Emerging Biotech Startups Thriving in British Columbia, Canada

As the birthplace of numerous biotechnology startups, British Columbia is home to some of the most innovative companies in the industry. New players are constantly entering the market, adding to its dynamism and vibrancy. Today we look at some exceptional startups with inception years of 2020 or later. These startups, based in various cities across British Columbia, are pushing the boundaries in the fields of health care, medical science, genetic research, and much more.

Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, these businesses have demonstrated resilience and creativity. As they work hard to improve people’s lives, they show how the biotechnology industry in British Columbia continues to thrive and innovate.

Let’s delve into the stories of these businesses and see how they are making a mark. Note: The list is in no particular order.

Avivo Biomedical

Operating as a preclinical-stage company, Avivo Biomedical was founded by Peter Rahfeld and colleagues at the University of British Columbia and has assembled an experienced leadership team. The startup is developing enzymes that convert the cell surface antigens that determine a person’s blood group to group O, effectively creating a universal donor type. You can connect with them on their Linkedin page.

NanoVation Therapeutics

The biotechnology firm NanoVation Therapeutics provides technologies that utilize lipid nanoparticles for the safe and efficient delivery of nucleic acid tissues. Stay up to date on their progress via their Linkedin page.

HAVN Life Sciences

HAVN Life Sciences, co-founded by Alexzander Samuelsson, is a biotech firm dedicated to pursuing standardized extraction of psychedelic compounds for the creation of APIs, the development of natural health products, and innovative therapies that support the central nervous system.

Rakovina Therapeutics

Rakovina Therapeutics, founded by Jeffrey Bacha and Mads Daugaard, focuses on the development of new cancer treatments based on novel DNA damage response technologies. Learn about their work by visiting their Linkedin page.

Levitee Labs

Establishing itself as a leader in the integrative wellness space is Levitee Labs. Co-founded by Kelly Abbott, Levitee Labs seeks to transform mental health and addiction treatments through the integration of psychedelic medicines and therapies. Check out their progress on their Linkedin page and Twitter handle.

Capsigen

Charlie Kang and John Bial founded Capsigen to engineer novel AAV capsids to address difficult-to-treat diseases. By delivering gene therapies through a proprietary messenger RNA screening platform, the firm is making strides forward. Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin.

Axolotl Biosciences

Axolotl Biosciences is pioneering in the field of 3D printing and biotechnology by creating a novel bioink that accurately prints humanized brain tissues for research and drug screening. Stay updated by following their Twitter account.

BugSeq Bioinformatics

Founded by the Chorlton brothers, Josh and Sam, BugSeq Bioinformatics is revolutionizing infectious disease testing and pathogen surveillance by leveraging advanced sequencing technologies. Connect with them on Linkedin for updates.

Albert Labs

Albert Labs is fast-tracking the development of active compounds for the treatment of mental health disorders. Their innovative approach uses Real World Evidence studies, recently found success in the rapid COVID-19 vaccine development. Follow them on Linkedin for more information.

ASEP Medical

Co-founded by Robert Hancock, ASEP Medical is redefining the diagnosis of sepsis, one of the most expensive conditions for hospitals to treat. Their new technology, based on immune signatures, offers faster and more predictive results. Stay updated via their Linkedin page.

Platform Life Sciences

Finally, Platform Life Sciences is redefining clinical trials by providing speed and global partnerships to evaluate life-saving therapeutics. The startup can scale rapidly and move more efficiently by mobilizing partners to implement clinical trials with cutting-edge methodologies. Follow their Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin for the most recent updates.