B.C. Life Sciences Sector Showcased at BIO 2025

The BIO International Convention is the world’s largest biotech event, bringing together more than 20,000 global leaders to explore innovations in the life sciences sector. Held this year in Boston from June 16 to 19, BIO 2025 attracted nearly 40 British Columbia (B.C.) life sciences companies, each seeking strategic partnerships and investment to advance innovative technologies and scale their businesses globally.

With participation from 72 countries and 1,600 exhibitors, the convention served as a premier global platform for networking, investment and collaboration. It brought together the full biotech ecosystem, including startups, researchers, global pharmaceutical companies, investors, regulators and patient advocates, industry organizations and government agencies.

B.C.’s Global Competitiveness

British Columbia is recognized as a leading life sciences hub, known for its world-class research, top talent and rapidly growing startup ecosystem. The province worked closely with Life Sciences BC (LSBC), an industry association dedicated to advancing the sector, to organize B.C.’s presence at BIO 2025.

B.C.’s international profile was further elevated by the participation of Diana Gibson, then Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, who joined the delegation to promote innovation, investment and business opportunities across the life sciences sector. B.C.’s Trade and Invest Representatives in the United States supported the minister’s participation by providing valuable business connections and sector expertise, helping promote trade and investment opportunities for B.C. companies throughout the convention.

The minister spoke at the Canada Pavilion opening, where she emphasized B.C.’s competitive advantages. She also addressed attendees at the LSBC BIO networking reception, met with multiple targeted international investors and toured a local biotech hub in Boston to explore models for collaboration between industry, academia and government.

Strategic Partnerships and National Collaboration

BIO 2025 was a highly productive week for B.C.’s delegation. One of the highlights was LSBC’s opening reception, one of the top Canadian-hosted events at the convention, drawing more than 200 attendees, with many from international companies and organizations. This event helped position B.C. companies for global engagement and reinforced the province’s unified Team B.C. approach.

Further strengthening interprovincial ties, LSBC and BIOQuébec reaffirmed their Memorandum of Understanding, underscoring the ongoing collaboration between B.C. and Quebec’s life sciences sectors.

In another key announcement, Vancouver-based Variational AI and Korea’s ONCOCROSS launched a strategic partnership to accelerate drug discovery for chronic skin diseases using AI. The initiative showcases a made-in-B.C. innovation with global impact.

Supporting Innovation Through Global Engagement

With support from Trade and Invest British Columbia (TIBC), part of the Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth, B.C. companies were well positioned to make the most of BIO 2025’s global opportunities. Trade and Invest BC works to attract international investment and support B.C. exporters by connecting them with partners and markets worldwide. Through close collaboration with sector organizations such as LSBC, Trade and Invest BC continues to raise B.C.’s international profile. These efforts help local innovators connect with global partners, compete in international markets and grow their impact worldwide.

B.C.’s delegation at BIO 2025 showcased the province’s growing leadership in life sciences and innovative technologies. The strong presence reflected a foundation of research excellence, coordinated industry support and active government engagement, all contributing to B.C.’s expanding global reputation in the sector.

As global health challenges become more complex, B.C.’s researchers and businesses are advancing innovative solutions that address critical needs and improve outcomes. The Government of B.C remains committed to expanding international partnerships, attracting investment and strengthening its life sciences ecosystem to deliver lasting benefits both locally and globally, and to deepen its role as a trusted partner in global health innovation.