University of Calgary's Life Sciences Innovation Hub receives funding from the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund

The University of Calgary is receiving $8.5 million for programming to support turning advanced research into business opportunities at the new Life Sciences Innovation Hub.

Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) made the announcement today at the Hub with Dr. Ed McCauley, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Calgary, Mayor Naheed Nenshi, and Barry Munro, chair of the Board of Directors for OCIF.

“This funding is critical to the development of our new Life Sciences Innovation Hub at the University Research Park, a place that accelerates cross-disciplinary projects in discovery and innovation,” said Dr. McCauley. “The university leads the way in advancing the emerging life sciences sector and diversifying Calgary’s economy. Whether we are investigating the human microbiome or supporting best practices in production animal health, we are driving innovation based on discoveries for the benefit of Calgary and Alberta.”

The Life Sciences Innovation Hub is forecast to incubate 20 to 40 life sciences companies per year. A key element of the Hub is supporting research with a commercialization focus for both early-stage incubator companies as well as growing and developing companies occupying their own space in the building. The Hub was first unveiled last November and is scheduled to open in July.

“Life sciences is a critical component of our economic strategy and we already have a great university doing groundbreaking work,” said Mayor Nenshi. “This funding will help us bring that groundbreaking work to market, creating jobs and a more resilient economy.”

The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund was launched by The City of Calgary in April 2018 to support investments within the city that spur growth and create jobs in strategic sectors. Life sciences is one of the sectors identified for growth in the economic strategy, Calgary in the New Economy.

OCIF funding will support specialized programming for entrepreneurs and companies at the Hub. It was not used to acquire or refurbish the building.

“Some of the most advanced research in the world is being done at the University of Calgary. There is a tremendous opportunity to leverage that research and create the next great life sciences companies in Calgary,” said Munro. “That is what we plan to achieve with the OCIF investment: fund the programs to build the skills to transition to the business world — and to help attract global capital to support these companies and entrepreneurs.”

A steering committee will be created to advise UCalgary on programming at the Life Sciences Innovation Hub that will include industry, Calgary Economic Development, the University of Calgary, Innovate Calgary and Creative Destruction Lab (CDL-Rockies).