The federal government announced more than $8.8 million in PacifiCan funding for two facility projects at the University of British Columbia (UBC) to help businesses grow locally and compete globally.

UBC is receiving $5 million to establish the Biodevice Foundry and strengthen the province’s leadership in life sciences. The Biodevice Foundry will provide growing companies with lab space, specialized equipment and training programs to develop and test their products. These products may include artificial organs and joints, or life-saving drug therapies.

More than $3.8 million will establish a Food and Beverage Innovation Centre. The Centre will bring food science experts and businesses together to develop innovative packaging, processing techniques, and products, helping B.C. food and beverage processors become more competitive in global markets. The Centre will also provide training for future food scientists and others working in the industry.

“Both the Food and Beverage Innovation Centre and Biodevice Foundry will strengthen connections between university and industry partners, and build the talent and collaborations that are needed to develop globally competitive ‘made in B.C.’ products and technologies,” said Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon, president and vice-chancellor at UBC.