BioHubNet’s 2025 Annual Symposium & Training Week Report is now live, capturing key insights on what’s next for Canada’s biomanufacturing workforce development.
More than 270 attendees joined the Annual Symposium, featuring industry panels, interactive discussions, professional development workshops, a pitch competition, and the VentureLift showcase. During Training Week, 130+ HQP took part in 5 hands-on workshops and 2 CDMO site visits. The report also highlights key themes shaping the ecosystem—from AI and data readiness to stronger commercialization pathways and workforce development priorities—and outlines potential solutions and opportunities to advance next.
BioHubNet Receives $19 Million in Federal Funding to Address HQP Shortage in Biomanufacturing
- Leadership: Led by Molly Shoichet, Gilbert Walker, and Darius Rackus to drive biomanufacturing talent development.
- Federal Funding: Secured $18.9 million from CBRF and BRIF to tackle workforce shortages.
- National Role: Part of HI3, a $72 million initiative enhancing biomanufacturing capacity.
- Workforce Training: Developing 1,000 skilled workers through diverse training programs.
- Industry Collaboration: Partners with 26 organizations, including colleges and biotech firms.
- Diversity Focus: Committed to supporting underrepresented groups in life sciences.
Partner Institutions
Partner Updates
February 4th: Fireside at FemSTEM – In Conversation with Carol Shen
Fireside at FemSTEM is an interactive conversation series held each winter as part of H2i’s broader FemSTEM programming. During each Fireside, we sit down and chat with one incredible speaker. Carol Shen, founder of Start Culture Shift, helps leaders build people-centered, high-performing cultures. She advises founders/CEOs, leadership teams and boards on how to embed culture into strategy, paving the way for improved work environments and scalable growth. Join the session to hear about Carol’s journey-to-date, key learnings and advice for founders.
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Date: Wednesday February 4, 2026
- Time: 4:00 – 5:00pm ET
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Where: Zoom
The Canadian Hub for Health Intelligence and Innovation in Infectious Diseases (HI3)
plays a vital role in supporting BioHubNet by offering a collaborative network of nearly 100 partners and advanced resources in life sciences and engineering. As part of HI3, BioHubNet benefits from strategic alignment with Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy, enabling talent development, commercialization, and national health preparedness. This integration strengthens BioHubNet’s efforts to address workforce shortages and accelerate biomanufacturing innovation.