Kingston Economic Development’s life sciences initiative provides a comprehensive support system for Eastern Ontario companies, focusing on four key pillars: access to BSL-2 wet lab infrastructure, tailored business supports, commercialization funding, and an extensive validation network. Through this initiative, companies can utilize state-of-the-art wet lab space at Providence Care Hospital, connect with expert mentors and technical advisors, and participate in the Build2Scale Life Sciences program. At the core of the funding strategy is the Helix Funding Program, which offers eligible companies matching grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to support their growth and market readiness. These funds enable ventures to access specialized facilities, expertise, and collaborative opportunities that are essential to validating and scaling innovative products in the life sciences sector.
How to apply
Life sciences companies can apply for Helix funding through Kingston Economic Development Corporation to support their growth and commercialization efforts. Eligible companies may request matching funds ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to access specialized services offered by partners within the validation network. Companies are encouraged to explore options within the validation network to identify the specialized equipment, expertise, and resources best suited to their project needs.
The funding model is flexible and collaborative: companies contribute 50% of the total project cost, which may include a combination of cash and in-kind contributions, while the Helix program matches the remaining 50%. This shared investment approach helps maximize the impact of each project and accelerates the path from innovation to market.
The program will start receiving applications in May 2025.
Elegibility
Eligibility for the Helix funding program is focused on life sciences companies either already established or planning to establish operations in Kingston and the Eastern Ontario region. The program officially launches on April 1, 2025, and features three structured intake periods throughout the year to ensure companies have multiple opportunities to access this critical funding support.
BSL-2 wet lab
Providence Care Hospital
1,000+ sq. ft. BSL-2 coworking wet lab with state-of-the-art equipment for life sciences companies, startups, and researchers to scale their products. The wet lab will be available in September 2025, with application and lease agreement details coming later this summer.
The Validation Network brings together local ecosystem partners, including academia, government, and the private sector. Life Sciences companies can access Helix Funding through the network’s expertise, specialized facilities, and collaborative opportunities.
Business Services
The Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC) is a leading hub for entrepreneurship education and venture development, supporting early-stage founders in building scalable businesses. With a strong focus on innovation, mentorship, and commercialization, DDQIC fosters a dynamic ecosystem that connects entrepreneurs with expertise, funding, and industry networks to accelerate business success.
Services Offered:
• Provides an 8-month incubation program that includes an intensive Entrepreneurship Foundations bootcamp and hackathon, followed by weekly sessions on key entrepreneurship topics.
• Offers a specialized curriculum focused on life science innovation and technology commercialization, including regulatory navigation, clinical trial design, and market entry strategies.
• Facilitates access to discounted professional services, including legal, intellectual property, and accounting support, to help businesses navigate commercialization.
• Connects entrepreneurs with dedicated mentorship from DDQIC’s executive team and seasoned life sciences advisors who provide guidance on funding strategies and industry partnerships.
• Links startups to a Validation Network that offers industry expertise, prototyping resources, regulatory guidance, and commercialization support.
• Provides opportunities to pitch for seed funding and access investors to help ventures secure capital for growth and expansion.
• Offers a trans-disciplinary talent network that includes researchers, engineers, and business professionals to support venture success through collaborative expertise.
• Creates collaboration opportunities with key ecosystem partners, including Queen’s Health Sciences, Centre for Advanced Computing, Kingston Economic Development, and industry professionals.
• Supports product-market fit assessment, competitive analysis, and go-to-market strategy refinement to help startups position their offerings effectively.
• Organizes networking opportunities with venture capitalists, industry experts, and potential commercial partners to facilitate business scaling and long-term growth.
Website:
Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre
Contact Information:
• Name: Virginia Sytsma
• Email: vls1@queensu.ca
• Phone Number: 613-533-6000 x 79040
The Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) drives economic growth by supporting local businesses through retention, expansion, startups, and investment attraction. Focused on sustainable manufacturing and health innovation, KEDC provides expert guidance, funding, and networking resources to foster long-term success. Funded by federal, provincial, and municipal partners.
