Sussex Research Laboratories Inc. x Canada-UK Grant on Enabling Technologies and Innovations for Biomanufacturing of Biologics and Advanced Therapeutics

Sussex Research Laboratories Inc. had the privilege of participating in the Canada–UK Biomanufacturing Scaleup Peer Group pilot program. Our COO, Remmick So, was selected as one of a small group of delegates representing innovative companies from both countries. Over the next year, this carefully selected cohort will meet regularly, including in-person visits in both Canada and the UK and have committed to openly sharing experiences, challenging one another, and remaining accountable for their growth and progress.

Last week, the UK delegation visited Canada in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, creating opportunities to engage with organizations across Canada's biomanufacturing and life sciences ecosystem. It was also an excellent opportunity for Sussex Research to present throughout the week and continue showcasing the power and potential of glycotechnology to new audiences.

What makes this initiative unique is that it extends far beyond a trade mission. This group demonstrated that meaningful innovation and scale up happens faster when knowledge, experience, and ideas are shared. One of the most exciting outcomes was discovering that even within this small cohort, opportunities for collaboration quickly emerged. If this level of partnership can develop within a select group of peers, imagine what could be achieved on a broader scale!

For Sussex Research, the experience reinforced something the company has believed for more than 30 years. Glycoscience and glycotechnology are more relevant today than ever before. As healthcare, biotechnology, advanced therapeutics, and manufacturing continue to evolve, so do the applications for glycotechnology.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Jonathan Grinbaud and Molly Foulger from Innovate UK, John Morris and David Shoesmith from ScaleUp Institute, Amélie Gauthier-Beaupré, PhD from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, and Paul McVeigh from National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada.

The Peer Group:

Cyan Williams / Alec Thomas – Apoha

Charles Large – Autifony Therapeutics

Geoff Evans – Eurofins CDMO Alphora

Wang Jiahu – Genvira Biosciences

Mehak Mumtaz – iLoF

Césaré Cejas – MFX

Alex McVey – ogibiotec

Nancy Tawil – Qeen Biotechnologies

Jondavid de Jong – Virica Biotech

Dr. Karolina Valente – VoxCell

With thanks also to: CCRM, University of Toronto, Canadian Hub for Health Intelligence and Innovation in Infectious Diseases (HI³), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, British High Commission, Ottawa, Centre de production de produits biologiques (CPPB) inc. / Biologics Manufacturing Centre (BMC) Inc., Montréal International, Montréal InVivo, BIOQuebec, McGill University, and McGill Regenerative Medicine Network.