Canadian artificial intelligence in life sciences innovation R&D partnering delegation to South Korea

Delegation dates: September 23 to 25, 2025

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) through the Embassy of Canada in Seoul and in collaboration with the National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), invites you to apply to participate in the Canadian AI in life sciences innovation R&D partnering delegation to South Korea under the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP).

The Partnership Development Activity (PDA) will take place in person on September 23 to 25, 2025, in Seoul.

Interested companies must apply no later than June 15, 2025.

The objective of this delegation is to connect innovative Canadian small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) applying AI technologies to life sciences with potential partners in South Korea for R&D collaboration and market expansion. Potential partners include:

• major pharmaceutical companies
• R&D centres
• healthcare organizations

The delegation will focus on areas including:

• AI in drug discovery, including target identification, molecule generation, etc.
• clinical trial management and optimization
• predictive analytics in healthcare and personalized medicine
• data platforms enabling AI-driven R&D
• advanced applications of AI across the pharmaceutical value chain
• application of AI in biomanufacturing of advanced therapeutics

Examples of R&D collaboration may include:

• validation of the suitability of Canadian technology to the Korean market
• adaptation of Canadian technology to meet market characteristics
• joint development of new products and services by combining Canadian and Korean technologies

The cohort will be made of 8 to 10 Canadian SMEs with demonstrated capabilities in AI-enabled life sciences.

The delegation is targeting Canadian companies working on technologies/solutions in the focus areas listed in the Delegation objectives.

Canadian participants in the delegation should meet the following requirements:

• profit-oriented, small- or medium-sized enterprise (SME) incorporated in Canada
• previous experience in commercializing technology for domestic and/or international markets
• capacity and interest to co-develop technology with Korean partners
• committed to expanding activities to the Korean market
• sufficient working capital and human resources to undertake multi-year R&D collaboration and commercialize the results

Dates: September 23 to 25, 2025

Location: Seoul, South Korea

(specific dates/times of program elements are subject to change)

Program highlights will include:

Tuesday, September 23

• Briefing session and market overview
• Site visits to top Korean pharmaceutical companies, AI research centers, and innovation hubs involved in drug development and life sciences

Wednesday, September 24

• Tailored B2B matchmaking meetings with Korean pharmaceutical firms and AI companies
• Networking reception hosted by the Embassy of Canada

Thursday September 25

• Participation in AI Pharma Korea 2025 with speaking/pitching opportunities and networking with Korea’s leading pharmaceutical and AI companies.
  • AI Pharma Korea: AI Pharma Korea is an annual life sciences conference organized by the Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association (KPBMA) and the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI). The conference connects Korean pharma and biotech firms with global leaders in AI-driven drug discovery. In 2024, over 300 participants attended, including a Canada-focused session with two leading Canadian companies. This year, the event aims for 400+ participants and will again include a dedicated session featuring presentations from up to two selected Canadian companies.

South Korea is one of the world’s most dynamic markets for life sciences and digital health. South Korea’s AI-based drug discovery market has grown at an annual rate of 27%, driven by major players like Samsung Biologics and Celltrion, alongside strong government support. This support includes a CAD 34 million investment over 5 years (through 2028) in accelerating AI drug development. The delegation program will target Korean organizations across the life sciences value chain, including:

• multinational enterprises (MNEs)
• SMEs
• venture capital firms
• research centers and academia

The program aims to maximize visibility and partnership opportunities for Canadian participants within a strategically curated innovation ecosystem.

Recent market developments in the Korea’s AI-life sciences field:

• South Korea ranked third worldwide in new drug discoveries
• Samsung Biologics welcomes former Standigm co-founder and AI drug development expert Kim Jinhan
• SK biopharmaceuticals to establish AI-based epilepsy management JV with Eurofarma

The Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) may provide financial support to eligible Canadian SMEs participants for up to 50% of all eligible expenses that include but are not limited to:

• economy class airfare
• local transportation
• accommodation
• per diems
• conference registration fees

Consult the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) Applicant Guide for the complete list of eligible expenses. To access the CIIP Applicant Guide, contact the CIIP team at innovation@international.gc.ca 

1. Click the “Apply now” button to access the online application form. Select the official language of your choice and the delegation you want to apply to then complete all questions.
2. Completed applications must be submitted online no later than June 15, 2025.
3. Global Affairs Canada, the Embassy of Canada to Korea and NRC-IRAP will select Canadian companies that will participate in the delegation. Selected applicants can expect to be notified no later than July 4, 2025.
4. Selected companies will be invited to apply for financial support for travel expenses.
5. Companies who apply for travel support will be notified of the funding decision no later than July 25, 2025.

If you have any questions concerning the application process, please see the CIIP webpage and/or email the CIIP team at innovation@international.gc.ca. 

Global Affairs Canada in collaboration with the National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) delivers the Canadian International Innovation program (CIIP) in South Korea. CIIP supports industrial R&D partnership development activities between Canadian SMEs and companies in key markets, including South Korea.