Services Offered:
• Providing business consulting through free and confidential consultations with experienced, multilingual advisors who offer guidance on business startups, growth, and exit strategies
• Offering grant funding programs that support businesses across industries through training, mentorship, and financial assistance, including Summer Company, Starter Company Plus, and Ask the Expert
• Delivering workshops and business events addressing key challenges such as entrepreneurship, marketing, AI, government services, and business basics, while fostering collaboration through networking events like Kingston Young Professionals and the Newcomer Entrepreneur Awards
• Facilitating “Ask the Expert” assistance, connecting businesses with professionals specializing in legal matters, HR, accessibility, sales, patents, copyrights, financial management, succession planning, and exporting
• Supporting sector industry groups, fostering collaboration and partnerships within key industries to drive innovation and economic development
• Operating one of Ontario’s 54 Small Business Enterprise Centres, offering consultations, funding programs, and access to essential business resources
Website:
Kingston Economic Development Corporation
Contact Information:
• Name: Ghazal Abdullah
• Email: abdullah@investkingston.ca
• Phone Number: 613-544-2725
Launch Lab accelerates and scales innovative companies in Eastern Ontario, providing strategic advisory services to support business growth, lead generation, intellectual property protection, and executive leadership. Through customized programs, it helps businesses expand regionally, nationally, and internationally while offering in-depth commercialization and management expertise.
Services Offered:
• Business acceleration and scaling support through the Amplify Program for revenue-generating companies with high-growth potential
• Digital lead generation services, including website optimization, paid ads, social media, and email marketing strategy
• Intellectual property commercialization and strategy support, including guidance on patents, trademarks, and copyrights
• Virtual C-suite support, offering experienced advisors to assist with management gaps and succession planning
• Cost-effective advisory services with bundled discounts for Amplify and Digital Lead Generators (DLG) programs
• Training and mentorship programs for early-stage businesses looking to enhance operational efficiency
• Collaboration opportunities with regional innovation hubs, including Spark Centre and Invest Ottawa
Website:
Contact Information:
• Name: Garrett Elliott
• Email: garrett.elliott@launchlab.ca
• Phone Number: (343) 276-0023
Queen’s University plays a vital role in Canada’s life sciences sector, fostering research excellence and supporting innovation-driven economic development. With cutting-edge facilities, world-class researchers, and a robust startup support framework, Queen’s provides life sciences ventures with access to specialized expertise, infrastructure, talent, and strategic partnerships to accelerate commercialization and growth.
Services Offered
• A dedicated liaison position to assist startups in leveraging Queen’s ecosystem for business growth, streamlining engagement, and optimizing resource utilization
• A concierge service to connect life sciences startups with Queen’s faculty, student talent, facilities, and research infrastructure
• Access to cutting-edge technologies, laboratories, and specialized equipment to support research and development
• Navigation support for startups seeking multidisciplinary collaborations, research partnerships, commercialization pathways, and student employees
• Facilitation of industry-academic partnerships, research contracts, and fee-for-service agreements
Website
Queen’s Vice-Principal Research – Economic Development
Contact Information
• Name: Dr. Jessie Kubes
• Email: j.kubes@queensu.ca
• Phone Number: 403-701-1700
Scientific Supports
The Centre for Advanced Computing (CAC) at Queen’s University provides secure, high-performance computing and custom software solutions for research, healthcare, and industry. Specializing in data analytics, AI, and secure storage, CAC enables advanced computational research while maintaining one of Canada’s most secure academic research environments.
