Atlantic Canada’s bioscience sector continues to grow at an impressive pace, creating jobs and driving innovation across the region. To support this momentum, the Government of Canada is investing in the Emergence Bioscience Business Incubator, a key initiative that provides critical commercialization and mentorship services to bioscience companies across the region.
Supporting the Future of Bioscience in Atlantic Canada
Today, Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, announced a $2,569,000 investment to support the delivery of Emergence 4.0 by the Prince Edward Island BioAlliance. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
This investment will enhance the capacity of Emergence to support the formation and growth of innovative bioscience companies that are leading the way in Atlantic Canada. Emergence will continue to develop its mentorship network, increasing access to investment opportunities, and supporting bioscience firms in navigating commercialization and regulatory pathways.
This investment is another demonstration of the Government of Canada’s commitment to fostering regional innovation and driving economic growth through strategic investments in high-potential sectors.
“Atlantic Canada’s bioscience industry is driving cutting-edge innovation and creating great opportunities across our region. By supporting Emergence 4.0, your federal government, through ACOA, is making sure that our bioscience entrepreneurs have the tools they need to succeed and compete globally.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Emergence has been a cornerstone of the bioscience industry in Atlantic Canada, helping innovative companies scale and thrive. This investment will ensure that bioscience startups and high-growth firms continue to benefit from world-class mentorship, commercialization expertise, and investment support”
- Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown
“The bioscience sector in Atlantic Canada is growing rapidly, and Emergence is proud to support the innovative companies and entrepreneurs driving this momentum. This investment enables us to expand our mentorship programs, strengthen commercialization support, and help emerging companies access the capital and expertise they need to grow and succeed. We look forward to continuing to build a sustainable, highly innovative, and globally competitive bioscience ecosystem.”
- Jason Cleaversmith, Executive Director, Incubation and Infrastructure, PEI BioAlliance
The Prince Edward Island BioAlliance is the private sector-led not-for-profit organization that is responsible for developing and coordinating the strategy for the growth of the Prince Edward Island Bioscience Cluster.
Emergence provides a suite of specialized business incubation and acceleration services to bioscience companies, helping firms access mentorship, regulatory guidance, investment networks, and commercialization support.
Since July 2022, Emergence has helped more than 82 bioscience companies with mentorship, investment support, and commercialization services, contributing to a stronger bioscience ecosystem in Atlantic Canada.
In this same period, Emergence programming helped participating companies raise more than $150 million in capital, enabling them to achieve over $250 million in sales revenue.
Emergence has facilitated connections between bioscience startups and major funding. sources, including Island Capital Partners, Sandpiper Ventures, and Keiretsu Forum, helping companies raise millions in investment and accelerate their commercialization efforts.
Funding for this project is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
