Applications Open
Updated April 10, 2026
Disclaimer: Please verify the details and deadlines below with the respective organizations.
If there are additional life sciences application opportunities that should be included on this page, please let us know at communications@lifesciencesbc.ca.
STEPS Team Grants
STEPS Team Grants are open, a funding opportunity for BC researchers and public health leaders to advance system-level improvements in health and equity. Supported by CIHR-IPPH and Health Research BC, the program funds collaborative research to strengthen public health systems and emergency preparedness.
Genome Canada’s Genomic Applications Partnership Program
Apply to Genome Canada’s Genomic Applications Partnership Program to receive funding in research and development projects that support public-private innovation. These projects leverage public funding to drive industry investment in genomics and biotechnology research in Canada.
ONGOING
Research Networks of Excellence in Womens Heart and or Brain Health
The CIHR invites applicants for its funding competition in partnership with Heart & Stroke, the Research Networks of Excellence in Women’s Heart and/or Brain Health.
No current opportunities.
Please let us know at communications@lifesciencesbc.ca if you are aware of any open opportunities you think should be featured!
AI Tools and Large Language Models for Principal Investigators in Regenerative Medicine
Stem Cell Network is hosting a virtual workshop designed for Principal Investigators and research leaders in regenerative medicine to explore how AI tools and large language models can be applied in research leadership, lab management, and decision-making.
Canadian Life Sciences Trade Mission to New York and New Jersey
The Canadian Life Sciences Trade Mission to New York and New Jersey will take place May 11–14, 2026, connecting Canadian life sciences companies with U.S. healthcare and biotech leaders through networking events, ecosystem tours, and participation in the BioNJ BioPartnering Conference and the U.S. Pharma & Biotech Summit.
BIO 2026
Applications are now open for presentations at BIO 2026, offering innovative biotech companies the opportunity to showcase their work to a targeted audience of investors, partners, and global industry leaders.
PHSA Supply Chain Innovation Intake program
The PHSA Supply Chain Innovation Intake program helps bring new healthcare innovations into BC’s health system. The program helps identify and adopt new products, technologies, or services that can improve healthcare. Suppliers with solutions can submit them via the intake form for review.
BioTalent Canada’s Science Horizons Youth Internship Program
BioTalent Canada’s Science Horizons Youth Internship Program is accepting applications for its wage subsidy program that helps graduates acquire work experience in an environment-related STEM field. It covers the cost of a participant’s salary by 80% up to a maximum of $25,000.
PacifiCan’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative provides funding for BC businesses to boost productivity, strengthen supply chains, and expand into new markets in response to trade disruptions.
BioTalent Canada Career Starter Program
The BioTalent Canada Career Starter Program supports young people facing employment barriers in launching careers in Canada’s bio-economy. Employers may receive up to $20,000 in funding to offset hiring and training costs, helping make it easier to recruit and develop new talent.
Advancing the Commercialization of Genomics Innovation program
The Advancing the Commercialization of Genomics Innovation program offers co-funding to help Canadian teams move genomics research from lab to market, supporting solutions across health, environmental, and resource sectors. Expressions of Interest are currently open.
IP Pathways
IP Pathways is a certificate program that helps innovators learn how to protect, manage, and use their ideas through expert-led sessions and real-world examples.
Web Summit’s Vancouver Startup Program
Web Summit’s Vancouver Startup Program helps BC startups get ready through training, mentorship, and pitch support, while connecting local founders with global investors and opportunities. Applications are open for the May 2026 cohort.
Science Horizons Youth Internship Program
The Science Horizons Youth Internship Program supports employers in recruiting and mentoring recent post-secondary graduates for environment-related STEM positions, helping build workforce capacity while providing practical experience in Canada’s green economy.
CanExport SMEs Program
The CanExport SMEs is a program that supports Canadian businesses in navigating global markets amid shifting government priorities and evolving trade conditions. The intake runs from February 4 to May 29, 2026.
The Denver Global Landing Pad provides Canadian biotech and MedTech startups with a platform to present their innovations to investors, potential customers, and government stakeholders in the Denver market. Taking place September 9–11, 2026, the program is designed for seed to Series A companies that have shown early traction. To apply, email Denver-based Canadian Trade Commissioner david.b.smith@international.gc.ca and copy nicole.vanhove@international.gc.ca. Applications are due April 30, 2026.
Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII)
The Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) funds projects that enhance Canada’s defence and dual-use sectors, increase innovation capacity, and help small and medium-sized enterprises integrate into local and international supply chains — including work in AI, quantum technologies, and cybersecurity. PacifiCan is accepting applications for projects taking place between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2028. The program is open to both businesses and non-profits, with priority currently placed on company applications.
