Victoria BC (May 3, 2023) The B.C. government selected the StarFish Medical headquarters for announcing that early-stage life sciences businesses on Vancouver Island are set to benefit from a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing global health-care challenges and fostering job creation. Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, announced today at the StarFish Medical headquarters the establishment of a new wet lab facility. Under the Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing Strategy, the Government of British Columbia has allocated $2.5 million to Vancouver Island Life Sciences (VILS) for the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility spanning around 650 square meters (7,000 square feet). This cutting-edge facility will serve as a resource for up to six local companies each year, offering them affordable access to specialized and high-demand laboratory space.
“Vancouver Island is already home to powerhouses in life sciences and biomanufacturing, and with a world-renowned talent pool, we want to help build more businesses that are the envy of the sector internationally,” stated Minister Brenda Bailey at the announcement hosted by Victoria-based StarFish Medical. The new facility will enable early-stage companies to translate prototypes into commercially relevant proof-of-concept products within an industrial setting. By supporting these local companies to reach their full potential, the government aims to maximize the benefits of homegrown innovation for British Columbians.
The wet lab facilities, to be located in the Greater Victoria area, will provide a dedicated biomanufacturing space that catalyzes the growing biotechnology ecosystem on the Island. Stephanie Willerth, CEO of Axolotl Biosciences, emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “Having a dedicated biomanufacturing facility here on the Island will catalyze our growing biotechnology ecosystem while providing opportunities for our early-stage companies.” By ensuring the safe handling of chemicals and contaminants, these wet lab spaces will enable local companies to allocate more resources to vital research, advancing improved health outcomes, pandemic preparedness, and technology commercialization.
About StarFish Medical
Empowering Medtech Innovation™
StarFish Medical provides award-winning design, development, commercialization, and flexible manufacturing outsourcing services —100% dedicated to the medical device and life science marketplace. StarFish Medical partners with innovative companies to create and manufacture breakthrough products for a full range of medical specialty areas including Digital Health, Cardiovascular, Neurology, Urology, Gastroenterology, Otology, Ophthalmology, and In-Vitro Diagnostics.
StarFish Medical’s technical expertise includes electronics, mechanical, software/firmware systems engineering, in addition to industrial design and human factors. Regulatory Affairs (RA) and Quality Assurance (QA) consultants at StarFish Medical provide regulatory assistance for FDA, CE Mark and Health Canada submissions. Services include QA support for setting up QMS for start-up companies with implementation at the client’s site and assisting with ISO 13485 certification audits.
For media inquiries:
Patrick Dean, Director of Marketing, StarFish Medical, (416) 653-9031 pdean@starfishmedical.com
Related Link: www.starfishmedical.com