“The greatest challenges the world faces: food security, climate change, loss of biodiversity, the aging population and disease can all ultimately be addressed through biology-based research.”

— Dr. Mark Downs, CEO of the British Society of Biology, March 2011

In the 20th Century, physics and electronics led many of the most important innovations in technology. In this century, biology and medicine are likely to be the leaders, and thousands of Edmontonians are already playing their part. Edmonton is home to the fourth-largest bio-research community in Canada and to more than half of Alberta’s 200 biotechnology companies.

Edmonton’s assets for innovation in life sciences:

• The University of Alberta attracts leading researchers from around the world to develop therapies for diabetes, cancer, infectious diseases, heart disease, HIV/AIDS and children’s diseases.
• Under construction for planned completion in 2012, the Edmonton Clinic is a partnership between Alberta Health Services and the U of A. Its vision is combine patient care with an interdisciplinary approach to health sciences education and research.
• The University of Alberta Hospital is a leading clinical, research and teaching hospital, that includes the Stollery Children’s Hospital and the Mazankowski Alberta Health Institute. Neighbouring facilities include the Cross Cancer Institute and numerous U of A assets, including major research centres for diabetes, virology, bio-engineering and nanotechnology.
• Edmonton Research Park is home to 55 innovation-driven small and medium companies, including:
  • EMD Serono Canada, with 150 employees, is a leader of the Canadian biotech-pharma industry.
  • Clean Keys produces easy-to-disinfect keyboards and other products for clinical settings.
  • Innovotechdevelops tests for human bacterial infections—including cystic fibrosis, lung disease, pneumonia and other chronic infectious diseases.
  • Innovative Trauma Care develops life-saving technologies for medics, soldiers and first responders.
  • Exciton Technologies manufactures bandages and dressings that exploit the anti-microbial properties of silver.
  • Rehabtronicsdevelops devices for people with movement impairment resulting from stroke, spinal cord, brain and other neurological injuries.
  • NanoSpeed Diagnostics Inc. is developing self-tests for blood levels of vitamin D, thyroid hormone levels and minerals.
  • Madentecdesigns and manufactures products that help people with disabilities to use a computer. 
  • Picomole Instruments develops ultra-sensitive breath analysis technology capable of detecting cancers, asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, tuberculosis and schizophrenia.

Resources for Innovators

Alberta Innovates offers a single point of contact for provincial research services. Alberta Innovates continues the work of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, a nationally important funder of health research.

To learn more about life sciences in Edmonton, contact:

Jeff Matthews
780.409.0458
1.800.661.6965
JMatthews@edmonton.com