Saskatchewan Celebrates Global Biotech Week with Innovation Events

Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison has officially designated September 20 to 27, 2025, as Global Biotech Week in Saskatchewan. This initiative celebrates the advancements biotechnology has brought to the province and highlights its potential for future economic growth. The week is organized by Ag-West Bio, a non-profit organization aimed at fostering innovation and supporting the commercialization of research in agricultural and food biosciences.

Ag-West Bio encompasses a diverse membership, including public research institutions, private companies ranging from start-ups to multinationals, and various economic development and commodity groups. Members are involved in sectors such as biotechnology, bioproducts, biofuels, health, and nutrition. Harrison remarked, “Thanks to made-in-Saskatchewan biotech innovations, our producers can grow crops with higher yields and increased resilience, and our livestock producers have more productive herds.” He emphasized that these advancements contribute to a more productive, profitable, and sustainable industry.

The roots of Global Biotech Week can be traced back to BIOTECanada, which initiated the first National Biotechnology Week in 2003. The aim of this effort has consistently been to raise awareness about biotechnology and celebrate its scientific contributions. Biotechnology itself is defined as the application of biological knowledge to solve practical problems, leading to innovative products and solutions.

The modern era of biotechnology began in the 1970s with the advent of genetic engineering. This field merges biological science with technology to push forward research in areas such as nanotechnology and regenerative medicine. While biotechnology’s applications span numerous fields, its agricultural uses have sparked considerable debate, especially regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

During Global Biotech Week, various events were held to engage the public and showcase local biotechnology initiatives. One highlight was “Biotech at the Market,” an evening at the Gather Local Market in Saskatoon, featuring trivia centered on brewing and distilling. Local breweries, such as 9 Mile Legacy Brewing, participated by connecting their products to local agriculture, including the “Isle of Wight” golden ale produced with heritage barley from Seager Wheeler Farm.

Ag-West Bio has also recently invested in the LGCY Innovation Hub, a nano-fermentation facility located at 9 Mile Legacy Brewing. This facility is designed to foster experimentation and practical applications of biotechnology. Cassy Appelt, Director of LGCY, stated, “It comes from our roots in Saskatchewan farming, where two heads are better than one and neighbours help neighbours without hesitation.” This collaborative spirit underpins the mission of the hub.

Saskatchewan’s biotechnology sector has gained international recognition, with one-third of Canada’s agricultural biotechnology activities taking place in the province. Research institutions in Saskatchewan are leaders in crop breeding, genetics, and genomics. “Global Biotech Week brings together scientists, entrepreneurs, educators, students, and the public to build awareness of how bioscience is helping to shape Saskatchewan’s future,” said Karen Churchill, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Ag-West Bio.

Founded in 1989, Ag-West Bio has played a pivotal role in supporting Saskatchewan’s agricultural biotechnology cluster. The organization focuses on helping existing companies expand, attracting new businesses, and providing leadership in biotechnology. The University of Saskatchewan and Innovation Place in Saskatoon serve as the heart of this dynamic bioscience research cluster, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and expertise.

Throughout the week, Ag-West Bio coordinated a variety of activities across Saskatchewan. Events targeted primary, secondary, and post-secondary students, along with public outreach to showcase local research infrastructure and biotechnology firms. Notable activities included the “Amazing Biotech Race,” inviting high school and Sask Polytechnic students to explore the Innovation Saskatchewan Research and Technology Park in Saskatoon, where they learned about various biotechnology businesses.

The Global Institute on Food Security at the University of Saskatchewan opened its doors during this week to highlight Canada’s only biofoundry dedicated to agriculture and food innovation. A biofoundry integrates biology, chemical biology, and engineering, utilizing tools such as automation and artificial intelligence to create efficient feedback loops for continuous improvement in research and development processes.

Additionally, seminars on automation in engineering biology and tours of facilities such as the Canadian Light Source and the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre were part of the week’s offerings. Celebrations also marked significant anniversaries for organizations like Genome Prairie and VIDO, which are celebrating 25 and 50 years, respectively. A two-day symposium on infectious disease prevention at VIDO was a key event in these celebrations.

Across Canada, biotechnology continues to drive innovation, establish international partnerships, and bolster the country’s global standing. Various regions are advancing their biotech sectors through groundbreaking companies and policies that foster growth and success. Global Biotech Week serves as a reminder of the importance of this field in shaping a sustainable future for agriculture and beyond.