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Invest Vancouver / Key Industries / Life Sciences

Life Sciences

​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Where research fuels real-world impact

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​From groundbreaking treatments for COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, and cancer, to cutting-edge biotech and drug discovery, our region creates life-saving solutions and brings them to market.

With more researchers per capita than San Francisco, Seattle, or Boston, the Metro Vancouver region’s life sciences industry is powered by the quality research being produced in the region’s universities and research institutes, including at the University of British Columbia, one of the best universities in the world for life sciences. Supported by a strong network of innovative firms, government funding and support, and industry leaders, the region is a global hub for innovation.​​

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The Metro Vancouver region’s vibrant life sciences industry has made a number of major contributions to public health in recent years, including the development of a crucial COVID-19 vaccine delivery technology, advancing cancer treatment, and delivering antibody-based medicines for diseases.

16,800+

people employed in the export-oriented portion of the regional life sciences industry1

$3.5

billion USD invested in life sciences companies with headquarters in the region, 2018–20232

1st

in Canada in patents per capita in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare3

1 in 5

Canadian clinical trials — 1,350 + annually — is conducted in BC4

Firms in the region can access world-class talent while enjoing operating costs.

Total annual operating costs for life sciences firm (millions of USD $)

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The region is home to leading Canadian firms and branches of multinational firms, specializing in four key areas.

  • BioTech: AbCellera, StemCell, Zymeworks, Aspect Biosystems, Acuitas Therapeutics
  • Drug Discovery, Delivery, and Pharma: Xenon Pharmaceuticals, Evonik Industries, Numinus
  • Digital Health: Well Health Technologies, MacroHealth, HealthTech Connex
  • Medical Devices and Diagnostics: Arbutus Medical, Kardium, Corcym Canada Corp


Vancouver is not only one of the best places in Canada but also one of the best places in the world for a life sciences company.

Gordon C. McCauley, President & CEO, adMare BioInnovations

We are in the business of innovation and, here in Metro Vancouver, innovation is not a scarce resource.

Miranda Lam, Chief Legal Officer & Vice President, Business Development, Acuitas

When it comes to the true discovery biotech companies that can turn into integrated biopharmas, nothing comes close to Vancouver.

Brian Bloom, CEO, Bloom Burton & Co

 
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Supporting ecosystem

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Firms all across the Metro Vancouver region are making a difference in the life sciences industry. Much of the innovation is centred around three geographic clusters that are generating significant innovation and productivity:

  • The University of British Columbia Campus: UBC combines cutting-edge research with translational support to turn innovations into successful ventures As the powerhouse of the life sciences industry in Vancouver. Key players include: School of Biomedical Engineering at UBC and adMare BioInnovations.
  • Surrey Innovation Boulevard: Surrey’s Innovation Boulevard features the Health & Technology District, a multi-building project that provides collaborative spaces for clinicians, researchers, and entrepreneurs to work alongside one another. The area is also home to the SFU Surrey campus featuring innovative research labs and the Quantum Algorithms Institute. Key players include: Health & Technology District, Simon Fraser University.
  • Vancouver False Creek R&D Hub: Vancouver’s rapidly expanding biotech scene is anchored by AbCellera’s new global headquarters and biotech campus. Vancouver’s False Creek Flats is home to the future St. Paul’s Clinical Support and Research Centre. Key players: AbCellera, Zymeworks Inc., Masimo, STEMCELL Technologies.

Support programs and incentives

Support exists at both the provincial and federal levels for innovation in life sciences.

  • Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED): An incentive program that rewards companies of all sizes for R&D activities in Canada, covering basic, applied, and experimental research. It offers a 35 per cent credit on the first $3 million of eligible costs and 15 per cent on amounts above that.
  • Mitacs - Elevate Program: Provides matching funds for post-doctoral fellowships to firms hiring top-ranked, highly trained research talent.
  • Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP): Provides Canadian SMEs with advice, connections, and funding to support innovation and bring tech-driven ideas to market.
  • British Columbia Training Tax Credits: Offers refundable tax credits to employers of apprentices in programs run by the Industry Training Authority. The program is authorized through December 31, 2027.
  • WorkBC - BC Employer Training Grant: Funds skills training for employees and new hires in businesses of all sizes. Employers can apply as needed, receiving 80 per cent of training costs, up to $10,000 per employee, with a $300,000 annual cap per employer.
  • BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (MJF): Supports manufacturers of all types in modernizing, innovating, and growing by funding capital projects.
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Footnotes

1 Invest Vancouver, 2023

2 Pitchbook

3 FDI Benchmark

4 BC Stats

Ready to connect?

Contact Megan Henwood, Sector Development Lead, Life Sciences​

Invest Vancouver acknowledges that the region’s residents live, work, and learn on the shared territories of many Indigenous Peoples, including 10 local First Nations: q̓ic̓əy̓(Katzie), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), máthxwi (Matsqui), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), qiqéyt (Qayqayt), Semiahmoo, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), scəw̓aθən məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh).

Invest Vancouver respects the diverse and distinct histories, languages, and cultures of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, which collectively enrich our lives and the region.

View Metro Vancouver's translated territorial acknowledgment

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