Health Industries in Edmonton

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 www.edmontonstories.ca.

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, with more than 200 biotechnology companies. They include:

• BioMS, which signed a $400 million partnership with Eli Lilly to develop their MS drug.
• Afexa Life Sciences Inc., which achieved Canadian market success with COLD-FX® flu and cold remedy.

Macro Opportunities for Nanotechnology

Canada’s National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT) is the jewel 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.

Edmonton’s industry and research communities are collaborating in unprecedented ways to create a fertile research environment for software development, micro-electronic manufacturing, and nanotechnology. These innovations are produce positive benefits in healthcare and beyond.

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 is the multi-tenant wet lab for start-up companies in the biomedicine and biotechnology industry cluster.
• 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.
• National Institute for Nanotechnology is the world’s most technologically advanced research facilities and will house the quietest laboratory space in Canada.
• Health Research Innovation Facility, the east wing is for diabetes and transplant researchers, with labs for islet-cell transplant teams. The west wing is for biomedical researchers.
• 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.

Contact:

Jeff Matthews
Economic Development Officer
780.917.7644
1.800.661.6965
JMatthews@edmonton.com