First round of funded projects demonstrates Canada and the UK's shared
commitment to innovation and pandemic preparedness
LONDON, July 29,
2024 /CNW/ - Building on a long-standing partnership
in science and innovation, Canada
and the United Kingdom are
continuing to strengthen their collaboration in critical sectors
like biomanufacturing and pandemic preparedness. Together,
Canada and the UK are
demonstrating the power of international cooperation in addressing
global challenges.
Last week, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation,
Science and Industry, met with the Right Honourable Peter Kyle,
Member of Parliament, UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation
and Technology, and launched the first round of projects selected
under the Canada-UK Biomanufacturing Collaboration.
Canada and the UK have
established a collaborative fund, with £10 million from the UK and
$16 million from Canada under
its Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy. This initiative,
launched in 2023, aims to strengthen the biomanufacturing sector in
both countries and enhance pandemic preparedness. In this first
call for proposals, six innovative projects have been selected for
funding, with Canada contributing
approximately $3.4 million. Each
successful project will be led by a consortium of companies from
Canada and the UK and will focus
on enabling technologies and innovations for the biomanufacturing
of biologics and advanced therapeutics.
The selected projects address critical areas in
biomanufacturing, including drug discovery, vaccine production and
gene therapy. Notable examples include:
- the development of AI-driven peptide discovery platforms to
accelerate and improve drug discovery processes
- the creation of automated biomanufacturing devices for the
production of antibody drug conjugates, enhancing efficiency and
reducing costs
- advancements in sustainable growth factors for cellular
therapeutics, supporting the development of next-generation
treatments.
These projects will enhance Canada's biomanufacturing autonomy and
readiness to address future public health challenges. The Canada-UK
Biomanufacturing Collaboration is a testament to the power of
international cooperation in advancing scientific innovation.
The Government of Canada will
continue to support the growth and development of the domestic
biomanufacturing sector through initiatives like the
Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy, ensuring Canada remains at the forefront of innovation
in this critical field.
Quotes
"This selection of the first round of projects under the
Canada-UK Biomanufacturing Collaboration demonstrates our
government's commitment to advancing Canada's biomanufacturing capabilities. By
investing in these cutting-edge projects, we are not only
strengthening our domestic capacity but also fostering
international partnerships that will be crucial in addressing
future health challenges."
– The Honourable François-Philippe
Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
"Great science cannot be done in isolation, and joining forces
with nations like Canada, which
share our ambitions, will help us reach our common goal: to improve
the quality of life for thousands struggling with cancer. Both our
countries want to use the power of science and innovation to
deliver economic growth, provide better health care, and act as a
force for good in the world. I am pleased to renew that partnership
today."
– The Right Honourable Peter Kyle, MP, Secretary of State for
Science, Innovation and Technology
Quick facts
- The Canada-UK Biomanufacturing Collaboration was launched in
2023 with the signing of a memorandum of cooperation to strengthen
biomanufacturing capabilities and enhance pandemic preparedness in
both countries.
- The National Research Council of
Canada (NRC) is providing advisory
services and up to $3.4 million in
research and development funding, through the NRC Industrial
Research Assistance Program and the Collaborative Science,
Technology and Innovation Program, to support the six collaborative
projects.
- The NRC and UK Research and Innovation signed a memorandum of
understanding on research and innovation in July 2018 that provides the foundation for
developing a stronger science, technology and innovation
relationship between the two organizations.
- This collaboration is part of Canada's broader Biomanufacturing and Life
Sciences Strategy, which presents a long–term vision to protect
Canadians against future pandemics and other health emergencies and
to grow an innovative, competitive domestic life sciences
sector..
- Budget 2021 provided a total of $2.2
billion over seven years toward growing a vibrant domestic
life sciences sector and securing pandemic preparedness. This
budget funding provides foundational investments to help build
Canada's talent pipeline and
research systems, as well as to foster the growth of Canadian life
sciences firms.
Associated links
- Biomanufacturing: Advancing health sciences industry in
Canada
- Governments of Canada and the
United Kingdom advance partnership
in biomanufacturing and quantum science
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