Leading Health and Life Sciences in Nova Scotia

BioTalent Canada and BioNova launch new provincial life sciences job board

HALIFAX, NS – February 10, 2020 – Today, BioTalent Canada and BioNova announced the launch of The PetriDish™ BioNova job board – giving companies in one of Canada’s fastest growing bio-economy hubs a platform to attract highly-skilled talent.

According to BioTalent Canada’s labour market report Mapping Potential, with over 100 life science companies, 26 research organizations and 11 post-secondary institutions, Nova Scotia is well positioned to lead innovation in Canada’s bio-economy.

“It is estimated that by 2030 the number of jobs in the life sciences sector in Nova Scotia will grow by 200%,” says Scott Moffitt, Executive Director at BioNova. “Providing a job board specific to life sciences companies in our province will help attract the talent they need to realize this potential for growth.”

As the HR partner and catalyst for growth in Canada’s bio-economy, BioTalent Canada has built relationships with employers, associations, academic institutions, governments and job seekers to address and alleviate the two key challenges still facing industry leaders – access to capital and access to talent.

“We look forward to working closer with our Silver partner, BioNova, to help their stakeholders with the necessary tools and services needed to succeed in a growing and competitive industry,” says Rob Henderson, President and CEO, BioTalent Canada. “The PetriDish BioNova will give life sciences companies in the province a dedicated platform to reach the right talent to drive their innovations, after all, without people, there can be no science.”

Modelled after BioTalent Canada’s national job board, The PetriDish BioNova will provide employers with the same benefits of narrowing their search for candidates by providing more relevant bio-economy applicants.

Members of BioNova can access free job postings to help with their recruiting needs.

For current openings or to post a job, visit BioNova.ca/Careers

About BioTalent Canada

BioTalent Canada™ is the HR partner and catalyst for growth in Canada’s bio-economy. Our engagement with employers, associations, post-secondary institutions, immigrant serving agencies and service providers has built a dynamic network that is identifying labour market needs, strengthening skills, connecting job-ready talent to industry and creating opportunities. For more information visit biotalent.ca.

About BioNova

BioNova leads, accelerates, and advocates for Nova Scotia’s growing health and life sciences sector. Since 1993, BioNova has been accelerating the growth of its member companies. By hosting networking and educational events, and providing connections to potential funders and business resources, BioNova helps companies succeed.  While these companies commercialize life-changing research to improve healthcare, provide healthier food, and develop clean energy solutions, BioNova advocates on behalf of the sector. BioNova champions the sector’s cluster of world-class research facilities, incubator programs, and companies who, together, bring investment and jobs to Nova Scotia. For more information visit bionova.ca.

Media inquiries:

Siobhan Williams
Director, Marketing and Communications
BioTalent Canada
613-235-1402 ext. 229
[email protected]

Shana Cristoferi
Marketing Manager
BioNova
902-421-5705 ext. 4
[email protected]

NEWS RELEASE: Halifax firm improves lives and provides faster results with new technology

Alentic Microscience Inc. commercializes its blood diagnostic device for medical settings March 4, 2019 – Halifax, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Cutting-edge ideas in life sciences are reaching the marketplace faster than ever, providing Canadians with less invasive and more effective treatment options that improve patient outcomes. Determined to provide mobile healthcare solutions that give immediate results, Alentic Microscience Inc. has developed a pocket-sized diagnostic device that can generate test results in under five minutes, from any location, using only a drop of blood from a pinprick. Conceived for medical diagnostics, Alentic’s technology was chosen by the Canadian Space Agency to conduct immunological research in real-time aboard the International Space Station. Alentic is now commercializing its technology to be used in hospitals, clinics, veterinary settings or in the field. The device uses patented technology to analyze a tiny quantity of blood, producing high quality blood test results immediately at patient point-of-care. The device can perform different types of tests rapidly, which will improve patient care, reduce wait times, lower costs and increase healthcare efficiencies. Today, Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Halifax, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced $2,992,162 in Government of Canada support to Alentic Microscience Inc. for the project. This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which supports strategic investments that build on the region’s competitive advantages, including its growing innovation ecosystem and skilled workforce. Quotes: “In a time of rapid technological change and global interconnectedness, we have an opportunity to leverage our healthcare innovations to achieve even greater impact through advances in life sciences. With commitment and bold action, Atlantic Canada can be a frontrunner for the country, and the world, in providing quality bio-innovations that attract investment and talent, advance our economic prosperity and provide better healthcare to Canadians.” – The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA “Alentic’s technology is working to transform traditional patient care with shorter wait times for test results. This innovative tool has the potential to improve the lives of thousands of Canadians, particularly those who have health conditions such as heart disease, anemia and immune disorders, for which frequent blood tests are vital to properly manage these illnesses.” – Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Halifax “All of us at Alentic Microscience are deeply grateful to ACOA for their enabling financial support. This contribution will allow us to achieve critical research, development and commercialization milestones on our path to selling Alentic’s revolutionary diagnostic devices in Canada and abroad. The money further allows us to grow our superb team as we approach market entry.” – Alan Fine, CEO, Alentic Microscience Inc. Quick Facts: • Alentic Microscience is receiving a $2,992,162 repayable contribution through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP). • The funding will help create six jobs, including a biological engineer, a software developer and an embedded systems engineer, in addition to maintaining 15 jobs, to help with the planning, detailed design, prototype assembly, testing and clinical trials of new devices. • Alentic’s technology is fully operational for specific cellular analyses currently used in medical and veterinary settings. • In collaboration with Honeywell International Inc., Alentic successfully obtained a multi-million dollar contract with the Canadian Space Agency to develop specific diagnostic tests and a device to monitor astronauts’ immune systems in real time, an important task that was previously impossible. • Alentic Microscience Inc. has been granted ten patents in the United States, one in Canada and one in China, with many more patents in progress. • The BDP primarily assists Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs who want to start a business, increase productivity or improve operations. • The Business Development Program continues to build on the objectives of the Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it. Associated Links:Bio-Analyzer: Instant biomedical results from space to Earth Contacts: Chris Brooks Director, Communications and Outreach Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell) [email protected] Alan Fine CEO Alentic Microscience Inc. 902-407-0827 / 902-440-3825 [email protected]]]>