Life sciences
The Canadian life sciences sector has a long history of leadership, from creating the world’s first pacemaker to discovering stem cells. Among Canada’s strengths are its R&D with it’s world leading health institutions and incubators, it’s recognized leadership in pharmaceuticals and medical devices (Canada is the 10th largest market for pharmaceutical sales, the 8th for medtech devices) and its thriving ecosystem from coast to coast (Canada is home to North America’s second largest life sciences corridor). The sector is broad and covers several large industries including pharmaceuticals and biotech (including vaccines), medical technologies and digital health, natural health products, medical cannabis, healthcare services (e.g. hospital management, training) and animal health.
The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service with dedicated Life Science Trade commissioners at key foreign embassies and at Regional Offices across Canada are here to help! Trade Commissioners provide export ready companies with market potential assessments, market intelligence, key contacts, and troubleshooting in addition to navigating the benefits of free trade agreements. Our global network works hand-in-hand with other government partners, regional economic development agencies and industry associations to help position its clients for success abroad.
The Trade Commissioner Service also supports Canadian Life Science companies and Life Science Associations seeking funding in support of their international trade activities through the following programs:
- CanExport Funding Program for SME’s.
- CanExport Funding Program for Innovators
- CanExport for Associations
- Canadian International Innovation Program
- Canadian Technology Accelerator Program
Ready to do business internationally? Our trade commissioners around the world can support Canadian companies with market intelligence, identify new business opportunities, and find qualified contacts that will help them succeed in foreign markets.
Sector reports
| Title | Country | Updated |
|---|---|---|
| More sector reports | ||
| Guidelines on market access for medical devices in China | China | 2023 |
| China’s desire to seize the longevity opportunity | China | 2022 |
| Algeria health sector market profile | Algeria | 2022 |
| Spain sector report – Biotechnology | Spain | 2021 |
| Challenges and opportunities for companies in telemedicine in Texas | United States of America | 2021 |
Events
| Title | Dates | City | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| More upcoming events | ||||
| Startup Global 2023 | May 8 - December 31, 2023 | Canada | ||
| Vitafoods Asia 2023 – Exhibition in Thailand & Online B2B with Vietnamese contacts | September 18-29, 2023 | Hô Chi Minh-Ville | Vietnam | |
| 2nd Annual CUSMA SME Dialogue | September 20-21, 2023 | Mexico City | Mexico | |
| Trade Delegation for Women-Owned Businesses and Women Entrepreneurs to the Go for the Greens (GFTG) Supplier Diversity Conference | September 20-23, 2023 | Orlando | United States of America | |
| SWITCH 2023 | October 31 - November 2, 2023 | Singapore | Singapore | |
CanadExport
| Article title | Publication date | International region | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|
| More CanadExport articles | |||
| Are you ready to grow your business abroad? | July 12, 2023 | Asia Pacific; Europe; Latin America and the Caribbean; Middle East and North Africa; North America; Sub-Saharan Africa; United States of America and Mexico | Aerospace; Agriculture and processed foods; Arts and cultural industries; Automotive; Chemicals; Clean technologies; Consumer products; Defence and security; Fish and seafood; Forestry and wood products; Industrial machinery; Information and communications technologies; Infrastructure; Life sciences; Market access; Mining; Ocean technologies; Oil and gas; Professional services; Science and technology; Transportation; Wine, beer and spirits |
| Life Sciences Special Edition – 2021 | June 25, 2023 | North America | Chemicals; Clean technologies; Information and communications technologies; Life sciences; Science and technology |
| Canada and Costa Rica celebrate two decades of free trade | December 5, 2022 | Latin America and the Caribbean; North America | Agriculture and processed foods; Consumer products; Industrial machinery; Information and communications technologies; Life sciences |
| CETA@5: Delivering trade benefits during unprecedented times | November 3, 2022 | Europe; North America | Aerospace; Agriculture and processed foods; Arts and cultural industries; Automotive; Chemicals; Clean technologies; Consumer products; Defence and security; Education; Fish and seafood; Forestry and wood products; Industrial machinery; Information and communications technologies; Infrastructure; Life sciences; Mining; Ocean technologies; Oil and gas; Science and technology; Transportation; Wine, beer and spirits |
| Business mission reveals opportunities for women entrepreneurs in France and Belgium | October 31, 2022 | Europe; North America | Agriculture and processed foods; Clean technologies; Consumer products; Fish and seafood; Information and communications technologies; Life sciences; Professional services; Science and technology |
