Engineering the Future of Medicine

British Columbia (B.C.) is gaining global recognition for scientific innovation thanks to its skilled and diverse talent pool, strategic location and exceptional quality of life. These strengths position B.C. as a prime destination for life sciences growth. Amid this thriving ecosystem, VoxCell BioInnovation is a standout company exemplifying B.C.’s innovation in action.

Founded in B.C.’s capital city Victoria on Vancouver Island in 2020 by Dr. Karolina Valente, VoxCell BioInnovation is advancing the future of drug development through high-resolution 3D bioprinting. Its vascularized tissue models closely mimic human biology, enabling more accurate preclinical testing of cancer therapies. Unlike traditional 2D or animal models, VoxCell’s printed tissues incorporate blood vessel networks that replicate how real tumors behave in the body. This leads to more predictive testing and helps reduce costly failures during clinical trials. As regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shift toward human-relevant testing models, VoxCell’s technology offers a timely and ethical solution.

“Our goal is to bridge the gap between lab and clinical data,” says Dr. Valente. “We’re offering a sophisticated solution that can provide meaningful information if a drug works, or not, earlier on in the drug development pipeline.”

The company’s first product targets triple-negative breast cancer—an aggressive, hard-to-treat subtype that accounts for roughly 20% of all breast cancer cases. Designed to mirror the complexity of actual tumors, this model aims to accelerate drug development and improve treatment success rates. Dr. Valente’s personal connection to cancer within her family also drives the company’s mission, adding purpose to its scientific focus.

As the company advances its mission, its pioneering work is beginning to gain broader public attention. VoxCell’s work will be featured in an upcoming segment of All Access with Andy Garcia, airing in mid-2025. The episode explores how its ethical, human-like tissue models improve drug testing and reduce reliance on animal trials.

VoxCell was also named the winner of The Pitch: B.C.’s Startup All-Stars, a live competition hosted by Innovate BC and New Ventures BC during Web Summit Vancouver 2025, highlighting the company as one of the province’s most promising emerging ventures.

This growing visibility is matched by increasing support for VoxCell’s international ambitions. The company was recently selected as one of four B.C. biotech firms in the BIO Pilot Program through Trade and Invest BC, a division of B.C.’s Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth that connects B.C. companies with global opportunities and investment partners. Held in Boston, the BIO International Convention 2025, the world’s largest biotech gathering, brought together leaders from industry, academia, government and capital. VoxCell used the opportunity to explore strategic partnerships and expand its global footprint.

VoxCell has significantly expanded its international presence through strategic partnerships and global exposure. With support from the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP), the company participated in the Canadian Prevention and Treatment of Cancer R&D Partnerships Delegation to Germany in 2023—and returned for the 2024 mission—gaining valuable connections with leading European research institutions and industry experts.

Trade and Invest BC has played a key role in VoxCell’s international growth, supporting its involvement in past life sciences missions to Europe and spotlighting the company at Web Summit Vancouver 2025. These initiatives reflect Trade and Invest BC’s broader commitment to helping B.C. companies scale globally through innovation, collaboration and strategic market access.

With its dynamic research ecosystem and expanding international reach, British Columbia is well-positioned to lead the next wave of health innovation. Connect with Trade and Invest BC to explore how your company can participate in international missions, partnerships and global growth opportunities.