Greater Victoria could become the next Silicon Valley for life science.

A new report from the South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) highlights Greater VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 potential as a hub for life sciences innovation. The study, commissioned with the District of Saanich, identifies the regionB次元官网网址檚 strengths, challenges, and opportunities in fields like medical devices, biotech and digital health.

With over 60 life sciences companies, key infrastructure like UVicB次元官网网址檚 Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology, and access to top-tier research and talent, the report emphasizes the regionB次元官网网址檚 ability to foster growth. 

SIPPB次元官网网址檚 Dallas Gislason noted that while Vancouver Island accounts for just 15 per cent of B.C.B次元官网网址檚 life sciences businesses, Greater Victoria is home to some of CanadaB次元官网网址檚 largest life science companies like MedTech and StarFish Medical.

Challenges such as limited capital and rising costs remain, but the report calls for boosting investment, strengthening industry-academic ties, and supporting startups. Samuel Mercer of the Vancouver Island Life Sciences Association said Greater Victoria is positioning itself as a leader in innovation, similar to San DiegoB次元官网网址檚 rise alongside San Francisco.

The findings position Greater Victoria as a growing player in B.C.B次元官网网址檚 life sciences sector with the potential to drive innovation and economic growth.