In Nova Scotia, the only thing more important than a healthy bottom line is a healthy population. It’s why we created a life sciences ecosystem that nurtures life sciences advances—and builds life sciences businesses along the way.
Nova Scotia’s life sciences industry is a hub of innovation, collaboration, and growth, offering an ideal ecosystem for businesses seeking to thrive in this dynamic sector. Home to over 100 companies, and supported by world-class research institutions like Dalhousie University and the Brain Repair Centre, Nova Scotia excels in areas such as biotechnology, medical devices, and digital health. The province provides access to a highly-skilled workforce, robust government support, and strong industry-academic partnerships.
Leading scientific breakthroughs
Health and life science companies in Nova Scotia are part of a strong, growing, and tight-knit community working at the cutting edge of scientific breakthroughs. Scientists are at the forefront of research in immune health, data and advanced analytics, diagnostic technologies, digital health, and natural health products, and we have leading facilities to prove it.
Quality thinking from an educated population
Nova Scotia is Canada’s University capital, home to 10 universities and 14 community college campuses. Our education institutions partner with government and industry to develop tailor-made programs to support life sciences growth, and the homegrown talent pool is complemented by immigration programs that support companies to attract the best global talent to Nova Scotia.
Research in Nova Scotia pays off
Innovate with research partners
Companies partner with Nova Scotia's 10 universities and the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) to work on exciting R&D and commercialization initiatives. The province's health authority also functions as a primary research partner for companies.
Be part of a community
Nova Scotia is home to a well-connected global cluster of start-ups, multinational companies, and academia. Companies here have access to state-of-the-art research and incubator facilities, backed by a collaborative ecosystem of innovation and business supports.
Save on R&D costs
Canada leads the G7 in R&D spending in post-secondary research as a share of GDP and offers companies one of the most generous R&D tax incentives in the industrialized world.
Benefit from programs and incentives
Companies undertaking R&D or expanding in Nova Scotia can take advantage of a variety of programs and incentives, including generous research, support for talent acquisition and development tax credits.
Nova Scotia has a unified health authority that grants approvals for clinical trials across the province—at any given time, there are about 400 clinical trials underway at Nova Scotia Health.
FIGURES AND FACTS
Fast Facts
- The province is home to more than 100 life sciences businesses.
- The first ultrasound devices small enough to be inserted during small access surgeries to tackle brain cancers are being developed in Nova Scotia.
- Nova Scotia is #1 for number of active clinical trials per capita in Canada.
- Our blood testing technology is used on board the international space station.
- The province’s R&D expertise is the driving force behind our globally recognized life sciences sector.
Areas of accomplishment
Nova Scotia’s life sciences companies and researchers are making significant advancements in several key areas, positioning the province as a global leader in healthcare and innovation. Some of the primary areas of focus include:
Biotechnology
Companies are developing cutting-edge biotech solutions, including new drugs, therapies, and diagnostics, with a particular focus on genomics, personalized medicine, and rare disease treatments.
Medical Devices
Nova Scotia is home to innovative medical device manufacturers specializing in diagnostic tools, surgical instruments, and wearable health technology, improving patient care and medical outcomes.
Digital Health
Researchers and companies are advancing digital health solutions such as telemedicine platforms, electronic health records (EHR) systems, and mobile health applications.
Neuroscience and Brain Health
Institutions are conducting significant research into neurodegenerative diseases, brain injury, mental health, and therapies aimed at enhancing brain function.
Regenerative Medicine
Advances in stem cell research and regenerative therapies are helping to create new treatments for conditions like tissue repair, spinal cord injury, and degenerative diseases.
Cancer Research
The province is making strides in oncology, developing more effective cancer treatments, diagnostics, and personalized therapies, supported by major research centres like the Nova Scotia Cancer Centre.
Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceutical companies in Nova Scotia are working on developing and commercializing novel treatments, with a focus on emerging markets and the production of vaccines and biologics.
Bioinformatics
Nova Scotia is at the forefront of bioinformatics, using data analytics and computational methods to understand genetic information, which is critical for precision medicine and drug development.
Marine Biotechnology
Leveraging the province’s access to the ocean, Nova Scotia’s researchers are developing bioproducts from marine sources, such as algae and shellfish, for uses in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Public Health and Policy
Nova Scotia researchers are making advances in healthcare delivery, public health strategies, and health policy, including healthcare access, cost reduction, and improving outcomes.
