The biotechnology sector has focused on marine biotechnology but also includes human genetics, genomics, medicine, clinical trials, pharmaceuticals, nutriceuticals and bio-informatics. The potential for growth is significant given the province's biodiversity, the skills and creativity of its researchers and the innovative and entrepreneurial business climate in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The local biotechnology industry comprises about 15 private companies which employs approximately 100 staff. The Newfoundland and Labrador public biotechnology sector employs approximately 400 staff. These positions are based at Memorial University's Faculty of Medicine, Ocean Science Centre, Marine Institute and other university departments, as well as at the National Research Council, AquaNet, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, C-CORE, the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation, the Cancer Research Foundation and other government institutions.

The department works closely with the Newfoundland Association of Technology Industries, the provincial life sciences industry association, and the Atlantic Canada Bio-Industries Association.

Departmental support for the sector includes:
    an active role in the National Organizing Committee of the Seventh
      International Marine Biotechnology Conference, in St. John's in June
      2005, the first time this conference will be held in Canada;
    support for industry participation at trade shows;
    work with the Atlantic Canada Bio-Industries Association to support
      provincial initiatives;
    strategy development and coordination in partnership with industry
      groups; and
    participation in biotechnology conferences.

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