Connect with us

Technology

Government of Canada funds new projects at the PRAIRIE Hub for Pandemic Preparedness to further grow the domestic biomanufacturing and life sciences sector

Published

on

New multidisciplinary projects in Edmonton will prepare Canada for future health emergencies and build capacity

EDMONTON, AB, May 31, 2024 /CNW/ – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Growing a robust, competitive, domestic biomanufacturing and life sciences sector ensures that Canada has access to critical vaccines, therapeutics and other life-saving medicines. The Government of Canada has been doing just that since the launch of Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy in 2021 with a $2.2 billion commitment to develop cutting edge biomanufacturing capabilities.

Today, Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre announced $109.9 million in funding for four projects endorsed by the PRAIRIE Hub for Pandemic Preparedness at the University of Alberta, through Stage 2 of the integrated Canada Biomedical Research Fund (CBRF) and Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund (BRIF) competition. This support is part of a nearly $574 million investment announced by the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agencies of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, on May 6.

The PRAIRIE Hub for Pandemic Preparedness is an alliance led by the University of Alberta, and includes the University of Calgary, the University of Manitoba and the University of Saskatchewan as major partners. It aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of vaccine, antiviral and diagnostic countermeasures for potential pandemic pathogens through the following four research projects:

Developing self-amplifying (sa) RNA vaccines against pandemic virus threatsViral vector vaccine platforms for rapid response to future pandemics (administered by the University of Manitoba)Innovative techniques and diagnostic tests for pandemic preparedness and health equityFilling vials for pandemic preparedness

Through these investments in research, talent and infrastructure projects, Canadians will have access to made-in-Canada vaccines, therapeutics and other life-saving medicines and innovations. This will help strengthen the resilience of Canada’s life sciences sector by supporting leading Canadian research in innovative technologies that keep us safe and boost our economy.

Each of the 19 projects funded as part of stage 2 is endorsed by one of the five research hubs which were established in Stage 1 of the CBRF-BRIF competition. These hubs combine the strengths of Canada’s post-secondary institutions, research hospitals, industry and the not-for-profit sector to jointly improve health emergency preparedness and the overall health and well-being of Canadians. In addition, the hubs will help accelerate the translation of promising research into commercially viable products and processes. By strengthening research capacity and leveraging collaborations across the entire biomanufacturing ecosystem, Canada will be better prepared to face future pandemics.

Quotes

“With world-leading scientists and researchers established across Canadian leading research institutions, Canada is home to a competitive and robust biomanufacturing and life sciences sector. We made a promise to Canadians that we would rebuild the domestic sector. With this investment, our government is delivering on this promise by supporting the excellent innovations, collaborations and infrastructures necessary to rapidly respond to future public health threats and keep Canadians safe.”
—The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“Today’s announcement marks another important milestone in our work to improve health outcomes for Canadians and strengthen our domestic biomanufacturing capacity. This investment will support innovative and world-leading research and science in the areas of vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and surveillance to help prepare Canada for future health emergencies.”
—The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health

“Investing in projects like the PRAIRIE Hub for Pandemic Preparedness is about strengthening Canada’s biomanufacturing sector and building on our world class medical life sciences and biomanufacturing capabilities. This investment will better position our country to fight future pandemics and provide better health outcomes for Albertans and for all Canadians right across the country.”
– The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre

“The research funded through the CBRF will position Canada as a global leader in the biomanufacturing and life sciences sector.  Most importantly, today’s investment will ensure that our nation’s brightest researchers and scientists are at the forefront of vaccine and therapeutic discoveries that will drive Canadian industry and equip Canada with the capacity to respond quickly and effectively to future pandemics.”
Ted Hewitt, Chair, Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat; President, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

“This significant investment from the Government of Canada reaffirms the world leadership of U of A researchers and the importance of their contributions to new diagnostic techniques and the development and production of vaccines and therapeutic drugs. As the lead institution in the PRAIRIE Hub, we are pleased to convene expertise from across Western Canada to advance the future of pandemic preparedness.”
Aminah Robinson Fayek, Vice-President (Research and Innovation), University of Alberta

