Life Sciences

Halifax’s digital health sector combines healthcare system access with expertise in artificial intelligence, health informatics, clinical bioinformatics, precision medicine and human-centred technology. The Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub serves as a first-of-its-kind centre of excellence in Atlantic Canada, connecting clinicians, researchers and companies to test, evaluate, and scale healthcare system solutions within a unified provincial health system.

Nova Scotia Health has also launched first-in-Canada technology that integrates oncology information in real time, while the IWK Centre for Clinical Bioinformatics supports data-driven precision medicine with appropriate privacy, security, and ethical governance.

Halifax’s medical technology sector brings engineers, clinicians, researchers and companies together to develop new diagnostics, medical devices, imaging systems, biomaterials, and surgical technologies. Dalhousie University’s biomedical engineering researchers work across medical imaging, implanted devices, tissue engineering, and novel biomaterials, while Nova Scotia Health provides a coordinated environment for testing technologies in clinical care.

Halifax’s med-tech capacity sits within a broader life sciences ecosystem of more than 100 companies spanning medical devices, digital health, biotechnology, and bioproducts.

Halifax’s natural products and bioproducts sector draws on Nova Scotia’s marine biodiversity, agricultural resources and expertise in biotechnology, biomaterials, and process engineering. Researchers and companies are transforming seaweed, algae, seafood byproducts and other biological resources into health products, functional ingredients, advanced materials, and sustainable technologies.

The NRC’s Marine Research Station in Ketch Harbour supports algae cultivation and the recovery of valuable compounds from marine resources, while Natural Products Canada helps Canadian innovations reach market. Dartmouth-based Acadian Seaplants has built a global business around high-value seaweed products, and the emerging Neptune BioInnovation Centre will add commercial-scale precision-fermentation and spray-drying capacity.

With over 200 clinical trials in neurology underway at any time, Halifax is a focal point for new discoveries. The Brain Repair Centre unites researchers investigating therapies for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, brain injury, migraines and more. Halifax is also a global leader in pain research, especially pediatric pain, shaping treatments used around the world.

Halifax is a leading centre for cancer research, oncology innovation and clinical trials in Atlantic Canada. More than 50 principal investigators work across cancer biology, immunotherapy, precision medicine, diagnostics, and treatment.

Nova Scotia Health supports approximately 30 to 50 active oncology trials across medical, radiation, and surgical oncology, including studies that have achieved world-first patient recruitment. Its 10-year partnership with Varian, valued at up to $175 million, is also bringing advanced imaging, treatment technologies, software, and digital solutions into cancer care.

Halifax offers conference organizers direct access to one of Atlantic Canada’s strongest pediatric health and research communities. Anchored by IWK Health, a specialized academic health sciences centre for women, children, youth, and families, the city brings together approximately 120 investigators and 400 research employees; supported by 64,000 square feet of dedicated research space.

Halifax expertise spans pediatric pain, vaccines, neonatal health, autism, genomics, precision medicine, and surgical innovation. Internationally recognized research centres, close connections between scientists and clinicians, and a strong record of hosting pediatric health conferences give organizers access to knowledgeable speakers, potential collaborators, and meaningful local content for scientific and medical programs.

Halifax is advancing pharmaceuticals, vaccines and biotechnology from early research through clinical testing and commercialization. The city’s collaborative ecosystem connects researchers, hospitals, health-system partners, and growing biopharma companies working in vaccine development, immunotherapy, infectious disease, and drug discovery.

Nova Scotia Health supports approximately 400 clinical trials at any given time, while the Atlantic Clinical Trials Network extends access across a regional population of roughly 2.5 million people. The Canadian Center for Vaccinology adds more than 20 investigators working across vaccine discovery, clinical evaluation, implementation, policy and ethics, strengthening Halifax’s role as a launchpad for health innovations with national and global potential.