Government of Canada investing in two key bioscience initiatives to boost innovation and strengthen Prince Edward Island's position as a bioscience leader
March 10, 2022 · Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
PEI's bioscience community has become an important source of economic growth and opportunity for the province. Driven by a collaborative innovation ecosystem made up of research institutions, government and private business, the sector has more than doubled its economic impact in the province since 2016. The Government of Canada knows that access to advanced training and infrastructure is critical to maintaining the region's leading position in the industry and attracting companies in a globally competitive market.
Key pieces of PEI's bioscience innovation ecosystem
Today, the honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced a total federal investment of $3,835,000 for two projects in PEI's bioscience innovation ecosystem.
ACOA is providing a $2,335,000 contribution to the PEI BioAlliance to establish the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) biopharmaceutical manufacturing training facility in Charlottetown. The purchase of bioprocessing equipment and related fit-up to the facility will support skills development for the sector and benefit a broad range of trainees ranging from new students to highly experienced industry workers.
ACOA will also provide $1.5 million to support the design and construction of the Bioscience Manufacturing Incubator. The new facility will help address the pilot-scale manufacturing infrastructure gap that currently exists in Prince Edward Island and create greater opportunities for PEI bioscience companies to find commercial viability.
Today's announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce and strengthening the national capacity of Canada's biomanufacturing sector to ensure the success and sustainability of the industry.
