is prepared for future pandemics.

“Establishing a Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy for Canada demonstrates the Government of Canada’s support for strengthening bioscience and biotechnology capacity,” said Oliver Technow, Chair, PEI BioAlliance Board of Directors, and CEO, BIOVECTRA. “This strategy will ensure Canada has the resources in place, including the knowhow and infrastructure, to be more self-reliant in manufacturing and vital drug development. The bioscience sector will be a major contributor to economic recovery and growth.”

In parallel to the federal strategy, the BioAlliance recently launched their 2021-25 Strategic Plan, that will guide the work and planning needed to achieve the PEI cluster’s vision to be a leading force in Canada’s bio-revolution. BioAlliance goals for 2021-25 are to aggressively increase private sector revenue, employment, investment attraction, capital expenditures as well as spending on research and development, including $500 million in revenue by 2025 and $1 billion by 2030. The federal government’s strategy will enable regional leaders like the BioAlliance, including industry and academic partners, to execute on key priorities to grow the PEI cluster.

One of the key imperatives of the Strategic Plan is to establish the PEI cluster as a national biomanufacturing centre of excellence. Over the past several years, BioAlliance public and private sector partners have made a series of strategic investments valued at over $200 million to take a leadership position in providing bioprocessing infrastructure, expertise, and services to Canadian and international businesses. These initiatives have included major investments in bioprocessing equipment and infrastructure, including construction of the first Bioscience Manufacturing Incubator in the region, expansion of manufacturing facilities and expertise, establishment of the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) and the expansion of Emergence, Atlantic Canada’s Bioscience Business Incubator.

The Government of Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy aims to grow a strong, competitive domestic life sciences sector, with cutting-edge biomanufacturing capabilities, while creating good jobs for Canadians, and to make sure Canada is prepared for pandemics and other health emergencies in the future. The strategy consists of five pillars:

1. Strong and Coordinated Governance
2. Laying a Solid Foundation by Strengthening Research Systems and the Talent Pipeline
3. Growing Businesses by Doubling Down on Existing and Emerging Areas of Strength
4. Building Public Capacity
5. Enabling Innovation by Ensuring World Class Regulation

“The PEI cluster has implemented an ecosystem approach, through the partnership of governments, academic researchers, and private sector partners, who by working together are able to achieve more,” said Rory Francis, CEO, PEI BioAlliance.

The PEI bioscience cluster is growing at a rate that outpaces any other industry in the province. Now with 60 companies, seven research organizations, and employing 2,200 highly skilled individuals, the PEI BioAlliance has created an innovation ecosystem that has doubled its economic impact since 2016. In 2019, private sector companies earned over $260 million in revenue, attracted $38 million in new investment, and spent more than $100 million on new equipment and facilities.