Services Offered:
• Developing custom-built applications, data repositories, and secure software solutions for research and industry applications
• Providing high-performance computing (HPC) resources for large-scale data processing, simulations, and complex modeling
• Offering secure platform hosting, database management, and data protection compliant with Canadian privacy standards
• Supporting research data management and analytics, transforming raw data into actionable insights
• Providing secure and efficient data storage and sharing solutions compliant with Canadian regulations
• Offering consultation and custom solutions tailored to unique research and business needs
Website:
Contact Information:
• Name: Paige Beddoe
• Email: paige.beddoe@queensu.ca
• Phone Number: 613-453-4978
KHSCRI supports the research, development, and commercialization of promising local healthcare innovations by providing professional review services for hospital-based research projects. Approved projects gain access to expert feedback, collaboration opportunities, and guidance on research methodology, funding applications, and hospital resource utilization.
Services Offered:
• Conducting professional reviews of innovations for potential hospital-based research projects
• Assessing proposals, funding applications, and project budgets for viability and strategic alignment
• Providing expert review of research methodology and statistical analysis approaches
• Identifying KHSC researchers with aligned interests for potential collaboration
• Evaluating space, equipment, and diagnostic requirements, including availability and associated fees
• Offering access to an innovation project coordinator for project facilitation and strategic guidance
Website:
Kingston Health Sciences Centre Research Institute
Contact Information:
• Name: Rachael Smith-Tryon
• Email: Rachael.Smith-Tryon@kingstonhsc.ca
• Phone Number: 613-217-7001
Limestone Clinical Trials Unit supports researchers, investigators, research startups, and pharmaceutical sponsors in conducting clinical trials in Kingston. It specializes in trial execution, regulatory compliance, and reducing administrative burdens. Operating on a cost-recovery model, it provides tailored, cost-effective solutions to streamline trials, support innovation, and improve patient outcomes while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
Services Offered:
• Administrative support for IRB/REB submissions, site activation, study initiation, and close-out
• Patient screening, enrollment, and randomization
• Pharmacy-related services, including secure drug storage, dispensation, temperature monitoring, and drug accountability
• Laboratory services, including biological sample collection (blood, urine, etc.), processing, and shipping per protocol requirements
• Compliance with GCP, ICH, Health Canada, and FDA standards, including audit preparation and support
• Data management and electronic data capture (RedCAP), including database setup, data entry, and secure archival
• Training and support for researchers and staff in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and trial-related procedures
• Site management, including staffing, facilities, trial logistics, and investigator collaboration
• Collaboration with sponsors to ensure seamless trial execution and regulatory alignment
• Trial selection consultation for investigators seeking suitable clinical studies
• Monitoring and reporting, including adverse event tracking and protocol deviation management
Website:
Limestone Clinical Trials Unit
Contact Information:
• Name: Chandana Gajjala
• Email: chandana@limestonectu.ca
• Phone Number: 613-483-0079
mb prototyping Ltd. specializes in custom prototyping, small-scale manufacturing, and silicone mold production, supporting early-stage product development and manufacturing scale-up. Using advanced 3D printing, CNC machining, and injection molding, the company provides precision-engineered solutions tailored to startups and growing businesses.
Services Offered:
• Prototyping & Small-Scale Manufacturing – 3D printing (Resin & FDM), silicone prototyping, and low-volume injection molding
• CAD Design & Engineering Support – 3D modeling and product development using SolidWorks
• CNC Machining – Precision fabrication and tooling (3-axis, primarily plastics)
• Custom Silicone Prototyping & Mold Manufacturing – Solutions for technical resins, food-safe products, and medical applications
• Manufacturing & Scale-Up Consulting – Guidance on transitioning from prototype to full-scale production, including referrals to industry partners
• In-Kind Support – Rapid 3D printing for design validation and engineering consulting
Website:
Contact Information:
• Name: Marco Bassendowski
• Email: marco@mbprototyping.com
• Phone Number: 613-305-8820
Providence Care Hospital (PCH) Wet Lab provides a state-of-the-art research space for life sciences startups, researchers, and companies. The 1,000 sq. ft. facility includes specialized lab instruments, flexible workspaces, and commercialization support, fostering innovation and accelerating product development. With access to Kingston’s life sciences ecosystem and in-kind operational support, PCH offers a collaborative environment for research and industry growth.
