June 22, 2026
[OTTAWA] – BIOTECanada officially opened the Canada Pavilion today at the BIO
International Convention in San Diego, serving as the central hub for Canadian
biotechnology companies to showcase their strengths and connect with global partners.

The opening comes at a pivotal moment for Canada’s biotechnology and life sciences
sector. Over the past year, the sector has moved into the centre of several major federal
priorities, from investment and tax competitiveness to health security, AI, and defence-
related innovation. Recent measures, including reforms to the Scientific Research and
Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax incentive, the new Venture and Growth Capital
Catalyst Initiative, Health Emergency Readiness Canada, and the recognition of life
sciences in Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy and national AI strategy, reflect the
growing recognition of biotechnology as a strategic national asset and an important
driver of Canada’s long-term competitiveness.

Throughout BIO 2026, BIOTECanada will lead international engagements with partners
from several continents, including country-focused discussions, roundtables, and
sector-specific programming. These efforts support a broader goal: strengthening
Canada’s biotechnology sector at home while helping Canadian companies diversify
partnerships and build opportunities in markets around the world.

“Canadian biotechnology has earned its place in the global conversation,” said Wendy
Zatylny, President and CEO of BIOTECanada. “Across the country, Canadian
companies are advancing world-class science, building across the full life sciences
continuum, and forming global partnerships. BIO is an important opportunity to connect
Canadian innovation with partners, investors, and markets around the world.”

“With close to 400 Canadian companies and organizations participating, Canada
continues to be one of the largest delegations at BIO,” added Zatylny. “That presence
reflects the breadth of our life sciences sector and the national, provincial, and regional
partners helping bring Canada’s strengths to the world.”

BIOTECanada thanks its Canada Pavilion Partners for their collaboration in supporting
a strong Canadian presence at BIO 2026. For complete Canada Pavilion programming
information, visit Canada@BIO.