Quick facts

This investment builds on the crucial support provided through the first stages of CBRF and BRIF that enabled the creation of five new research hubs, as well as upgrades to Canada’s biocontainment facilities.Each of the 19 projects awarded funding includes one or more of these components: research, talent development and research infrastructure. As a result, a project may receive funding from CBRF, BRIF or both.The CBRF-BRIF competition followed a two-step competitive review process that evaluated the scientific merit and strategic alignment of the project proposals with the objectives of the funding opportunity and the priorities of the Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy.The Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy includes major investments to help build Canada’s talent pipeline and research capacity. Investments include:CBRF: $250 million to create a program to support high-risk, applied research, training, and talent development partnership projects. The program is administered by the Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat, housed at the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), on behalf of the three federal research funding agencies: SSHRC, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. BRIF: $500 million to support the biosciences infrastructure needs of postsecondary institutions and affiliated research hospitals. This fund is administered by the Canada Foundation for Innovation.Clinical Trials Fund:  Led by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Clinical Trials Fund has supported the establishment of a clinical trial consortium, training platforms and clinical trials to support health emergency preparedness and boost the life sciences sector, aligned with the priorities of the Government of Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy.The Government is also providing targeted support to scale up Canadian biomanufacturing companies and attract investment from leading multinational firms. Since the onset of the pandemic, the Government has invested more than $2.2 billion in 38 different projects in the biomanufacturing ecosystem. Through the Strategic Innovation Fund specifically, the Government has invested in more than 16 projects since the beginning of the pandemic and the launch of the strategy.

Associated links

Government of Canada funds new projects to further grow the domestic biomanufacturing and life sciences sector
Stage 2—Award Recipients
Government of Canada establishes new research hubs to accelerate Canada’s vaccine and therapeutics production
The Government of Canada announces biomanufacturing and life sciences strategy
Canada’s biomanufacturing ecosystem gets major boost with new funding

Follow us on X (Twitter) 

Follow us on Facebook

Stay connected

Find more services and information at Canada.ca/ISED.

Follow Canadian Science on social media.
X (Twitter): @CDNScience | Facebook: Canadian Science | Instagram: @cdnscience

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Vipboss Marks Earth Day with Renewed Commitment to Green Energy Solutions

Published

on

By

NEW YORK, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Earth Day draws global attention to environmental responsibility, Vipboss, a specialist manufacturer and developer of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs for energy storage and mobility applications, is underscoring its long‑term commitment to sustainable energy practices through its Environmental Advocacy. This advocacy is devoid of ornate language; its inspiration stems from the brand’s unwavering conviction in LiFePO4 batteries as a green energy solution. To align this message with practical action, the brand is also running a themed sales campaign on its official website during April 18th to 30th. It highlights how practical product solutions, rather than abstract concepts, can support cleaner energy use in everyday life.

Across the world, energy consumption patterns are undergoing rapid change. Households, outdoor users, and light‑mobility sectors are increasingly seeking energy systems that are safe, sustainable, and low‑emission. Within this shift, LiFePO4 batteries have emerged as a preferred technology for clean‑energy applications. Their long service life, high safety profile, and absence of cobalt, which is an element associated with higher environmental and ethical risks, position them as a responsible choice in the global transition toward greener power.

LiFePO4 technology forms the foundation of Vipboss’s approach to sustainable energy. Its extended cycle life reduces the frequency of battery replacement, lowering resource consumption and easing the environmental burden associated with disposal. The material’s inherent stability also minimizes the risk of thermal runaway, offering a safer experience in homes, recreational vehicles, and public environments. In practical use cases such as home backup systems, RV travel, and golf‑course operations, LiFePO4 batteries deliver efficient storage and stable output, helping reduce reliance on fossil‑fuel‑based energy sources and supporting lower‑carbon lifestyles.

Vipboss’s environmental advocacy extends beyond the technical advantages of its products. The brand promotes responsible energy use as an integral part of sustainable living, emphasizing that product design and informed application must work together to achieve meaningful environmental outcomes. As a provider of energy solutions for home, travel, and leisure scenarios, Vipboss continues to participate in the long‑term process of green transformation through ongoing technological refinement and product evolution.

