News That Matters To You

By Mark Lowey
The federal government's $92-million investment in adMare Bioinnovations' spurred the creation of 39 Canadian life sciences companies, says adMare CEO Gordon McCauley. These companies have generated $2.5 billion in risk capital and 1,000 jobs, addressing a critical gap in early-stage funding for the life sciences and keeping more value from Canadian research within the country, he says.

By Mark Lowey
Investing small amounts of capital in many startups outperforms concentrated investments in a few firms and is a better use of public funding, says a new study by Kyle Briggs. Briggs, a biophysicist and entrepreneur in residence at the University of Ottawa, says his study shows Canada's risk intolerance in investment creates a negative feedback loop, resulting in missed valuable opportunities. Canada needs to rethink its approach to risk, he argues.

By Mark Lowey
Canada's lagging productivity, ranking 18th among OECD nations, prompts a $6-million national research partnership led by Trevor Tombe (University of Calgary). The initiative aims to produce practical evidence for policymakers to boost Canada's economic growth and living standards.

By Mark Lowey
The Ottawa-based Stem Cell Network's $45 million in federal funding enabled Canadian researchers to pioneer "world-first" new stem cell technologies and therapies, says Cate Murray, president and CEO of the Network. She highlights how this investment also supports training future scientists and strengthens stem cell startups, leading to potential cures for diseases like diabetes and new treatments for blood cancers and muscular dystrophies.

By Mark Lowey
Many Canadians are experimenting with AI at work without proper training or guardrails, raising questions about whether AI will contribute to productivity, says Noel Baldwin, executive director of the Future Skills Centre. In Part 2 of a Q&A interview, he emphasizes the need for adaptable skills and better coordination between government, educators and employers to ensure a resilient workforce amid rapid technological changes.

By Mark Lowey
In a Q&A interview, Noel Baldwin, executive director of the Future Skills Centre, talks about: how Canadian workers can keep upskilling in the face of rapid technological change; how young people can gain the right skills in finding employment; the value of formal and information education; how government can help workers who need career transition, Canada’s labour market strengths; and the aim of FSC’s Resilient Workforce Working Table.

By Mark Lowey
Indigenous entrepreneurs in northern Canada can be catalysts for economic development in their communities, yet they often face challenges accessing business supports and wraparound social supports, say organizations working with Northerners. Supporting Northern startups helps address labour demands and opportunity disparities between Indigenous Peoples and the non-Indigenous communities, organization leaders told a Future Skills Centre webinar.

By Mark Lowey
Patrick Searle, CEO of the Council of Canadian Innovators, says Canada must prioritize sovereignty, wealth creation and intellectual property strategies to compete in today's digital economy. In a Q&A interview with Research Money, Searle emphasizes the need for a clear national strategy that integrates security, trade and innovation to ensure Canada's economic sovereignty and prosperity.

By Mark Lowey
Canada's poor performance in turning innovative ideas into commercialized products threatens long-term productivity, according to a Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC) report. Dave Watters of Global Advantage Consulting argues that fixing this "innovation gap" requires a mission-driven innovation strategy and sustained public/private collaboration.