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24%
of Canadian trials are conducted in Alberta
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1st
province in Canada to institute a province-wide electronic health record system
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10,000 square feet
the world’s largest germ-free facility for microbiome research is in Calgary
Leading the future of health
Calgary companies are developing solutions ranging from bioabsorbable brain stents and nanomedicine to cancer therapies, animal health and digital health tools.
We also have Canada’s largest comprehensive cancer centre, a provincially integrated clinical information system, the world’s largest germ-free facility, and world-renowned research and clinical programs in neurology, oncology, microbiome and biomechanics. Our world-class research and treatment facilities include:
- Alberta Children’s Hospital
- Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre
- Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary
- Canadian Sport Institute’s Product Testing Lab
- Human Performance Lab at the University of Calgary
- International Microbiome Centre
Emerging strengths in health and life sciences
Calgary’s life sciences sector is on a fast growth trajectory, driven by world-class research at the University of Calgary and a surge of commercialization activity. This is a city where applied science is scaling clinical solutions in human and animal health.
Subsectors driving growth
Biotechnology
Digital health
Diagnostics
Medical devices manufacturing
Microbiome research
Oncology
A growing life sciences ecosystem
The Life Sciences Innovation Hub
The University of Calgary’s innovation hub helps research-intensive companies bring viable products and services to market by providing access to infrastructure, expertise and startup services. It features 35,000 square feet of wet and dry lab space, access to equipment and trained technicians.
Biohubx
Not-for-profit Biohubx offers mentorship, resources and space to create a supportive environment for scaling health ventures. It also provides infrastructure and network support for multinational pharma and medical device companies to successfully establish a presence in Alberta.
IMPACT
IMPACT is a program for new life sciences or biomedical ventures that want to commercialize their inventions, conduct clinical trials and secure regulatory approval.
Creative Destructions Lab (CDL)
CDL is a global startup program for seed-stage, science-based companies. CDL-Rockies, at the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business, uses an objective-driven mentoring process. The program brings together some of the region’s most experienced entrepreneurs, investors and scientists from healthcare, energy, software, hardware and ag-tech.
Plug and Play Alberta
This innovation platform supports Alberta's entrepreneurs with scaling their businesses, hiring talent and driving digital transformation. One of its focus areas is digital health technologies that challenge clinical practices, improve data analytics and enhance the continuum of care.
Platform Calgary
A non-profit, member-based organization that brings together the resources of Calgary's tech ecosystem to help startups launch and grow.
Diagnostics
Alberta Precision Exchange (APEX)
This not-for-profit foundation curates and moderates agreements between subject matter experts, innovators, manufacturers and institutions operating in an IP-protected environment. The agreements enable Alberta’s emerging diagnostic technologies to move quickly from idea to real-world tools.
Alberta Centre for Advanced Diagnostics (ACAD)
ACAD provides access to biological samples, clinical data and expertise, and regulatory support to enable the development and adoption of clinical diagnostic technologies.
Alberta Real World Evidence Consortium
The consortium comprises an expert research team from the Universities of Alberta and Calgary and the Institute of Health Economics. It facilitates health-focused, real-world research projects, generating a wide range of evidence, including:
- Incidence and prevalence of disease in specific populations
- Treatment patterns (sequencing, adherence and persistence, safety monitoring, comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness).
Oncology
Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre
This is Canada’s largest cancer treatment and research facility and the second-largest in North America, offering multidisciplinary care and access to a full range of services. The centre, which opened in October 2024, features 160 inpatient beds and more than 9,200 square meters of dedicated research space.
Alberta Cancer Registry (ACR)
The ACR collects information on patients diagnosed or treated in Alberta. Data collected includes demographic, initial treatment, mortality and tumour information. Treatment data focuses on the occurrence of surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The information is used to support cancer monitoring, research, and care programs.
Alberta Cancer Research BioBank (ACRB)
The ACRB is a large, open-access collection of samples from various cancer types. The samples are available to medical researchers working to answer questions about cancer prevention, prognosis and treatment.
Precision oncology and experimental therapeutics (POET)
POET is a one-of-a-kind program that integrates the latest groundbreaking cancer research with microbiome research, which will lead to a higher degree of personalized cancer assessment and care.
Resources
The latest resources related to Calgary’s life sciences sector.
Reports
Life Sciences Sector Profile
Find quick facts, local success stories and more in this industry profile.
Life Sciences Value Proposition Competitiveness Study (2021)
An in-depth review of Calgary’s strengths and competitiveness in life sciences, and how it compares to other North American cities.
Life Sciences in Alberta: State of the Industry
A review of the current status and trends related to the nature, health, economic contribution, innovation and outlook for Alberta’s life sciences sector.
News
Team Calgary partners
We’re proud to work with these organizations to create sustained economic growth for Calgary.
