BC’s life sciences sector is one of the most exciting places to launch your career. Whether you’re passionate about biomanufacturing, clinical trials, or data-driven health solutions, this sector is full of opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact.
Over the next decade, BC is aiming to boost its life sciences economic impact by 75% and double employment to 40,000 jobs. This means more opportunities for co-op students to step into cutting-edge research, biomanufacturing, and health innovation.
Why It Matters for Students
For co-op students, this growth means:
- More placements in labs, biotech firms, and research organizations
- Opportunities to work on global health challenges and emerging technologies
- A chance to contribute to projects with real-world impact, from pandemic preparedness to cancer therapies
Building From Strength
- BC has the fastest-growing life sciences sector in Canada
- 2,000 companies employing 20,000 workers
- $1.7 billion in leveraged investment fueling growth
This momentum is built on decades of foundational research and a track record of success: B.C. companies have contributed to 22 therapeutic innovations approved for patient treatment in the past 25 years.
What’s Happening Now
The province is investing heavily in:
- Research funding and commercialization projects
- Advanced biomanufacturing capabilities
- Infrastructure like wet labs and training facilities
These investments are creating a stronger ecosystem for students, researchers, and companies to collaborate and innovate.
Goals for the Next Decade
B.C.’s Life Sciences Action Plan sets ambitious targets:
- Establish an advanced mRNA and lipid nanoparticle hub for biodefense
- Expand expertise in nuclear medicine
- Grow clinical trials infrastructure and capacity
- Increase access to capital for life sciences companies
- Leverage anonymized health data to accelerate innovation
- Double employment to 40,000 by 2031
The Bigger Picture
With over $815 million committed by the provincial government and $1.7 billion in federal and private investment, B.C. is positioning itself as a world-class hub for life sciences and biomanufacturing. International investors and pharmaceutical firms are already taking notice, making this a sector where students can grow alongside groundbreaking innovation.
Reference
Copilot was used to make this summary of the report titled “Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger BC and Canada” from the Government of BC’s Employment, business and economic development website.