Published in BIOTECanada Insights Magazine
WHEN A BIOTECH STARTUP gears for its next major trial, the focus is often on the science and funding—but geography plays a pivotal role too. Should the team establish operations in Boston, London, Australia or Canada?
As companies scout locations for their next R&D facilities, Canada should be at the top of the list. The country has world-class universities, robust infrastructure and close proximity to the U.S. market.
Its Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program is among the most generous R&D tax credit schemes in the world, and the country’s political stability gives companies the confidence to plan long-term. On paper, Canada has everything it needs to be a biotech powerhouse.
And increasingly, companies are recognizing these advantages. With nearly 500 Canadian biotech companies attending BIO 2025 in Boston, Canada’s life sciences sector demonstrated its global competitiveness and innovation leadership. Yet to fully capitalize on this momentum, targeted policy enhancements can make Canada’s investment climate even smoother, faster and more predictable. The good news is that it wouldn’t take sweeping reforms to turn this around. With focused adjustments, Canada can strengthen its position as a top global R&D destination.