February 01, 2022
Six out of seven technologies to watch in 2022 are related to genomics according to a recent article in Nature. The continued innovation of genomic technologies heightens recognition of the potential for commercialization 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.
Since inception in 2000, Genome British Columbia has worked collaboratively with industry and academia to enhance innovation in BC. One of our passions has been to mobilize the province’s brightest scientific minds (across the spectrum of life and social sciences), as well as technical and engineering talent and BC’s 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 accelerating the commercialization of innovative ventures in the life sciences.
Genome BC is proud to support the programs listed below to 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. More information is available at https://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 https://www.sfu.ca/research/sfu-innovates
Creative Destruction Labs (CDL-Vancouver) —CDL Vancouver 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. Learn more at https://www.creativedestructionlab.com/locations/vancouver/
Praxis Spinal Cord Institute — Praxis is a Canadian-based not-for-profit organization that leads global collaboration in spinal cord injury research, innovation and care. They accelerate the translation of discoveries and best practices into improved treatments for people with spinal cord injuries. Learn more at https://praxisinstitute.org/what-we-fund/
FORESIGHT Canada — Foresight is Canada’s cleantech accelerator. Working in partnership with global paper products leader CMPC and Genome BC a new program called bioNEXT has been launched. BioNEXT is a sector-specific, ecosystem-based accelerator established by Foresight to drive development and scaling of Canadian ventures in the bioeconomy. BioNEXT brings partners together to explore how to use renewable biological resources to provide products, processes, and services that align with a sustainable economic system. Learn more at https://foresightcac.com/our-sectors/bionext/
The Coast Capital Innovation Centre — The University of Victoria’s on-campus venture incubator helps entrepreneurs receive fundamental support and mentorship to take business concepts from idea to investor ready. We provide tools, expertise and space on campus to help entrepreneurs develop their ideas and partner clients with advisors and mentors from outside the university who provide valuable input and connections. Learn more at https://www.uvic.ca/innovation/
