Charlottetown, PE – November 24, 2025 – The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) is proud to announce that it has officially assumed delivery of the BioInnovation Scientist (BIS) Programs: Foundations and Industry Essentials, originally developed and offered by adMare BioInnovations to prepare both early-career scientists and non-scientists for impactful careers in the country’s rapidly expanding life sciences and biomanufacturing sectors. As part of this expanded offering, CASTL is introducing an optional add-on to the BIS Foundations program, giving learners the opportunity to enhance their training with practical, hands-on technical experience that strengthens their overall industry readiness.
Designed to strengthen Canada’s life sciences workforce, the BIS Foundations and BIS Industry Essentials programs provide a practical understanding of the drug discovery and development process, including the commercial realities and challenges of bringing new therapeutics to market. The training empowers early-career professionals with the foundational knowledge, applied insight, and professional network needed to succeed in the country’s rapidly evolving life sciences ecosystem.
“These programs have already made a measurable impact, supporting more than 270 learners across Canada in building the skills and confidence to pursue careers in drug development,” said CASTL CEO Penny Walsh-McGuire. “We’re thrilled to expand access to these courses by offering an optional hands-on technical training component and to continue supporting the next generation of innovators driving Canada’s biomanufacturing sector forward.”
“At adMare, our priority is building globally competitive Canadian life sciences companies, including developing the leadership they need to succeed,” said Gordon C. McCauley, President and CEO adMare BioInnovations. “Transitioning the BIS programs to CASTL allows us to focus on that mission while ensuring these early-career training streams continue to grow. Combined with CASTL’s specialized biomanufacturing training expertise and dedicated training infrastructure, these programs will continue to build the foundational commercialization skills to help turn break-through discoveries into life-changing impact.”
About the Programs
BIS Foundations
This 8-week virtual program (4–8 hours per week) is designed for individuals with a science background seeking R&D roles in life sciences. Participants gain insight into the full therapeutic development process—from discovery to commercialization—through guided modules, expert-led webinars, and interactive peer discussions.
- Includes three live webinars and three discussion groups
- Scenario-based exercises with real-world context
- Networking opportunities with peers and industry professionals
- Fee: $250 + applicable taxes
Optional BIS Foundations Program Enhancement
As an optional enhancement to the BIS Foundations program, participants can deepen their industry readiness by gaining practical exposure to core biomanufacturing operations through a blend of online learning and in-person training at one of CASTL’s GMP-simulated facilities. This added component is particularly valuable for those interested in how early-stage drug discovery progresses into scalable, compliant production, providing applied skills that complement the scientific focus of BIS Foundations and strengthen overall job preparedness.
The enhancement includes self-directed virtual learning through CASTL Online Academy (COA) courses, Holland College microcredentials, pre-recorded lectures, and three days of hands-on technical training.
Enhancement fee: $250 + applicable taxes
BIS Industry Essentials
This 4-week virtual program (8–15 hours total) is ideal for individuals without a science background who are pursuing or supporting roles in areas such as project management, commercialization, or regulatory affairs.
- Covers the complete drug development pipeline
- Includes one optional live discussion group and one webinar
- Offers applied learning through real-world scenarios
- Fee: $175 + applicable taxes
Accessible, Inclusive, and Impactful
With a 94% completion rate, the BIS programs have been highly rated by postdoctoral fellows, professionals, and new graduates alike. Notably, 67% of participants have been women, and 41% are currently employed in Canada’s life sciences sector—underscoring the programs’ contribution to workforce diversity and readiness.
Past participants have described the BIS experience as “incredibly valuable,” “comprehensive yet digestible,” and “a powerful introduction to real-world drug development.”
“There is nothing like this program anywhere else,” said Matthew Cormier, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network. “I gained so many valuable insights that will inevitably benefit me in my career moving forward.”
A Strategic Step in National Training Delivery
The transition of the BIS programs to CASTL marks another milestone in CASTL’s commitment to expanding accessible, applied life sciences training across Canada. As the nation’s exclusive provider of National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) programs, CASTL continues to strengthen the bridge between academic learning and industry needs, ensuring that Canadians are equipped for success in the growing biomanufacturing and therapeutic development sectors.
Enrollment for upcoming cohorts of the BIS Foundations and Industry Essentials programs is now open at https://www.castlcanada.ca/en/bis-program
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About CASTL
The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) is Canada’s biomanufacturing training partner, dedicated to developing skilled talent to drive the country’s thriving biomanufacturing sector. With state-of-the-art, GMP-simulated facilities from coast to coast (in Charlottetown, PE; Montreal QC, and Vancouver, BC), CASTL delivers hands-on, industry-informed training alongside flexible online learning. As Canada’s exclusive provider of National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) programs, CASTL offers world-class education with support from adMare BioInnovations and its adMare Academy, shaping the next generation of life sciences professionals. For more information, please visit castlcanada.ca
About adMare BioInnovations
With a strong track record of globally competitive scientific discovery, Canadian life sciences are primed to lead the world. To make this a reality, adMare BioInnovations uses its scientific and commercial expertise, specialized R&D infrastructure, and seed capital to build strong life sciences companies, develop robust ecosystems, and foster industry-ready talent. It re-invests its returns into the Canadian industry to ensure its long-term sustainability. AdMare has helped build 38 companies that have attracted $2.5 billion of risk capital, have a combined value of $5.8 billion, and have created around 1,000 jobs in Canada. For more information, please visit admarebio.com
Media Contact
Heidi Reinblatt
Director, Marketing and Communications
CASTL Inc.
heidi@castlcanada.ca
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