March 26, 2026 - Hello BioLinks readers!

This week:

• Launch of the UBC Catalyst Ventures Fund
• Upcoming regional showcase series - Victoria and Prince George
• Smartwatches as early warning systems for heart failure

The Province, InBC and UBC launch the UBC Catalyst Ventures Fund

As one of the largest of its kind in Canada, this investment initiative of up to $40 million will support companies emerging from UBC research. The fund is backed by $10 million each from InBC and UBC, with additional private investment. The announcement was made this week at Aspect Biosystems, which is rooted in UBC innovation. Read more.

Beyond Vancouver: LSBC Showcase Series Hits the Road

Here at LSBC, we aim to advance BC's life sciences ecosystem, and that means showing up everywhere great science is happening. Our Showcase Series brings LSBC directly to regional communities to spotlight the innovations and researchers driving the sector. Join us in Victoria on March 30 at the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort, and in Prince George on April 15 at the Marriott Courtyard to learn more about what’s happening in life sciences beyond Metro Vancouver. Learn more.

Smartwatches as Early Warning Systems for Heart Failure

A new study by researchers at the University Health Network published in Nature Medicine found that consumer smartwatches like the Apple Watch can detect early signs of worsening heart failure days to weeks before a patient requires emergency care. Using an AI model to analyze real-world wearable data, researchers found that a 10% or greater drop in daily cardiopulmonary fitness was linked to a more than three-fold increased risk of unplanned hospitalization. The findings point to a future where continuous, passive monitoring could allow clinicians to intervene earlier and keep patients out of the hospital.  (Canadian Healthcare Technology).

Member Highlights 

Variational AI announces that Enamine has joined the Agora Open Science Trust collaboration focused on discovering novel inhibitors to treat a rare neuromuscular disorder. The collaboration brings together open-science drug discovery with AI-driven molecular design, synthesis, and biological testing. Project data generated through the program will be shared openly in keeping with Agora’s open science model. Read more.

InMed Pharmaceuticals announced new preclinical data in human brain organoid models of Alzheimer’s disease. These studies represent a key step in translating prior animal model results into a human-relevant system, helping to de-risk the INM-901 program ahead of a first-in-human clinical trial. The in vitro human organoid models represent some of the closest approximations to human brain tissue currently available, incorporating a complex cellular environment relevant to neurodegenerative disease. Read more.

Innovation UBC’s 2026 Investor Showcase is set for April 14 at UBC Robson Square, featuring 12 high-potential ventures founded by UBC researchers. Together, they represent the breadth and quality of research translation emerging from UBC's Faculties of Applied Science, Medicine, Science, and Land and Food Systems. If you're an investor looking for early access to high-potential startups raising Seed to Series A, this is the room to be in. Learn more.

Ecosystem Highlights 

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Healthcare Excellence Canada (HEC) are collaborating to advance primary care by supporting teams in putting evidence-based innovations into practice nationwide. With a $3 million investment from CIHR and implementation support from HEC, this initiative aims to improve access to care, enhance quality and ease pressure on emergency departments, particularly for Canadians without a regular primary care provider. Read more.

Kudos

Congratulations to Dr. Miffy Hok Yan Cheng on being recognized as a 2026 Terry Fox New Investigator and named the Dr. Victor Ling Terry Fox New Investigator, awarded to the top-ranked recipient in Canada. Read more

People on the Move

Idorsia nominated Dr. Natalia Misciattelli, Gabriel Baertschi, and André C. Muller to its Board of Directors. These leaders bring deep expertise across biopharmaceutical innovation, global operations, and corporate strategy, further strengthening the company’s leadership as it advances its pipeline and long-term growth. Read more

Congratulations to Aadith Penmetsa for being appointed as the Senior Director, Portfolio Strategy & Evaluation at Zymeworks Inc. Read more

Applications Open

The Regional Defence Investment Initiative, a national program supporting projects that strengthen Canada’s defence and dual use industries is accepting applications. In British Columbia, PacifiCan is delivering $67.5 million over three years with funding ranging from $100,000 to $10 million per project. Applications are now open until April 15, 2026. Learn more.

Applications are now open for the Prix Galien Canada Product Innovation Award, recognizing a drug that has made a significant contribution to patient care in Canada. Eligible products must have been launched within the past 1 to 5 years, demonstrate breakthrough innovation and show strong impacts in terms of efficacy, safety and overall benefits to patients. Submissions are accepted until July 15, 2026. Learn more

Submissions are now being accepted for the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award, recognizing medical students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to advancing healthcare in Canada. Application deadline is May 8, 2026.  Learn more

See our expanded list of current life sciences opportunities on our website.

Membership Spotlight

Beazley Group is a specialist insurer with three decades of experience in providing clients with the highest standards of underwriting and claims service worldwide. All their insurance businesses are rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best. Beazley is a proud participant in the Lloyd’s market, the largest and oldest insurance market in the world. Through the Lloyd’s broker network and the market’s trading licenses, they are able to access a wide range of insurance and reinsurance businesses from around the world. Learn more

Until next week!

LSBC Team

March 30 - The Life Sciences BC Showcase Series: Vancouver Island highlights the latest life sciences research and innovation on the Island, bringing together sector leaders, researchers, and industry professionals for an evening of insights and networking.



May 11-14 - The Web Summit is one of the worlds largest and most influential technology gatherings. In collaboration with our partners, Life Sciences BC is supporting and initiating a range of activities around Web Summit Vancouver to facilitate connection, visibility, and engagement across the life sciences sector.

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Executive Assistant

The role supports executive scheduling, communications, meeting coordination, document preparation, research, follow-up tracking, and related administrative activities that help leadership manage priorities efficiently and professionally... Learn more

Grant/Medical Writer

The position focuses on translating complex research into clear, compelling proposals, coordinating with researchers or clients, and supporting funding submissions in a life sciences setting... Learn more

Business Development and Sales Associate

This role requires supporting client outreach, build partnerships, and help grow business opportunities within the life sciences sector... Learn more

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