Earth Day serves as a reminder that lasting environmental impact is built through small, consistent actions. Looking ahead, Vipboss will continue advancing safer, more durable, and more efficient energy products that support individuals and families in adopting more sustainable energy habits. Through these efforts, the brand aims to contribute enduring value to the wider adoption of clean energy and the collective pursuit of a more sustainable future.

About Vipboss

Vipboss is a specialist in the lithium battery industry, focusing on the research, production, and manufacturing of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs. The company is committed to advancing battery technology with an emphasis on reliable performance, safety, and extended service life. Its mission is to deliver safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible energy solutions that contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

For more information, please visit: https://vipbosspower.com/.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vipboss-marks-earth-day-with-renewed-commitment-to-green-energy-solutions-302746462.html

SOURCE Vipboss

Continue Reading

Technology

Pastor Dino Rizzo Marks 100 Days to Serve Day Ahead of Global Outreach Initiative

Published

on

By

Pastor Dino Rizzo highlighted the milestone of 100 days until Serve Day 2026, as thousands of churches prepare to serve their communities through coordinated acts of kindness on July 11.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pastor Dino Rizzo joined church leaders and teams on April 2 to mark 100 days until Serve Day 2026, a global outreach initiative set for July 11. The milestone brings together more than 2,900 churches preparing to serve their local communities through practical acts of kindness and outreach.

Serve Day, led by many churches within the Association of Related Churches, provides a coordinated opportunity for churches worldwide to engage their cities and demonstrate their faith through service. Pastor Dino Rizzo, who serves as Executive Director of ARC, emphasized the significance of the initiative as both a single-day event and a broader movement.

“Serve Day provides churches across the world with opportunities to serve their local communities and share the love of God through practical acts of kindness,” Rizzo said. “Our hope is that serving others becomes our focus throughout the year.”

The April 2 milestone reflects growing participation and anticipation among churches globally. Leaders are currently equipping teams, organizing projects, and connecting with local communities in preparation for July. Churches that join the initiative gain access to resources, including the Serve Day playbook, monthly leadership calls, and a private online community designed to support collaboration and planning.

Pastor Dino Rizzo has long championed the role of service within the church through the Servolution movement. Introduced through his 2009 book Servolution: Starting a Church Revolution Through Serving, the concept calls churches to embed serving into their culture rather than limit it to occasional events. The message has since influenced hundreds of churches across multiple countries, including the United States, Peru, New Zealand, and Poland.

“Serving is not just about an event. It is about building a culture where meeting needs and reaching people becomes part of who we are,” Rizzo has shared in previous teachings, reinforcing the long-term vision behind initiatives like Serve Day.

In addition to leading Serve Day, Pastor Dino Rizzo continues his work with ARC, which has planted over 1200 churches and continues to train and equip new church leaders. His involvement in conferences, leadership development, and global outreach initiatives reflects a consistent focus on sustainable church growth and community impact.

Churches interested in participating in Serve Day 2026 can learn more through ARC’s official website and access resources designed to support local outreach efforts.

About Pastor Dino Rizzo

Pastor Dino Rizzo is a pastor, author, and church leader known for his emphasis on service, leadership, and healthy church culture. He serves as Executive Director of the Association of Related Churches, an organization that has helped launch hundreds of churches worldwide. Rizzo is also the author of Servolution, a book that has inspired a global movement centered on serving others as a core expression of faith.

Media Contact
Organization: Mercury News Media
Email: info@mercurynewsmedia.com
Phone: 303 800 6186
Website:
https://www.mercurynewsmedia.com/
Contact Name: Jessica Brown

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pastor-dino-rizzo-marks-100-days-to-serve-day-ahead-of-global-outreach-initiative-302746143.html

