Resources and links
Organizations that support the life sciences industry through their programs and services include:
- Advanced Education and Technology : Provides strategic leadership for science and research in Alberta and manages/funds investments in science and research in three priority areas: energy research, information and communications technology, and life sciences. Learn more about Advanced Education and Technology’s life sciences services.
- Infoport : Infoport is a source of information on Alberta’s geomatics, information technology, wireless & telecom, life sciences, digital media, electronics, cleantech, nanotechnology, and biotechnology sectors - including a company directory, upcoming events, useful links and business opportunity resources.
Resources that are available to life sciences companies in Alberta include:
Government Support
Technology Commercialization & Business Support
Research Facilities
Alberta Innovates: Technology Futures
Alberta Innovates - Technology Futures helps technical industries find solutions, develop products and move technologies to market. The Alberta Research Council, Alberta Ingenuity and select programs from Alberta Advanced Education and Technology are now part of Alberta Innovates – Technology futures.
- Alberta Research Council Inc. (ARC) ARC partners in strategic ventures to help companies develop early stage ideas into marketable products and services. More than 500 scientists, engineers, business managers, and support staff maintain a multi-million dollar infrastructure of over 100,000 square metres of specialized bench, large-scale manufacturing, and pilot scale facilities.
- Alberta Ingenuity
This endowment fund develops internationally competitive science and engineering expertise and builds greater capacity for innovation, particularly in areas with lasting social and economic impact. Through a $1 billion Government of Alberta endowment in 2000, Alberta Ingenuity nurtures the discovery of new knowledge and encourages its application to benefit Albertans and the world.
Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions
Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions is funded by the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Endowment Fund and supports internationally competitive biomedical research, training and technology development. The AHFMR Endowment fund has contributed more than $800 million to medical research, training, and health initiatives over the last 25 years.
Alberta Innovates - Bio Solutions
Formerly the Alberta Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Bio Solutions is Alberta's leading agency for coordination and support of agricultural research.
Technology Commercialization & Business Services
Alberta Centre for Advanced MNT Products (ACAMP)ACAMP’s services encompass three key areas identified as critical for the commercialization of Microsystems and nanotechnology (MNT) products:
- marketing and business development
- product development
- packaging and assembly.
Biotech Land Lease Program
Designed to promote the growth of Edmonton’s Biotechnology sector, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation offers an innovative program that allows companies in the early stages of product development to invest in product development rather than investing on the purchase of land.
Biomedical Engineering Research & Results Initiative (BERRI)
BERRI offers product development and R&D services for health technologies (pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices and assistive technologies). BERRI also offers guidance on how to get through the FDA regulatory process, get a reimbursement code in the USA, and promote product adoption.
University of Alberta:
Health Research Innovation Facility (HRIF)
HRIF is a translational research centre designed to create an environment for innovative "bench-to-bedside" health research by increasing interaction between researchers and clinicians focused on common medical issues. It is located at the University of Alberta, and is home to the Alberta Diabetes Institute, as well as many other research initiatives.
National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT)
NINT is operated as a partnership between the National Research Council (NRC) and the University of Alberta, and is jointly funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta and the university. NINT is an integrated, multi-disciplinary institution involving researchers in physics, chemistry, engineering, biology, informatics, pharmacy and medicine.
University of Calgary:
Health Research Innovation Centre (HRIC)
This centre is located at the University of Calgary and has the capacity to serve over 150,000 patients per year. The multi-story research facility consists of wet and dry labs, office space, and patient clinics. The buildings facilitate the translation of research from laboratory benches to patient bedsides. Institutes within the facility include the Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute and the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta.
Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Biomedical Technologies
Based at the University of Calgary, the Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Biomedical Technologies develops and commercializes healthcare technologies. It also has the capability to test and characterize engineered tissues, as well as the interface between a medical device and a biomaterial such as skin, ligaments, cartilage, or blood vessels.
Advanced Technology Information Processing Systems (ATIPS Labs)
ATIPS Labs at the University of Calgary leverage highly advanced and emerging computing technologies to conduct research into the development and implementation of information processing systems, including: bio-engineering devices; information security systems; wireless networking components; high performance digital signal processors; opto-electronic sensors and processors; streaming video processors; arithmetic intensive processors; and machine vision systems.
Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute:
The Institute provides a full range of heart care services, with a special focus on prevention of heart disease and complex heart care, such as pediatric cardiac surgery and heart transplantation.
Northern Alberta Clinical Trials and Research Centre (NACTRC):
NACTRC provides pharmaceutical and research-intensive companies with access to high-quality, cost-efficient clinical trial research. It offers state-of-the-art phase one facilities located in a major population centre.
The Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN):
This internationally recognized group has a broad range of research interests, including the neural mechanisms of learning, brain plasticity, and recovery of function, brain development, and brain disease. The CCBN is a world-class research facility for behavioural neuroscience research.
Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine (iRSM):
The Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine (iRSM) is an internationally recognized clinical and research institute focused on medical reconstructive sciences.
Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI):
HBI is a centre of excellence in neuroscience and mental health research.
Alberta Bone & Joint Health Institute (ABJHI):
A not-for-profit institute the ABKHI designs effective and efficient ways to deliver health care services and conducts research on devices, drugs and service delivery approaches.
For more information on resources for Alberta companies including those in the areas of:
- support for small and medium businesses
- access to capital
- licensing and regulations
- procurement
- research and development
- technology commercialization
- statistical information
visit Alberta Business Resources
Date Updated:
RDP-2081
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