BioHubNet Launches Curated Learning Pathways to Address Workforce Demand in Canada's Biomanufacturing Sector

Toronto, ON—April 30, 2026—The Biomanufacturing Hub Network (BioHubNet), a federally-funded talent development initiative led by the University of Toronto, today announced the launch of its Curated Learning Pathways, a structured training program designed to prepare highly qualified personnel (HQP) for careers in Canada's biomanufacturing and life sciences sector.

Offered exclusively to HQP in BioHubNet's ENGAGE program, each Learning Pathway consists of 20 to 40 hours of training through expert-led in-person or live online sessions and on-demand modules, personalized career-mapping support and professional connections, equipping the next generation of industry-ready talent to grow Canada's biomanufacturing and life sciences capacity.

"As a national talent development initiative, BioHubNet's goal is to help shape a more agile and resilient talent pipeline for Canada's life sciences sector — one that evolves alongside industry and supports long-term innovation and manufacturing capacity."

— Yoo Jin Park, Director, BioHubNet

Industry PartnershipA Curriculum Co-Developed with Industry

BioHubNet's Learning Pathways are built in partnership with multiple training and academic organizations, including CATTI (Centre for Advanced Therapeutic Cell Technologies), CASTL (Cell and Advanced Therapies Skills Training Lab), Seneca Polytechnic, Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO), Agilis Health and more.

Learning outcomesare aligned with current industry standards and evolving workforce needs, and are continuously refined through feedback from HQP participants and BioHubNet's Industry Advisory Committee. Three core elements run through every pathway: hands-on technical training, professional connections, and a structured action plan to guide post-program career steps.

"Our curated Learning Pathways aim to bridge the gap between academic training and workforce needs. By co-developing curriculum with industry and aligning it directly with sector demand, we're equipping HQP with the technical fluency and confidence to succeed in their chosen career path."

— Epshita Islam, Advanced Skills Development Lead, BioHubNet

The CatalogueSeven Career Streams

The Spring/Summer 2026 catalogue includes:

1. Biomanufacturing. Choose from "Aseptic Cell Culture Basics", "CAR-T Cell Manufacturing", and "Biologics Manufacturing" to develop core GMP-competency and biomanufacturing workflow-specific skills. 30 hours. Delivered by CATTI and CASTL.
2. Quality Assurance & Quality Control. Choose from "QA/QC Microbiology for advanced therapies" and "QA/QC Analytics for biologics" to gain core competencies for biopharma quality-related roles. 30 hours. Delivered by CATTI and CASTL.
3. Regulatory Affairs. Learn how to find and interpret regulations that control biopharmaceuticals, medical devices and other health products, and practice preparing submissions and regulatory strategy. 30 hours. Delivered by Seneca Polytechnic.
4. Medical Affairs. Become field-ready for roles like Medical Science Liaison and learn about the Canadian pharma and medical affairs landscape through case-based learning and simulation. 24 hours. Delivered by Agilis Health.
5. Entrepreneurship. Build a commercialization roadmap for your innovation by learning about intellectual property, financing, and product development strategy, and perfect your business pitch. 40 hours. Delivered by OBIO.
6. Research & Development. R&D best practices and stream-specific skills. In development.
7. Clinical Trials. Operations and best practices. In development.

The Wider ProgramBeyond the Pathways

In addition to Learning Pathways, ENGAGE participants gain access to more than 60 on-demand short courses, monthly 1:1 virtual mentorship sessions with industry professionals, special workshops and events throughout the year, and travel grants to support attendance at in-person training.

EligibilityWho Can Apply

The ENGAGE program accepts Master's and PhD students who have completed at least two semesters, postdoctoral fellows, research associates, and laboratory technicians from biomanufacturing- and life-sciences-related STEM backgrounds at fourteen institutions currently: University of Toronto, University of Guelph, University Health Network, Sinai Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Queen's University, Western University, Toronto Metropolitan University, Seneca Polytechnic, Unity Health Toronto, University of Waterloo, University of Windsor, and York University.

Eligible HQP receive 5,000 Training Credits — equivalent to up to $5,000 CAD — to apply across the BioHubNet platform at no cost.

Take the Next StepApplications Now Open

ENGAGE program applications are accepted on a rolling basis. To participate in our Learning Pathways, trainees must first register on the BioHubNet Training Platform and apply for ENGAGE Training Credits before requesting enrollment. Full program details, eligibility requirements, and instructions for applying for Training Credits are available at biohubnet.ca/engage.