SOURCE Dino Rizzo

Continue Reading

Technology

WOMEN in the Spotlight! The 2026 Yiwugo Top Boss Ladies Awards Gala Held

Published

on

By

YIWU, China, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Yiwugo.com, the official website of the Yiwu Commodity Market, is the largest commodity wholesale market in the world. In the bright and warm days of April, with spring in full bloom, the grand ballroom on the third floor of the Yiwu Marriott Hotel was a vibrant gathering. Outstanding female entrepreneurs from various sections of the Yiwu Market gathered in their elegant attire to share the glorious moment of the 2026 Yiwugo Top Boss Ladies Awards Gala. The selection campaign, launched on March 8, attracted thousands of female entrepreneurs from the Yiwu Market. Voting was conducted across the Yiwugo app, official WeChat accounts, and the website. The evaluation criteria continued to cover multiple dimensions, including Business Excellence and Image Excellence, aiming to fully showcase the achievements of Yiwugo’s female entrepreneurs and their enterprises in areas such as digital transformation, overseas market expansion, and global supply chain integration.

Ultimately, the title of 2026 Yiwugo Top Boss Ladies was awarded to: Fu Jiangyan (Zhangweichao Socks Firm), Xu Xiaohui (Little Bee Towels), Peng Jirong (Dongyang Jirong Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd), Li Chuanzhi (Chengfa Tableware Firm), Wang Xiaohong (Yiwu Aishang Daily Necessities Factory), Bao Qiaoli (Bole Plush Pendant Toy), Li Hong (Yiwu Hanbang Daily Necessities Firm), Wu Yajun (Ziyi Stationery Firm), Wang Chunxing (Butterfly Fly Lace Firm), and Zheng Huili (Yiwu Lihong household products Co., Ltd).

In addition, twenty other entrepreneurs, including He Wenjuan (Zhihua Jewelry Box), Jin Chengfeng (Lanmo Textile Co., Ltd), Cui Yanping (Xin Tai Yang Shower Curtain And Towel Factory), and Zhang Huoqing (Happy Sisters Plush Toy), received the Top Boss Ladies Nomination award.

“Women hold up half the sky” – nowhere is this more evident than in the Yiwu Market. To showcase the entrepreneurial spirit and “she-power” of female business owners in the market, Yiwugo launched the Top Boss Ladies Awards in 2016. To date, this campaign has been held for 11 consecutive years, becoming one of the benchmark activities in the Yiwu Market.

Over the years, driven by this campaign, participating female entrepreneurs have become increasingly active, with nearly 700 Top Boss Ladies recognized. They have not only steadfastly managed their shops but have also leveraged their unique empathy and customer insight as female entrepreneurs to drive comprehensive brand upgrades, from product innovation to communication methods, breathing new life into traditional brands in the new era.

Amid the surging digital wave, artificial intelligence is reshaping industries at unprecedented speed and scale. This year’s Top Boss Ladies winners and nominees have bravely stepped into the spotlight, keeping pace with the times, actively embracing evolving business models and technological change. By replacing experience with data, using digital platforms to break geographical boundaries, and leveraging digital intelligence to break through development bottlenecks, they are driving a transition from OEM exports to global branding.

Fu Jiangyan of Zhangweichao Socks Firm is a typical example. Having shifted from initially waiting for customers to now skillfully using AI tools and mastering live streaming and short videos, she has used the platform as a lever to swiftly move her traditional foreign trade enterprise into a new stage of digital-intelligent trade, applying new technologies and business models to enhance enterprise development.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the Yiwu Development Experience. Over the past two decades, the Yiwu Market has completed its iterative upgrade from market stalls to a global digital trade center. Generations of business owners have transformed from street stall vendors into modern commercial entities, achieving a deep integration of personal growth with the market’s development. Yiwugo, always in sync with the rhythm of the Yiwu Market, will continue to focus on its female entrepreneurs, constantly uncovering their vivid and dynamic stories of striving, thoughtfully documenting the journeys of these resilient women who shine in their own quiet ways, and witnessing, supporting, and accompanying their growth and success.

As a local e-commerce platform rooted in and serving the market, Yiwugo will continue to gain deeper insights into user needs, strengthen its technological capabilities, explore cutting-edge applications, and accelerate product iteration. Amid a volatile external environment, it will connect market entrepreneurs with more global resources, helping them expand into broader international markets.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/women-in-the-spotlight-the-2026-yiwugo-top-boss-ladies-awards-gala-held-302745799.html

SOURCE Yiwugo.com

Continue Reading

Trending