The University of Alberta, a world leader in medical research, attracts leading innovators from around the world to develop therapies for diabetes, cancer, infectious diseases, heart disease, HIV/AIDS and pediatric illnesses. EEDC supports these efforts by working with our partners to attract more research and venture capital funding to develop products and take them to market.

Learn more about the University of Alberta Hospital though the patients who've experienced it at http://www.edmontonstories

New knowledge-based companies become established in Edmonton through the incubator programs of the Edmonton Research Park, managed by EEDC, and TEC Edmonton, a joint-venture of the University of Alberta and EEDC. 

Innovators in Health

Greater Edmonton is home to the 4th-largest bio-research community in Canada, and is home to more than half of Alberta's 200 biotechnology companies. They include:

• Afexa Life Sciences Inc., which achieved Canadian market success with COLD-FX® flu and cold remedy.
• DynaLife DX, which provides state-of-the-art medical laboratory and diagnostic services to central and northern Alberta.

Expertise in Infectious Disease

• The Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology at the University of Alberta is a $100M facility funded by the Li Ka Shing (Canada) Foundation and the Government of Alberta with additional funding from GlaxoSmithKlin. The Institute is home to leading researchers working on Adenoviruses, Flaviviruses, Hepatitis B & C, Herpes viruses, Influenza viruses, Pox viruses and Rubella virus.

Macro Opportunities for Nanotechnology

Canada’s National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT) is one of the jewels in the crown of Edmonton’s scientific research community. NINT was established on the U of A campus in 2001, and moved into one of the world’s most advanced research laboratories on the campus in 2006. NINT's Business Development Office assists Edmonton-based nanotechnology firms. The goal is to develop a cluster of nanotechnology companies using and producing nanotech.

EEDC has also facilitated the development of an Edmonton Nanotechnology Industry Alliance. The purpose of the alliance is to create value for regional companies in the Nanotechnology/Microtechnology space. This is being achieved by identifying common needs, sharing best practices and resources, working with other industry and service provider groups to create a strong environment for technology commercialization, and communicating needs to government. 

Agriculture and Environmental Breakthroughs

Alberta’s historical agricultural base has provided a solid foundation for agricultural research. Results achieved include healthier, more resistant grains, more effective pest control, and improved food safety.

Environmental science researchers are concentrating on water and air quality, and developing new applications for renewable natural products.

Current Life Science Capital Projects

• Biotechnology Business Development Centre at the Edmonton Research Park is the multi-tenant wet lab for start-up companies in the biomedicine and biotechnology industry cluster.
• Alberta Food Processing Development Centre at Leduc is a fully equipped pilot plant and product development laboratory.
• Agri-Food Discovery Place (AFDP) houses the Meat Safety and Processing Research Centre and the Crop Utilization and Enhanced Materials Research Centre.
• Zeidler Ledcor Centre provides specialty services in gastroenterology, clinical trials, and teaching.
• Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute houses the Alberta Cardiovascular and Stroke Research Centre. The state of the art medical facility has attracted numerous prominent doctors to Edmonton. The institute promises to become a world leader in heart-related research with up to $100 million being spent annually by 2012.
• Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science will bring together teams from across the Faculty of Science in pursuit of innovation and discovery.

To get connected to opportunities in Edmonton call or email:

Jeff Matthews
780.409.0458
1.800.661.6965
JMatthews@edmonton.com