Services Offered:
• Fully equipped wet lab space (1,000 sq. ft.) with essential instruments, including centrifuges, spectrophotometers, biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, -80°C freezers, and refrigerators
• Flexible research spaces, including flex office space, clinic rooms, and meeting rooms available for booking
• Commercialization and scale-up support for early-stage life sciences innovations, helping companies transition from research to market
• Research collaboration opportunities within the Kingston Life Sciences ecosystem, facilitating networking, mentorship, and industry connections
• Access to in-kind operational support, including lab management, utilities, research and grant application support, and essential supplies
• Structured rental model with free rent in the first year and a sustainable pricing model afterward
• Regulatory and compliance support for researchers requiring assistance in setting up validated lab processes
• Bookable shared spaces for researchers, including secure filing and equipment rooms, student and research assistant workspaces, and additional meeting rooms
• Study participation recruitment support, providing access to in-patient and out-patient populations as applicable
• Sustainable reinvestment model, ensuring all revenue generated supports new equipment and lab improvements
Website:
Contact Information:
• Name: Allison Philpot
• Email: philpota@providencecare.ca
• Phone Number: 613-544-4900 ext. 53370
Pure Ingenuity Inc. specializes in engineering design, fabrication, and installation for pharmaceutical manufacturers and laboratories. With expertise in clean utilities and hygienic stainless steel fabrication, the company supports sterile manufacturing and research environments, ensuring compliance with industry standards through design, installation, validation, and commissioning services.
Services Offered:
• Engineering design and installation of clean utilities, including WFI (Water for Injection), steam, nitrogen, and HEPA-filtered air systems
• Fabrication and installation of hygienic stainless steel furniture, including sinks, tables, fume hoods, and trim work for clean rooms
• Validation and commissioning support, including documentation and compliance consulting
• High-level design consulting for pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries
• Scale-up support for researchers transitioning from laboratory apparatus to production equipment
• Project-specific engineering solutions tailored to pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers
Website:
Contact Information:
• Name: Richard Ward, P.Eng.
• Email: rward@pureingenuity.com
• Phone Number: 613-389-3335 x114
The Queen’s CardioPulmonary Unit (QCPU) is a state-of-the-art translational research facility within the Translational Institute of Medicine (TIME). QCPU supports preclinical and clinical research through advanced imaging, molecular biology, histology, bioinformatics, and clinical trial services. With a bench-to-bedside philosophy, QCPU accelerates discoveries in health sciences by integrating cutting-edge technologies with expert consultation and training.
Services Offered:
• Supporting molecular biology and next-generation sequencing, including RNA/DNA extraction, qPCR, spatial profiling, ELISA multi-analyte analysis, and single-cell sequencing
• Providing high-throughput cytometry platforms for immunophenotyping, single-cell analysis, and live-cell sorting through Flow Cytometry & Sorting services
• Offering super-resolution, 2-photon, confocal, STED, intravital, and live-cell imaging systems through the Microscopy & Imaging Core
• Facilitating quad-modality (CT/PET/SPECT/optical) micro-imaging for preclinical and translational research
• Supporting histology and electron microscopy, including tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining for research applications
• Providing cell culture and transfection support, including nucleofactor transfection, proliferation assays, and extracellular vesicle/nanoparticle characterization
• Offering bioinformatics and biostatistics support for experimental design, publications, and grant writing
• Providing clinical trial support through the KHSC satellite clinic, including patient reception, echocardiography, and pulmonary function testing
• Delivering hands-on training for researchers and consultation on equipment and experimental workflows
• Offering fully equipped lab benches for rent under space agreements for research teams and startups
Website:
Contact Information:
• Name: Brooke Ring
• Email: ringb@queensu.ca
• Phone Number: 613-533-2817
Queen’s Discovery Labs (QDL), located in Botterell Hall at Queen’s University, provides advanced infrastructure and expert support for pre-clinical and translational research. As part of the Queen’s Health Sciences research ecosystem, QDL offers researchers and startups access to high-performance core platforms, shared laboratory space, and comprehensive technical services to accelerate biomedical innovation.
