Through ongoing dialogue and engagement with industry, Genome BC works to identify areas where the application of genomics and other life science technologies can solve specific biological challenges facing key economic sectors. This has brought academics, engineers, clinicians, software programmers, entrepreneurs and other highly skilled people together, working toward common goals.
As a result, there is an increased recognition of the potential for commercialization of genomic technologies and the creation of new products – particularly as the cost of “omic” technologies decrease and the technology becomes more accessible. However, the path to commercial success is complex and requires expertise and financial support.
Genome BC has consistently encouraged collaboration between industry and academia to enhance innovation in BC. We work to mobilize the province’s brightest scientific minds (across the spectrum of life and social sciences), as well as technical and engineering talent, and a strong entrepreneurial base to create and support the practical and commercial use of genomics.
As applied and translational research continues to drive positive societal impacts, Genome BC continues to help realize commercial opportunities through the development and implementation of programs designed to accelerate the commercialization of innovative ventures in the life sciences. The programs listed below help develop a new generation of entrepreneurs through mentorship and advisory support from industry leaders and practicing executives at some of Vancouver’s top companies. They provide a critical resource for the acceleration and realization of ideas that produce meaningful social and economic impact in BC and across Canada.
entrepreneurship@UBC — Life Sciences is one of three streams offered by e@UBC’s incubator program. The Life Science Lean LaunchPad Program supports transformational life science and human health ventures, preparing them for investment and growth. During formal programming and one-on-one mentoring, teams are partnered with mentors who guide them through the business model discovery and validation process. The next intake for the Life Science Lean LaunchPad Program will be in the fall 2019. More information is available at https://www.start.entrepreneurship.ubc.ca/
SFU Innovates —From incubation to acceleration, SFU Innovates provides a continuum of resources and support for students and researchers to mobilize their ideas for positive social and economic impact in British Columbia. Genome BC supports SFU Innovates’ Life Science Stream under the Radius and Venture Connections programs. Venture Connections offers early stage start ups with entrepreneurship training, mentorship and resources to move an initial idea through to validation. The Radius program offers validation and growth stage programs for entrepreneurs and ventures looking to help solve pressing social problems. More information is available at http://innovates.vpr.sfu.ca
HyperGrowth:Life — This joint-initiative between the BC Tech Association and Genome BC is aimed at the support and launch of commercial-ready life sciences companies in BC. The program is specifically designed for Health Tech, Life Sciences, and Agritech entrepreneurs to build and run solid growth engines to scale their companies. The six-month revenue and growth accelerator program guides life sciences entrepreneurs to build BC’s next generation of anchor tech companies. The most recent intake is closed; however, you can contact Anastasia Hambalito learn about the next intake for the program. More information about this program can be found at https://wearebctech.com/how-we-help/hypergrowth-life/
Creative Destruction Labs (CDL-West) —The CDL WestHealth Stream serves ambitious teams pursuing commercial opportunities predicated on translational science and technology innovations that improve human health and wellness. This includes innovation areas such as biotechnology, bioinformatics, therapeutics, devices and diagnostics, as well as digital care and education. The stream is tailored towards early-stage companies (early venture or growth) or even projects (pre-incorporation) however, startups at all levels of maturity will be considered. The deadline to apply for CDL-West’s 2019/20 program is August 12, 2019. Learn more at https://www.creativedestructionlab.com/streams/health/
