Life Sciences
Advancing world-class health and life sciences R&D, innovation, and commercialization
Explore Halifax's Life Sciences and Health Sector
Halifax features a growing health and life sciences industry with major research centres, leading hospitals, and a vibrant post-secondary sector that supports R&D and commercialization.
More than 100 companies across a range of industries, from medical devices to digital health to bioproducts.
Emerging medical technology cluster bolstered by Halifax's IT strengths and vibrant innovation ecosystem.
A critical mass of students and scientists undertaking R&D in areas like neurology, multi-organ transplants, cardiology, and cancer research.
Heavily export-focused featuring partnerships with multinational biotechnology giants including Pfizer, Merck, Canada Ltd., Abbott Laboratories, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson.
I know the potential of the growing of Life Sciences on the east coast. I believe the Atlantic region will become a ‘life sciences Silicon Valley.’
- Ali Mousavi, Co-Founder & CEO, MOC Biotechnologie
The Halifax Advantage
with 2,000+ companies, ranging from startups to multinationals in the Halifax Innovation District.
anchor institutions, and state-of-the-art incubator facilities such as the QEII Health Sciences Centre, Life Sciences Research Institute, the Brain Repair Centre, National Research Council, Genome Atlantic, and Innovacorp Enterprise Centre.
and do business across European, North American, and Caribbean time zones all on the same day.
including fibre optic networks with gigabit connections, a self-generating power grid, and reliable, fast, and secure data transmission between North America and Europe through the EXA Atlantic and EXA Express transatlantic cables at >53 Tbps.
Download the Sector Snapshot
Learn more about Halifax's life science sector, and discover why Halifax is the right location for your business.
Incentives
Whether starting, relocating or expanding a business, you will benefit from a number of incentives at both the federal and provincial level to help you invest in Halifax. We’ll be glad to assist you in identifying the ones that best suit your needs.
Genome Atlantic
Through research competitions, Genome Canada provides up to 50% of project funding. Genome Atlantic has enabled nearly $100 million in research across Canada since its inception in 2000.
Learn More about Genome Atlantic>
Healthcare Venture Fund
The Healthcare Venture Fund allocates $270 million to develop innovations in precision medicine, biotech, and medical imaging. The fund is focused on supporting existing portfolio companies.
Industry Associations and Organizations
After moving your business to Halifax get connected with groups of like-minded individuals through local industry associations and organizations. Expand your networks, gain access to the benefits and find solutions to industry problems together.