Services Offered
• Supporting molecular research with instrumentation for protein characterization, calorimetry, crystallography, and structural biology, including Analytical Ultracentrifuge and SEC-MALS.
• Providing non-invasive animal imaging tools, including ultrasound, MRI, PET, and CT scanning, along with tissue processing and histological analysis capabilities.
• Enabling genetic and molecular biology research with Droplet Digital PCR, Bio-Rad CFX Opus Real-Time PCR, PCR, qPCR, and nucleic acid analysis.
• Facilitating high-resolution cell analysis and sorting for cancer, immunology, and diagnostics using BD AriaFusion and Cytoflex platforms.
• Delivering imaging capabilities through Nikon Confocal, Leica Slide Scanner, confocal and electron microscopy, and fluorescence tumor tracking systems.
• Supporting high-throughput screening and assay development with UV-VIS, fluorescence, near-IR fluorescence, luminescence, and Western blot imaging tools.
• Offering rentable lab bench space, refrigeration, -20°C and -80°C sample storage, and in vitro/in vivo imaging environments.
• Providing training and certification for independent equipment use, customized scientific workshops, and expert consultation for project design and troubleshooting.
Website
Contact Information
• Name: Dr. Charlie Hindmarch, Dr. Yat Tse
• Email: c.hindmarch@queensu.ca, yat.tse@queensu.ca
• Phone Number: 613-331-5274, 613-533-2848
The Queen’s Laboratory for Molecular Pathology (QLMP) provides comprehensive histology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular pathology services to researchers and clinicians. Equipped with advanced imaging and diagnostic tools, QLMP enables high-quality tissue analysis, digital pathology, and tissue microarray construction to support a broad range of biomedical studies.
Services Offered:
• Providing tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining for research applications through histology services
• Offering automated immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining on the Leica Bond RX platform, including customization for new antibodies
• Supporting digital pathology and image analysis with high-resolution slide scanning, image annotation, and AI-driven analysis
• Constructing tissue microarrays for high-throughput tissue sampling and analysis in diagnostic and research applications
• Conducting automated and manual DNA/RNA isolation from FFPE tissue, blood, and plasma samples
• Providing consultation and training for project design, troubleshooting, and technical support in molecular pathology
Website:
Queen’s Laboratory for Molecular Pathology
Contact Information:
• Name: Shakeel Virk
• Email: virks@queensu.ca
• Phone Number: 613-533-2906
Queen’s University Animal Care Services provides comprehensive pre-clinical testing and animal model development to support pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device research. With expertise in immunogenicity, efficacy, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and gene therapy studies, the service helps identify optimal animal models for study goals under the guidance of the University Veterinarian.
Services Offered:
• Conducting pre-clinical testing in rodent and large animal models for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device development
• Providing immunogenicity, efficacy, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and gene therapy study support
• Offering consultation with the University Veterinarian to determine the most appropriate animal model for research goals
• Executing full-service studies, including technical support and regulatory compliance guidance
• Providing access to two full-time technicians for study assistance and execution
Website:
Queen’s University Animal Care Services
Contact Information:
• Name: Dr. Andrew Winterborn
• Email: andrew.winterborn@queensu.ca
• Phone Number: 613-533-3047
The Chemical Engineering Analytical Facility (ChEAF) at Queen’s University provides state-of-the-art instrumentation for materials characterization, specializing in polymeric and biopolymeric materials. The facility supports researchers, startups, and industry clients in designing novel materials and optimizing their properties through advanced analytical techniques.
