World-class research, skillful management, increased capital investment and a growing list of new companies has elevated Ottawa's life sciences community to the global state of discovery, development and commercialization. Ottawa-based industry leaders include Nordion, Abbott Point of Care, Variation Biotechnologies and Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Ottawa is among the first regions in Canada to capitalize on the vast potential of biotechnology as a new focus for economic activity. There are 20 life sciences-related research institutes in the Ottawa region, investing an estimated $350 million annually in R&D. One such institute is the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI), the research arm of the Ottawa Hospital. With more than 1500 scientists, clinical investigators, trainees and specialized support staff, and $42 million in external funding, the OHRI is one of the fastest growing, and most respected hospital-based research institutes in Canada.

OCRI Life Sciences is responsible for promoting excellence in the cluster by providing networking activities, consortia building, technology development, company financing assistance, and cluster marketing programs. OCRI has developed an interactive Ottawa and Eastern Ontario Life Sciences Asset Map to promote Ottawa and Eastern Ontario’s Life Sciences strengths and to showcase opportunities for partnerships and collaboration both locally and internationally. The asset map provides users with a targeted list of organizations in the region.

Local universities and university-affiliated hospital research centre further contribute to the strength of the cluster. The University of Ottawa, with its highly-ranked medical program, along with Carleton University, offer excellent undergraduate and graduate training in health sciences, engineering, business administration, information technology and other fields related to the life sciences cluster. Algonquin College and La Cité collégiale also offer certification and job skill training programs.

Additional Resources

BioPortal
The Government of Canada’s biotechnology resource for consumers, industry, scientists, and educators.

BIOTECanada
BIOTECanada represents Canadian health care, agricultural, food, research, and other organizations that are involved in biotechnology.

 
To search local life sciences and life sciences-related companies visit the Ottawa Technology Industry Database Online.