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Message from B.C.’s minister of jobs, economic recovery and innovation
A PLAN TO GROW B.C. INNOVATION
Collaboration crucial to supporting a strong innovation system
RAVI KAHLON
British Columbia’s growing life sciences industry is at the forefront of developments in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, medical devices and medical technology. B.C. is home to world-class talent and companies producing first-rate products and services in the areas of HIV-AIDS, oncology and genomics, and they continue to play a pivotal role responding to the impacts of the pandemic.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, life sciences and biotech companies around the globe have responded with leadership and innovation, and British Columbia’s sector is no exception. Our life sciences sector is proud to contribute to cutting-edge research and the development of therapeutics, tools and essential equipment that has served in the fight against COVID-19.
B.C. companies have shown grit and innovation, using science to turn the tide on the pandemic by supporting vaccine development and the production of personal protective equipment and ventilators.
With nearly 2,000 companies and more than 50 research centres, British Columbia is one of the largest, most dynamic clusters of life sciences and biotech organizations in Canada. The province is well-positioned to continue to develop breakthrough innovations, products and processes that address key societal issues and transform people’s lives.
As we continue to recover and rebuild from the pandemic, B.C. is making bold plans to shape a different kind of economy – one that is sustainable, inclusive, innovative and oriented to solving problems that matter to people and the planet.
One way we are working to drive our economy forward is through InBC – a first-of-its-kind $500-million strategic investment fund to help promising B.C. companies grow innovation, attract investment and create jobs, while ensuring the province remains competitive.
And to make sure B.C. remains resilient, our innovation commissioner is the province’s champion for technology and innovation, and promotes it across all regions and sectors of the economy to ensure long-term growth.
Collaboration is crucial to success, and it is essential that the private, public and academic sectors continue to work together for a strong and sustainable innovation system.
In the months ahead, British Columbians will help us develop a new economic plan that builds on our strong foundation. As we move forward, key sectors such as life sciences, tech and innovation, healthcare, natural resources and, most importantly, our people, will help us get to where we want to be.
In the near future, I look forward to visiting life sciences and biotech companies throughout the province to witness the groundbreaking work they continue to do and how they can support the province toward a future that’s innovative, sustainable and inclusive.
The Honourable Ravi Kahlon is B.C.’s minister of jobs, economic recovery and innovation.
Research & Bioengineering
www.notchtx.com | 778-654-8588 | info@notchtx.com
Notch is developing renewable, stem cell-derived immunotherapies, with initial focus on cancer. We believe that cell therapies can bring value to patients and healthcare systems by being safe, effective and accessible.