Services Offered:
• Conducting solid-phase chemical characterization for detailed molecular analysis
• Providing spectrophotometry, particle size analysis, and polymer molecular size and structure characterization
• Offering mechanical property testing for polymers, including tensile, flexural, and impact assessments following industry standards
• Supporting thermal and rheological property characterization to assess polymer stability and flow behavior
• Providing polymer processing and molding equipment for material development and optimization
• Delivering training on instrument use, data analysis, and technical expertise for material science innovation
Website:
Queen’s University Chemical Engineering Analytical Facility
Contact Information:
• Name: Mahmoud Khademi
• Email: mahmoud.khademi@queensu.ca
• Phone Number: 613-533-2774
The Department of Biology at Queen’s University is a research-intensive environment offering state-of-the-art facilities and expert support for plant biology, genomics, microscopy, and biosafety-level research. With advanced sequencing, imaging, and controlled plant growth environments, the department supports researchers, startups, and industry partners in advancing biological and life sciences innovations.
Services Offered:
• Providing rental access to greenhouse and plant growth chamber space in the Queen’s University Phytotron, including climate-controlled greenhouses, environmental growth chambers, and research labs
• Offering consultation services for project design, troubleshooting, and space requirements in plant-based research
• Conducting high-throughput sequencing and genomics analysis, including DNA genotyping, genome and transcriptome library construction, Oxford Nanopore sequencing, bioinformatics support, and genome annotation
• Providing access to confocal microscopy for imaging biological samples, including training and consultation on experimental design
• Offering BSL-1 laboratory space with shared equipment and potential access to additional resources through faculty collaborations
• Connecting researchers with leading experts in plant sciences, microbiology, and genomics for research and innovation support
Website:
Queen’s University – Department of Biology
Contact Information:
• Name: Darlene Davis
• Email: d.davis@queensu.ca
• Phone Number: 613-533-6137
The Department of Chemistry at Queen’s University provides world-class NMR Spectroscopy Services, offering access to six Bruker NMR spectrometers ranging from 300 MHz to 700 MHz. These instruments support research across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, materials science, and nanotechnology by delivering detailed molecular structure insights and dynamic analysis.
Services Offered:
• Conducting high-resolution NMR spectroscopy analysis for molecular structure determination, binding interactions, and chemical composition
• Providing custom experiment planning for tailored NMR studies, including advanced data collection and interpretation
• Offering magic-angle spinning NMR for studying phase transitions, polymers, and material compositions
• Supporting biomolecular research through structural and interaction analysis for drug discovery, protein folding, and bioactive compound characterization
• Assisting with data processing, analysis, and consultation for research publications
• Delivering hands-on training for independent operation of NMR spectrometers
Website:
Queen’s University – Department of Biology
Contact Information:
• Name: Prof. Philip Jessop / Dr. Muzaddid Sarker
• Email: depthead@chem.queensu.ca; nmr-facility@queensu.ca
• Phone Number: 613-533-2624; 613-533-2616
Need assistance or more information?
Contact Ben McIlquham
Investment Manager,
Health Innovation
613-544-2725 x 7248
Cell: 613-532-1853
mcilquham@investkingston.ca
Contact Ghazal Abdullah
Project Coordinator
613-544-2725 x 7242
Cell: 343-422-7305
abdullah@investkingston.ca
We acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
Nous reconnaissons l’appui du gouvernement du Canada à travers l’Agence fédèrale de développement économique pour le sud de l’Ontario.
While all of the following programs and services will be delivered in English, certain programs and services will be made available in French in accordance with the terms of the Contribution Agreement between the City of Kingston and the Government of Canada. Please contact us to discuss your interests and needs.
Alors que tous les programmes et services seront offerts en anglais, certains programmes et services seront accessibles en fraçais conformément aux modalités de l’accord de contribution entre la Ville de Kingston et le Gouvernement du Canada. Prenez contact avec nous pour discuter de vos intérêts et de vos besoins.