University of Calgary’s Schulich School of Engineering Internship
University of Calgary’s Schulich School of Engineering is offering four-, eight-, 12- or 16-month internships for Schulich’s biomedical engineering students who are equipped with specialized skills and industry knowledge. Apply now for free job postings, recruitment assistance, performance evaluation follow-ups, and more.
Learn more or email ecc@ucalgary.ca.
ONGOING
SCWIST Volunteer Programs
The Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology has open opportunities to volunteer for their youth programs. Inspire the next generation of
STEM enthusiasts through mentorship, workshops, virtual panels, and more.
OBIO’s Cybersecurity & Digital Health Training for Health Science Professionals
Applications open for OBIO’s Cybersecurity & Digital Health Training for Health Science Professionals. Receive training and upskilling on the critical intersection of software development and cybersecurity in health products and medical devices. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis.
CASTL’s Elevate Program
Join CASTL’s Elevate Program, a 6-week national training initiative aimed at advancing Canada’s biomanufacturing sector through comprehensive training. Apply to be part of the next cohort.
The University of British Columbia’s School of Biomedical Engineering is proud to announce the launch of a new educational offering, the Micro-certificate in Innovation Leadership: Medical & Bio-Innovations. This program is designed to empower professionals in the life sciences and biotech sectors with the strategic skills needed to lead innovation and bring groundbreaking healthcare solutions to market.
SFU Medical School
The B.C. government has secured a permanent home for the new SFU medical school and opened applications, with the first cohort of 48 medical students to begin studies at the SFU Surrey campus in the interim.
Applied Bioinformatics Micro-Credential
The Applied Bioinformatics Micro-Credential is a short, part-time program that builds practical skills for BC’s life sciences and biotech sectors. Delivered in a hybrid format over four weeks, it focuses on genomics and transcriptomics, teaching learners how to analyze NGS data, run genome assemblies, and perform RNA-seq analysis using R and command-line tools.
Biotechnology Animal Cell Culture Microcredential
BCIT Biotechnology is offering a Biotechnology Animal Cell Culture Microcredential from June 1–12. This two-week intensive lab course provides life sciences students, graduates, and professionals with hands-on training to build practical, job-ready skills.
Gastrointestinal Health Scholars Program
Bausch Health and its GI division, Salix Pharmaceuticals, are now accepting applications for the 2026 Salix Gastrointestinal Health Scholars Program. The program will award up to 10 scholarships, valued at up to $10,000 each, to students living with GI or liver diseases who are pursuing post-secondary education. Applications close May 6, 2026.
ONGOING
BioSkills Recognition Program
Through BioTalent Canada‘s BioSkills Recognition Program, you can showcase your abilities to employers in Canada’s growing biotech sector by being recognized as BioReadyTM Being BioReady lets employers know you have the skills to work in certain biotech jobs in Canada’s bio-economy.
SCN-Mitacs Internship
The SCN–Mitacs Internship Partnership connects graduate students and postdocs with Canadian biotech companies working in stem cell and regenerative medicine. Participants complete an eight-month Mitacs-funded industry internship to gain hands-on research and business experience.
Applying the ISSCR Standards for Research
The ISSCR, in collaboration with STEMCELL Technologies, has launched a free, on-demand course titled Applying the ISSCR Standards for Research. The training provides practical guidance on implementing best practices in human stem cell research, including characterization, pluripotency, and genomic integrity.
Vast Space
Vast Space is inviting professionals to take part in research on Earth and in space, including work on its Haven-1 Lab and future private missions to the International Space Station. Research areas include biotech, pharma, human health, materials science, AI, and STEM, with real-world and space applications.
2026 I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employers Program
BioTalent Canada has announced the 2026 I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employers, highlighting organizations that are turning inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and leadership into meaningful impact across the bioscience workforce. These employers are being recognized for inclusive hiring practices, supportive workplace initiatives, and leadership that helps strengthen diversity and equity across the sector.
2026 ASPIRE HIGHER Scholarship Program
Bausch Health has introduced the 2026 ASPIRE HIGHER Scholarship Program, providing financial support to students living with dermatologic conditions. Selected recipients may receive up to $10,000 to support their post-secondary education. Applications close June 10, 2026.
Innovative Medicines Canada’s Health Research Foundation (HRF)
Innovative Medicines Canada’s Health Research Foundation (HRF) has opened nominations for the 2026 HRF Medal of Honour, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the lives of Canadians and advancing health knowledge in Canada and globally. Email completed submissions by July 10, 2026.
ONGOING
NSERC Prizes
Canada’s Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council encourages nominations for its NSERC Prizes, recognizing exceptional science and engineering research community members.