Saskatchewan has a strong life sciences and research cluster, including national and international players with global reputations.
In Canada's heartland, it's not surprising to find a tradition of innovation in agriculture and new ways of thinking about bio-resources.
Life Sciences
Saskatchewan is recognized as a world leader in biotechnology and life sciences, with some of the most advanced facilities in Canada.
Saskatchewan's agricultural wealth and diversity create a natural environment for the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals and health products. This sector draws on the province's strengths in:
- Agriculture;
- Food science and food processing technologies;
- Pharmacy;
- Medicine;
- Botany; and
- Animal sciences.
The Canadian Light Source is Canada's only synchrotron and one of the most advanced in the world. Scientists from around the globe are using the synchrotron to conduct research in areas including nanotechnology, environmental technologies and pharmaceuticals.
The Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation places Saskatchewan as a global leader in nuclear science and medicine.
The Global Institute for Food Security is a public-private partnership that applies Saskatchewan's unique resources, innovation and expertise to the global challenge of feeding a growing population.
The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization – International Vaccine Centre is responsible for several world firsts in animal vaccines and is also developing vaccines to protect people and animals from global diseases.
Biomass
Saskatchewan is developing new products using renewable resources.
Saskatchewan offers extensive research and technological support, from plant biotechnology and fermentation capacity to analytical support and toll-processing, amidst the country's largest renewable bio-product resources. Candidates for commercialization in Saskatchewan include:
- Bio-based materials;
- Green chemicals;
- Renewable plastics; and
- Natural fibres and natural structural materials.
The province has some of Canada's first and largest operating wheat-based ethanol plants and integrated biodiesel operations that produce:
- Biofuels;
- Bio-lubricants;
- Dust-control products;
- Concentrated protein feeds; and
- Many other bio-products.