Canadian bioproduction technologies R&D partnering delegation to France

Date: September 22 to 26, 2025

Global Affairs Canada, through the Embassy of Canada to France and in collaboration with the National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), invites you to apply to participate in the Canadian bioproduction technologies R&D partnering delegation to France under the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP).

The Partnership Development Activity (PDA) will take place in person from September 22 to 26 2025, in France.

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

This delegation aims to explore opportunities for Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to cooperate with potential French partners (SMEs, research institutions and large French companies), with a view to developing co-innovation projects relating to bioproduction technologies.

The delegation will focus on the following areas:

• validating Canadian technologies in the French, European and/or other markets
• adapting Canadian technologies to the characteristics of the French, European and/or other markets
• jointly developing new products and/or services by combining Canadian and French technologies

Canadian companies interested to participate in this delegation to France must meet the following requirements:

• profit-oriented SME incorporated in Canada
• experience commercializing technology in domestic or international markets
• capacity for and interest in co-developing technology with French partners
• committed to expanding to the French and European markets
• sufficient working capital and human resources to undertake a multi-year ‑collaboration project and commercialize the results

Technology and products of particular interest for this delegation include the following:

Bioproduction systems and methods

• innovative bioreactors: single-use, infusion, continuous, microfluidic
• centralized, distributed or point-of-care (PoC) production
• automation and digitalization: artificial intelligence, robotics, online control
• fill and finish technologies: syringes, vials, lyophilization
• process security: cybersecurity, anti-contamination solutions

Manufacturing process optimization

• innovative expression systems: highly productive cell lines, yeasts, modified bacteria
• continuous production and infusion technologies
• next generation of optimized growing media and substrates
• biocatalysts and enzymes for process intensification

Analytical technologies and quality control

• real-time release (RTR) methods
• multi-omics analysis (proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics)
• biosensors and advanced characterization tests
• innovative potency and immunogenicity testing

• innovative biologic therapies
• vectorization and delivery technologies
• digital tools for discovery and development

The program will include a number of business-to-business (B2B) meetings and activities with leading organizations in the French biotherapy and bioproduction sector. The program will focus on creating co-innovation collaboration opportunities.

Specifically, the program will include the following:

• preparatory meetings and briefing before departure as well as mentoring on pitching techniques in France
• information sessions providing market insights and co-innovation funding opportunities
• pitch sessions by Canadian participants to French stakeholders, including French companies (multinationals and SMEs), research labs, centres of excellence and innovation hubs, technology clusters, and other incubators or accelerators
• targeted B2B meetings with French companies (multinationals and SMEs) and research centres to discuss co-innovation opportunities
• networking with key players in the French bioproduction technology ecosystem
• visits to major research centres in the biotherapy and bioproduction technology ecosystem in Lyon and Paris
• participation in the Bioproduction Congress in Lyon and related business activities

France has an active, well-developed biotherapy and bioproduction ecosystem that includes the following:

• competitiveness clusters and clusters with these verticals: Medicen Paris Region [French only], Lyonbiopôle, Mabdesign, France Biolead [French only], Genopole and Atlanpole Biothérapies; these bring together and foster collaboration between startups, large groups, labs and researchers
• recognized research institutes and laboratories, such as Inserm, Genethon, I-Stem, and the CNRS INSB [French only]
• large industry groups, such as Sanofi, Servier, BioMérieux, Ipsen and Pierre Fabre

• an €800-million national acceleration strategy for biotherapies and the bioproduction of innovative therapies as part of France 2030 [French only] to develop projects and biopharmaceuticals
• support from Europe with Horizon Europe, Innovative Health Initiative, EIT Health and the Health IPCEI (Med4Cure), aimed at strengthening innovation and autonomy in biopharmaceuticals and advanced therapies

• France is witnessing the development of new emerging players and many success stories, such as Yposkesi in viral vectors, Treefrog Therapeutics in industrial stem cell production and Ciloa in exosomes
• recognized bioproduction platforms such as the 4 sites of the EFS [French only] or the APHP’s Meary Center

CIIP may provide financial support to eligible Canadian SMEs for up to 50% of eligible expenses (see application process below), which include, but are not limited to the following:

• 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, through the Embassy of Canada to France, and NRC IRAP will select the Canadian companies that will participate in the delegation. Selected applicants will be notified no later than July 4, 2025.
4. Selected companies will be invited to apply for financial support for travel expenses.
5. Companies that 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 France. CIIP supports industrial R&D partnership development activities between Canadian SMEs and companies in key markets, including France.