GROWTH /DEVELOPMENT – Growing Life Sciences Sector in Nova Scotia

by | Feb 3, 2025 | News

The Province is supporting Nova Scotia’s life sciences companies with new funding that will help them bring products to market and partner with other businesses and industry groups.

The investment in Life Sciences Nova Scotia will support its development plan, helping companies make, test and sell their products. It will also create more opportunities for people in the sector to develop their skills through mentorship, courses and sharing best practices.

“Nova Scotian companies in this sector are working on research to improve healthcare, make healthier foods and develop clean energy solutions,” said Growth and Development Minister Colton LeBlanc. “Supporting companies in this sector helps create advances in technology, high-wage jobs and the opportunity to grow our economy.”

The life sciences sector encompasses natural sciences related to life and organisms, including humans, animals, plants and micro-organisms. It includes pharmaceuticals, natural health products, animal health, medical technologies, digital health and more.

The provincial investment will also help provide access to accelerators and incubators, as well as support regional entrepreneurship and connections with Nova Scotia Health, the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub and the agri-food industry.

Life Sciences Nova Scotia, the sector’s industry association, aims to increase the number of life sciences companies and employees, average salaries, and sector gross domestic product over the next five years. It received $1,421,800 through the Province’s Community Economic Development Fund.

Quotes:
“Life Sciences Nova Scotia is dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the life sciences sector in our province. The recent investment from the Community Economic Development Fund will be instrumental in our work to foster innovation, encourage collaboration and ensure that our local companies can thrive in a competitive global marketplace. This support will amplify the voice of our ecosystem, build a dynamic and collaborative life sciences community and drive economic growth and social prosperity in Nova Scotia.”
— Doris Grant, CEO, Life Sciences Nova Scotia

“This CEDF funding is a game-changer for life sciences companies in our province. It reflects the growing recognition of Nova Scotia’s potential as a hub for biotech innovation. For startups like Coloursmith, early-stage funding is crucial in turning groundbreaking ideas into market-ready solutions. It’s not just about the financial support; it’s about fostering an ecosystem where innovative companies can thrive and contribute to Nova Scotia’s economic growth.”
Gabrielle Masone, CEO, Coloursmith

Quick Facts:
other organizations funded through the Community Economic Development Fund include $750,000 for the Strait of Canso Superport Corporation; $850,000 for the Halifax Regional Food Hub Co-operative; and $1,415,250 for the semiconductor design hub at Dalhousie
– applications for the current funding round close today, January 31

Additional Resources:
Community Economic Development Fund: https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-project-funding-community-economic-development-fund

Provincial programs for businesses: https://www.novascotia.ca/grow-your-business/

Nova Scotia Loyal: https://nsloyal.ca/

Invest Nova Scotia: https://investnovascotia.ca/

Nova Scotia’s business navigator service: https://www.novascotia.ca/regulatoryopportunity/business-navigators.asp

Media Contacts: Heather Fairbairn
Growth and Development
Cell: 902-717-2151
Email: [email protected]

Laurie Ann Coring
Life Science Nova Scotia
Cell: 902-483-8725
Email: [email protected]