Life Sciences

Manitoba’s life sciences ecosystem is powered by nationally and internationally recognized research facilities and a strong talent pipeline. This includes:

• The National Microbiology Lab: Canada’s only Level 4 infectious disease laboratory is a world-leading public health institution under the Public Health Agency of Canada, specializing in infectious disease study and containment.
• University of Manitoba: Pioneers research in new treatments, vaccines and innovative interventions for communicable and chronic diseases.
• Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research: This world-class facility provides expertise in traditional and innovative food processing to advance food quality and human nutrition.
• Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine (CCARM): Partnership between University of Manitoba, The University of Winnipeg and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, focusing on functional food and nutraceutical research.
• PrairieNeuro Research Centre: Integrates top experts in neurobiology, behavioural neuroscience, neurosurgery, neurology, psychiatry, neuroradiology, neurogenomics and computational neuroscience.
• St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre: Home to the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (ICS), one of the world’s leading cardiovascular research programs.
• Chronic Disease Innovation Centre: Located at Seven Oaks Hospital, specializes in enhancing patient care and developing innovative healthcare technologies.
• A strong talent pipeline and industry support: Manitoba’s academic institutions offer diverse programs in biology, chemistry and life sciences, ensuring a steady flow of skilled graduates into the workforce.
• Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM): Advocates for more than 150 members in health, agricultural and cleantech biotechnology, fostering local and global partnerships, and providing resources and training for commercial success.

Winnipeg has internationally recognized strengths in biomedical and life sciences research, particularly in infectious disease, immunology, cancer, genetics, vaccine development and precision medicine.

The University of Manitoba's Research and Innovation ecosystem is anchored by leading researchers and specialized facilities, including the National Microbiology Laboratory, which is part of the Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health. The facility conducts research on some of the world's most serious infectious diseases and supports Canada's preparedness for emerging health threats.

Winnipeg is also home to the Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, supporting research into disease mechanisms, biomarkers and therapeutic targets. These capabilities provide a foundation for collaboration between researchers, healthcare organizations and industry.

Together, Winnipeg's research infrastructure creates opportunities to move discoveries from the laboratory to clinical application and commercial markets, supported by a strong network of researchers, healthcare professionals and innovation partners.

Winnipeg offers access to a highly skilled talent base spanning biomedical research, biotechnology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, engineering and data science. The city's universities, colleges and health institutions continually develop the specialized workforce required by the life sciences sector.

The University of Manitoba provides advanced training in medicine, pharmacy, science, engineering and biomedical research, while RRC Polytech develops applied skills in laboratory sciences, health technologies and related technical fields.

Winnipeg's concentration of research institutions and healthcare organizations also creates opportunities for students and researchers to gain practical experience through clinical research, laboratory work and industry partnerships.

For growing companies, this combination of specialized graduates, experienced researchers and healthcare professionals provides a strong foundation for scaling life sciences operations and attracting new talent.

Winnipeg's life sciences sector is supported by a strong combination of research expertise, specialized infrastructure, clinical capabilities and commercialization opportunities. The region's strengths in biotechnology, infectious disease, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics and health technology create opportunities across the life sciences value chain.

Companies can access federal and provincial programs supporting research, development, commercialization, investment and workforce development, including the Manitoba Research and Development Tax Credit and federal R&D and innovation programs.

Winnipeg also offers access to specialized research infrastructure and opportunities to collaborate with universities, hospitals, government laboratories and industry. The concentration of these assets can help companies reduce development timelines and connect more efficiently with research and clinical partners.

Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism can help life sciences companies identify locations, navigate available incentives and connect with research, talent, investment and commercialization partners across the ecosystem.