Health + Biotechnology

Supporting the next generation of global bioinnovation

Launch your startup in Brampton’s Health + Biotechnology Cluster

Brampton’s Health + Biotechnology companies are part of an internationally renowned cluster of organizations within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) that include pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical equipment and supplies, and medical and diagnostic laboratories.

These innovative companies enjoy access to some of the most advanced university-based researchers, world-class talent and Canada’s largest clinical trial infrastructure.

Quick Facts

You're in Good Company

There are 100 biotechnology firms within a 30-minute drive, with 40% of Canada's life sciences companies are located within in a 60-minute drive.

A Leading Employer
Brampton is located in North America’s 3rd largest technology cluster.
A Hub For Innovation

Ontario is a top location for pharma production and biotechnology and R&D.

Emerging Health + Biotechnology Cluster

The new $500 million world-class Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness (PMC) has spurred the development of a new Health and Biotechnology cluster in the downtown centre of Brampton. This health cluster is uniquely focused on preventive care and targets businesses involved with big data, health applications, population-based research and personalized medicine.

Health Cluster advantages

There are thousands of health-sector businesses and agencies in Brampton, from doctors’ offices to global players in medical research and devices, including Medtronic (HQ), Taro Pharmaceuticals (HQ), Dynacare and Canadian Blood Services.

Brampton boasts three leading health care facilities: William Osler Health System (Peel Memorial and Brampton Civic) and ErinoakKids.

Talent in healthcare innovation

Enrollment in life science-related programs within commuting distance of Brampton has tripled since 2006. There are now more than 24,000 students in health and health-related fields in the city.

Brampton is also home to Sheridan College’s Faculty of Applied Health + Community Studies and there are over 300 life science-related programs offered at the 21 universities and colleges and 25 private career colleges located within an hour’s drive of the city.

A Growing workforce
22,500 people working in the Life Sciences sector in Ontario.
Booming Business
1,300 companies that collectively earn $12.2 billion in revenues.
An International Industry
Exports totalling $1.45 billion.
A Growing Industry
Health & Life Science sector experiences an average of 6% growth per year.
Attracting new talent
50% growth in employment in the health and life sciences sector since 2005.

Key Sectors

Brampton’s key sectors leverage our businesses and research institutions, workforce, expertise, transport links and location to support our economic development strategy and grow our local economy.
Advanced Manufacturing
Agriculture
Food + Beverage
Health + Biotechnology
Innovation + Technology
Logistics
Renewable Energy
Cyber Security

How we help

BHive’s Healthcare Cohort offers a number of key benefits for foreign healthcare start-ups, including:

Access to funding

Matching applicants with suitable investors and funding opportunities for bioinnovation.

Mentorship opportunities

Introductions to leaders in the healthcare and life-science industry to provide mentorship, guidance and support.

Access to research facilities and lab space

Leveraging resources from one of the 21 post-secondary institutions located within an hours drive of Brampton, including top-rated research universities in North America like McMaster University & University of Toronto.

Skilled talent

Access to a skilled local workforce of health professionals as well as thousands of life science, biotechnology and healthcare students enrolled at the 21 post-secondary institutions located near Brampton.

Dedicated Sector Manager

Access to a dedicated Sector Manager who specializes in health sciences to provide industry-specific advice for the Canadian and North American markets.

Who should apply

Our Healthcare cohort is suited to future-thinking, coachable founders building proprietary technologies, advanced research, complex models, and unique designs to innovate healthcare for hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care centres, hospices, patients, and their families.

This cohort is aimed toward early-stage companies (pre-seed, seed, or series), whether they have raised little to no investment or even projects (pre-incorporation); however, start-ups at all levels of the company life cycle will be considered.

Companies with any or all the following are preferred:

  • IP.
  • Patent.
  • Published Research.
  • FDA Approved.
  • Government Approved.
  • Clinical Trials completed.
Startup focus areas may include:
  • Digital Health.
  • Biotechnology.
  • Medical Devices.
  • Bioinformatics.
  • Therapeutics.
  • Diagnostic tools and equipment.
  • Healthcare Software.
  • Medicine
  • Wellness and Mental Health.
  • Psychedelics.
  • Psychotherapy.
  • Cognition – Brain Health.
  • Mobility.
  • Senior Health Care.
  • Drug Development.

Ready to take the next step?

Are you a fast-growing foreign start-up looking to expand into North America? Get in touch with the BHive team to see how we can help accelerate your North American expansion.

    Launch your bioinnovation start-up with BHive