Sector Strengths
Life Sciences Innovation
Saskatchewan’s life sciences sector is built on a strong foundation in plant and animal research, leveraging the province’s leadership in agriculture to protect crops, livestock and the public from disease, fostering a healthier population.
VIDO
Saskatchewan is home to the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan, a world-renowned research institution that has been at the forefront of vaccine development and immunity-enhancing technologies for almost 50 years.
VIDO is establishing itself as Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research, spearheading advancements in vaccine manufacturing with cutting-edge infrastructure. VIDO will also soon house Canada’s only non-government containment level 4 facility, which will enable scientists to work with any pathogen.
- 8 commercialized vaccines with 6 described as world firsts
- Helped more than 200 companies develop over 400 vaccines and therapeutics in last 5 years
Fedoruk Centre
Since the 1950s, Saskatchewan has pioneered nuclear science, with the Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation (Fedoruk Centre)’s groundbreaking research at the University of Saskatchewan setting a global standard in nuclear medicine and cancer treatment. The Fedoruk Centre continues this legacy, a facility that includes a 24 MeV cyclotron that enables research into novel radiopharmaceuticals and innovative nuclear imaging to advance cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease research and care.
- Saskatchewan's sole producer of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), a nuclear imaging agent required by regional hospitals for PET-CT scans to diagnose cancer and plan treatments
- To date, the Fedoruk Centre has awarded over $7.8M in grants to support 50 nuclear research projects led by Saskatchewan scientists
Canadian Light Source
Canadian Light Source (CLS) is a major national research facility and home to Canada’s only synchrotron — a powerful instrument that enables scientists to study the structural and chemical properties of materials at the molecular level, advancing discoveries and technologies that transform our world. CLS enables researchers to focus on drug development, protein crystallography and biomedical imaging, advancing breakthroughs in innovative health, agriculture, environment and advanced materials research.
- More than 6,000 researchers have used CLS for incredible discoveries from creating new cancer-fighting drugs to developing climate-resistant crops
- Enabled scientific advancements in COVID-19, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, HIV, cystic fibrosis, new drug development, antibiotic resistance, malaria, stroke and toxoplasmosis
Life Sciences Research in Saskatchewan
Our province has strong specialized research expertise in infectious diseases, vaccine development, advanced biomedical imaging, oncology, neuroscience and cardiovascular health.
Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF)
Provincial agency that funds, supports and promotes the impact of health research that matters to Saskatchewan people. Current areas of focus include child and youth health, rural and remote health, lung health and brain health.
Saskatchewan Centre for Patient-Oriented Research (SCPOR)
Partnership of organizations supporting and advancing patient-oriented research in Saskatchewan and addressing pressing health concerns in the province.
Institute for Microbial Systems and Society (IMSS)
Functional genomics lab studying the genetic makeup, gene expression and gene function in microbial organisms, advancing interdisciplinary research of microbial resistance in agriculture, life sciences and mining.
Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory (RRPL)
Central provincial public health hub providing specialized screening and diagnostic testing, water testing, reference testing and conduct of communicable disease detection, surveillance, infection control and prevention.
Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC)
Second largest research and technology organization in Canada, providing a variety of services to the life sciences sector, including crop, wildlife and environmental DNA testing, water testing, cannabis and cannabis products testing, methamphetamine residue testing and radon testing.
Saskatchewan Cancer Agency
Key partner in the fight against cancer, hosting world-class researchers, providing bench and clinical research, including clinical trials, and epidemiological research.
Clinical Trial Support Unit (CTSU)
Joint initiative of the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and SCPOR that collaborates to advance medical research by providing expert support for clinical trials.
Genome Prairie
Non-profit organization supporting stakeholders capturing and maximizing the benefits of advanced research in genomics and related biosciences, including agriculture, human and animal health and the environment.
Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM)
The leading hub for veterinary education, research and expertise in Western Canada, this internationally recognized college at the University of Saskatchewan plays a vital role in Canada’s veterinary, public health and food safety networks.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic Bioscience Applied Research Centre (BARC)
Facility that provides access to applied research expertise led by experienced instructors and research personnel. The facility specializes in agricultural bioscience, analytical chemistry, instrumentation, biochemistry, microbiology and molecular biology.
Saskatchewan’s Life Science Leaders
Saskatchewan is home to a growing and vibrant life sciences sector, with several key companies leading the charge in healthtech, biotechnology and research.
Innovation Saskatchewan & Life Sciences
Our objectives for Saskatchewan’s life sciences sector are to grow biomanufacturing, secure animal and human vaccine and therapeutics manufacturing, attract specialized talent to advance research and improve health outcomes and strengthen research infrastructure and processes to translate local health innovations to the global market.
We deliver programs that support post-secondary life sciences research and fast-track the commercialization of healthtech.
Innovation & Science Fund (ISF)
Matches federal innovation funding dollars for projects from Saskatchewan’s academic and research institutes to promote research capacity and excellence in the province.
Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF)
Provides non-repayable grants of up to $450,000 for the development of novel technological solutions that address specific industry challenges and benefit Saskatchewan’s core sectors, including healthtech.
Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incentive (STSI)
Canada’s most aggressive investment tax credit program that provides Saskatchewan investors with a 45 per cent tax credit when they support eligible Saskatchewan startups.
Made in Saskatchewan Technology (MIST) Program
Offers non-repayable grants of up to $30,000 for tech startups to pilot solutions with public sector partners to enhance public services.
We provide funding to research organizations that are positioning Saskatchewan as a leader in the life sciences sector, supporting innovative research that drives progress and discovery.
Innovation Saskatchewan
R+T Parks
Our parks provide a wide range of specialized facilities that provide key infrastructure for healthtech companies and life sciences research.
Research Facilities
- Greenhouses & growth chambers
- Level 1 & 2 laboratories
- Locker rooms with shower
- Wet & dry labs
- Wet & dry labs
- Warehouse bays
R&T Park Amenities
- Community & networking events
- High-bandwidth network
- Fitness centre
- Bookable meeting rooms
- On-site food services
- Collider co-working
- 5G Innovation Lab
Lab Essentials
- Pure steam
- 100% fresh air
- Reverse osmosis water
- Additional supply air volumes
- Chilled water
- Hookups & ventilation for fume hoods
- Nitrogen
- Steam scrubbers
- Bio-Kill waste management
- Back-up power