Deloitte Health issued this report that examines how AI can help transform biopharma supply chains to make sure we continue to get access to lifesaving products. Its a thoughtful read and we thought you might like it as well. This report examines the rationale for transforming the supply chain and the role that AI can play in its digital transformation. See link here.

Fantastic news from the UofA SmartNetwork and University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry - Congrats to Dr. Vivian Mushahwar, University of Alberta's Smart Network Director, on receiving a #Patent for the SOCC which prevents deep vein thrombosis! Learn more about Dr. Mushahwar’s research here.

BioTalent Canada announced on September 8th preliminary findings from its most recent bio-economy Labour Market Information (LMI) study. The data in this new brief—Amplifying Success— was collected from a series of industry roundtable discussions, analysis of Statistics Canada data sources, and a systematic review of sector-based reports and articles.

Employers have long identified a skills and knowledge gap in the bio-economy. The purpose of the completed LMI study is to help close that gap and provide stakeholders with a clear picture of trends shaping the biotechnology industry.

“The most important resource in any industry—biotech included—is talent,” says Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada. “For our industry to continue to thrive and innovate, it’s paramount that we solve the current labour supply issues that industry experts identify as a major challenge.”

More students graduate from Canadian post-secondary institutions with bio-economy-related degrees than ever. They’re also in higher demand from other industries than ever before. Because of this, the expert roundtables produced three key determinations.

“We’re encouraged that the findings in this brief, specifically the piece about connecting graduates to industry, are consistent with Canada’s Economic Strategy Tables’ talent-based recommendations,” adds Henderson. “And this is where the positive impact of work-integrated learning programs—like those offered by BioTalent Canada—can really be felt. Wage subsidies like the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) give employers an advantage in forming relationships with job-ready talent and offer another way for the Canadian biotech industry to grow on a global scale.”

BioTalent Canada will publish five more research briefs in advance of the full LMI release in 2021. The organization plans to produce 11 more in-depth reports next year, including nine new LMI studies, a hot jobs report, and a talent supply report.

Any employers that wish to provide expertise in a future study should contact BioTalent Canada Project Manager Adriana Saenz.

BioTalent Canada™ is the HR partner of and catalyst for growth in Canada’s bio-economy. Our engagement with employers, associations, post-secondary institutions, immigrant serving agencies and service providers has built a dynamic network that is strengthening skills, connecting job-ready talent to industry and creating opportunities. Recently awarded a Great Place to Work® Certification, BioTalent Canada practices the same industry standards they recommend to their stakeholders. For more information visit biotalent.ca.

When: October 14-15

We are excited for our fourth year of partnering with Natural Products Canada for this annual Investor Meeting, an exclusive gathering for investors and emerging companies from the nutrition and wellness industry. This year, we are bringing you a highly customized virtual version of our annual flagship event, re-imagined and carefully designed to meet the needs of growth companies during these times.

This is your chance to get in front of our network of active, qualified investors.

• NCN will facilitate providing samples to all participating investors at no additional cost

• Receive expert input and mentorship to create :& hone your business plan and pitch

• Answer live questions from our investor audience

• Meet 1-on-1 with investors in private breakout groups

• Connect with sponsors and industry experts

Plus, when you're not pitching, enjoy the full event agenda including keynotes and panels from industry leaders, and personalized networking opportunities on our virtual platform.

The application is free and easy to fill out here.

Nutrition Capital Network helps active investors make purpose-driven connections with curated health and wellness brands.

Our participants represent all facets of the industry, including ingredients and technology, natural and organic foods, functional foods, supplements, personal care and household goods, and related technology solutions.

They support new startups from all areas of the value chain whose technologies drive us towards a more efficient, sustainable & secure agriculture future. Apply now by using this link.

Connection Silicon Valley helps organizations build meaningful networks and provide access to the world-renowned Silicon Valley technology startup ecosystem. Want to learn more? See our website here.

Calling all SMEs! Here is your chance to work with Flag of Germany on innovative collaborative #RD projects! Register for the 8th call for proposals before Sept. 18 and your project could be funded by #IRAP & #ZIM!

This call for proposals is offered through the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). NRC IRAP is responsible for delivering this call for proposals and for managing any resulting funding agreements.

Eligible Canadian SMEs may receive up to 50% reimbursement of eligible project costs up to a maximum total funding amount of $600,000 CAD over 12 to 24 months (an extension of 12 months may be considered if sufficiently justified and accepted by both countries).

For complete details and information on how to register, see this link here.

Business Link strives to support Alberta businesses with their unique needs at any stage of business, and in support of that, on August 4, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and the Government of Alberta have provided Business Link with additional funding to support entrepreneurs and business owners through this challenging time.

Business Link will be launching three new programs with the funding received, including peer-to-peer group sessions with entrepreneurs and Business Link small business strategists, a business recovery coaching program, and the development of an online toolkit, which will include an interactive business plan writer for Business Link clients to utilize through the planning and growth stages of running a business. The remainder of the funding will be used to provide additional advisory support for small businesses and on marketing and awareness campaigns that will run across the province.

The new programs and resources will be launched over the next several months and entrepreneurs and small businesses are encouraged to apply or seek more information at www.businesslink.ca or by contacting Business Link directly at 1-800-272-9675.

