Conestoga College’s BioHub: Strengthening Biotech in Waterloo

Here, breakthrough ideas become real-world products, thanks to a strongly collaborative ecosystem that unites research expertise, talent and industry.

The newest addition to our ecosystem, Conestoga Biotechnology Research & Innovation Hub (BioHub), further strengthens our community’s capabilities in applied research, talent development and industry collaboration.

We spoke with Anthony Bauer, Biotechnology Research Lead at Conestoga College and Nicole Detlor, Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab and BioHub Director to learn about what the BioHub offers, how it supports businesses and its role in strengthening the Waterloo region innovation ecosystem.

Here’s what we learned.

What is BioHub?

Conestoga College’s BioHub is the College’s newest lab focused on applied biotechnology. The lab’s advanced facilities and instrumentation capabilities support businesses across biotech, cleantech, food sciences and agri-tech sectors.

“We have strong capabilities in microbiology, analytical chemistry, cellular analysis and genetic investigations,” shares Bauer.

The state-of-the-art lab is located in the Cowan Centre for Medical Sciences and Biotechnology at Conestoga College in Kitchener. Its establishment was made possible through generous support from a Mobilize grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

“We’ve been conducting applied research at the College for years,” says Detlor. “The need for BioHub emerged as companies began seeking specific resources for biotechnology.”

With its ISO-8 certified clean room facilities, BioSafety Level 2 rooms, modern testing equipment and advanced lab space, BioHub is supporting businesses – and our community – in three key areas:

1. Tailored support for businesses

If you’re a business working in biotech or related fields, the BioHub not only offers lab space and equipment but also connects you with research funding opportunities, faculty expertise and a talented pool of students to help you find solutions quickly and efficiently.

The lab offers flexibility to its industry partners to test and experiment with their ideas in a supportive environment, while ensuring that they retain full ownership of their IP.

Health tech startups like Cellect Laboratories to cleantech firms like SiREM Lab are already tapping into these advantages, showing how diverse industries benefit from the BioHub’s resources.

“One of our unique strengths is that we understand the speed of industry because we’ve all worked in industry previously and strive to match this need. We know that businesses want to move fast, and we offer them support in a way that doesn’t slow them down,” shared Detlor.

But most importantly, businesses benefit by having an expert and reliable partner by their side. “We’re very focused on what our partner needs. Our goal is to be an extension of your technical team, helping you tackle challenges and get the support you need right here in the region,” added Detlor.

Businesses can fill out the partner intake form to collaborate with BioHub.

2. Industry-ready talent development

Yet another way BioHub enriches the Waterloo ecosystem is through preparing a stream of talent with hands-on, industry-ready skills that are high in demand in an evolving health and biosciences industry.

“The students really gain hands-on experience working directly with businesses as student researchers. They’re using critical thinking skills to develop methods, solve real problems and learn to think creatively,” shared Bauer.

This also benefits companies by providing a pipeline of skilled graduates who are ready to immediately. “When partners work with our students on projects, it’s like a long job interview. They see the students’ work and knowledge firsthand and where possible, hire them after they graduate,” added Detlor.

By nurturing this next generation of talent, BioHub adds a specialized biosciences edge to Waterloo’s already strong tech talent ecosystem, and gives another reason for businesses to see Waterloo as a place where innovation and expertise come together.

3. Meeting a niche need in the local ecosystem

The BioHub fills the unmet need for niche services like microbiology, analytical chemistry, and genetic investigation, supporting the region’s growing health innovation and biosciences sector.

“Many companies, especially smaller and medium sized ones, don’t have the in-house capabilities, research funding and subject matter expertise that they can access at our lab,” added Bauer.

“With more than 100 life sciences businesses in our region, many needing biotechnology resources, this lab provides infrastructure and support that wasn’t available before,” added Detlor.

Waterloo’s research edge

Undoubtedly, BioHub is an excellent addition to our region’s already strong research infrastructure – the foundation of Waterloo’s reputation for innovation.

“One of the biggest draws for the Waterloo region is the innovation mindset. The BioHub is an extension of that mindset, connecting businesses with local talent and research expertise to drive real impact,” noted Bauer.