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September 23, 2024
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi officially declared Life Sciences Week (September 23-27) in Edmonton at a local industry event today, recognizing the importance, achievements and future potential of the life sciences sector to our city and region. As home to Canada’s largest, fully integrated healthcare system and close to 300 life science companies, the sector plays a vital role in the regional economy.
Through the Edmonton Edge Fund, the City is tapping into this potential by supporting local entrepreneurs and their innovative business ventures. Future Fields, 48Hour Discovery and OligomicsTX are recent Edge Fund recipients that are developing new methods and research to develop cutting-edge therapies, create new leads that address unmet medical needs and innovate biotechnologies.
“Edmonton’s life sciences sector is part of a strong, growing and creative community that’s developing new technologies and scientific breakthroughs,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “Through the Edmonton Edge Fund, the City is able to support more local entrepreneurs and scientists to accelerate their research, development and business ideas.”
The Edmonton Edge Fund addresses financial barriers for innovative businesses and non-profit organizations doing transformative work in Edmonton, work that helps drive economic growth in this key industry. Knowledge and tools developed by this industry are widely used in agriculture, resource management, health and wellness, technology and business.
“We are most excited about the potential to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” said Jeff Miller, CEO of OligomicsTx. “That means having initiatives like Edmonton Edge that validate the efforts and help build momentum as we meet with investors and strategic partners around the world.”
The life sciences sector is essential to the Edmonton Metro Region’s prosperity and quality of life. The City’s pilot Edge Fund, is creating conditions that promote Edmonton’s competitive advantage in the industry, enhance Edmonton’s appeal to innovators and encourage businesses to grow and stay in our city.
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