Canada's Technology and Aging Network's - AGE-WELL - is receiving $21.9 over three years from GoC to provide Canadians with technology-based solutions to improve quality of life for older adults and caregivers.

They are looking for projects. Now is the time to investiaget and apply for these exceptional funding opportunities. Check it out at: http://ow.ly/fgsL50zE3oO Y

The Life Sciences Fellowship is a full-time, two-year program that provides experiential learning in research and development (R&D) commercialization/startup creation for life sciences entrepreneurs.

Fellows are expected to:

Funding and support

To find out more about the Cohort 3 process, see link here.

Businesses across Western Canada unable to access existing relief measures can now apply to Western Economic Diversification Canada's Regional Relief and Recovery Fund.

The new Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) is being delivered by regional development agencies (RDAs) to help more businesses and organizations, that are key to the regions and local economies. A total of $304 million will be available for western Canadian businesses.

To learn more or apply see Western Economic Diversification Canada. 

A Canadian developed natural healthy sugar alternative has been chosen a finalist as the top sports ingredient in Europe. The jury composed of a panel of experts assembled by NutraIngredients – a leading European e-magazine - recognized VitaFiber® IMO for its ability to improve sports performance, endurance and help with recovery and muscle soreness. VitaFiber® IMO, developed by BioNeutra North America (“BioNeutra”), is a low-calorie, plant-based natural sweetener, prebiotic and dietary fibre used to replace sugar and increase fibre in yogurts, protein bars, ice cream, beverages and confectionaries and is sold to manufacturers on four continents. To read the full news release see link here.

Bioenterprise is pleased to announce the launch of Canada’s Food& Agri-Tech Engine. The Engine is a national and global partnership/membership network focused on helping businesses connect, innovate and grow. Our membership program brings research institutions, academia, industry mentors, various levels of government, incubators, accelerators and specific service providers to help members scale their business

The Food & Agri-Tech Engine partner network offers intellectual property, regulatory, legal, talent, sales, marketing and other expert services and mentorship. A highly experienced team of professionals can provide feedback and coaching on acquiring public and private funding and investment from a wide variety of sources. In addition, the Engine will provide services such as marketing, human resource management, accounting and many others to help members scale their business

Funding partners, such as Farm Credit Canada and IBM Canada, open doors into innovative new technologies and platforms to further support our members' growth. Bioenterprise officially invites businesses to connect, innovate and grow with our growing network of partners and members. To read more see this link here.

As part of a co-invested project announced last year, Botaneco has completed its key trials in the development of its new plant-based protein ingredient for aquaculture feed.

The new ingredient uses canola protein, a large-scale, sustainable and nutritious choice for the global aquaculture sector. Tested at the Centre for Aquaculture Technologies in Prince Edward Island, the canola-based ingredient has a 75 per cent protein content and showed excellent feed acceptance, salmon growth and weight gain. The product tested as one of the most effective plant-based proteins for aquaculture.

The test results are a positive step forward in Canada's plant-protein ecosystem. Botaneco's ingredient was developed as part of a co-investment project announced by Protein Industries Canada in June 2019. Along with Corteva Agrisciences Canada and Rowland Farms, Botaneco is commercializing novel processing technology that will be used to develop new value-added plant-based ingredients for the food, feed and personal care markets. To read more about this announcement see link here.

Announced on August 6, the industry’s leading real-time artificial intelligence (AI) semantic search platform provider, FunnelAI, located in Texas, USA, has partnered with the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii), in Edmonton, Canada to expedite FunnelAI’s high-tech innovation and growth to fuel their complex AI solutions for global expansion.

This partnership was a strategic initiative for FunnelAI, championed by one of the co-founders, Suja Kamma, who is a Canadian and an alumni of University of Alberta. Her experience in healthcare and strategy, and her experience understanding, developing, and implementing AI business tools was critical for FunnelAI in solidifying such a strategic partnership. This collaboration expedites FunnelAI’s global expansion to Canada and other countries.

“I couldn’t be more excited to partner with Amii, a leader in machine learning, to build a thriving global business with a machine learning ecosystem. Our AI platform will initially benefit the automotive industry, both dealerships and OEMs, with strategic plans to expand in to other industries,” said Sri Kamma, co-founder and CEO of FunnelAI.

The COVID-19 pandemic, has shown a need for automated and intelligent, yet simple solutions. FunnelAI, supported by Amii, will work to accelerate the development of state-of-the-art technologies for the automotive industry and will later expand to real estate, financial sectors, and other industries. To read more about this announcement see here.

On August 17, Gilead Sciences and Tango Therapeutics agreed to expand their strategic oncology collaboration focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative targeted immune evasion therapies for patients with cancer.

“Since we signed the original agreement two years ago, we have been very pleased with the productivity of the collaboration and with the quality of scientific discovery that has come from this partnership,” said William A. Lee, PhD, Executive Vice President of Research at Gilead Sciences. “We are looking forward to working with Tango to run additional cancer context dependent screens to identify a broader set of targets based on our immuno-oncology strategy.”

To read all about this expanded multi-year collaboration see this link here.