Stem Cell Network launches a new funding opportunity for pre-seed and seed-staged Canadian regenerative medicine biotechnology companies

August 6, 2025 (Ottawa) – Today, the Stem Cell Network (SCN) launched its new Incubation Investment Award Program — designed to help advance Canada’s most promising pre-seed and seed-staged regenerative medicine (RM) companies.

Regenerative medicine (RM) is the branch of medicine that develops methods to regrow, repair or replace damaged or diseased cells, organs or tissues. RM includes the generation and use of therapeutic stem cells, tissue engineering and the production of artificial organs.

This targeted investment aims to bridge a critical gap in early-stage biotech development by supporting high-potential Canadian biotechs in generating the robust data packages needed to attract third-party capital and accelerate their path to market.

Through this program, SCN will invest between $250,000 and $1 million per company, with funding released in tranches over a two–to-three-year period, contingent on the achievement of clearly defined scientific and business milestones.

The competition will officially open on Monday, September 8, 2025. An informational webinar will be held via Zoom on August 27 at 1 p.m. ET. Interested applicants are encouraged to register here.

Following this webinar, high-level competition guidelines and FAQs will become available on SCN’s website.  On September 8, full instructions and an application form will be made available.

Quote:

“The Stem Cell Network has been an enduring partner to Canada’s regenerative medicine research community, helping researchers prepare for commercialization through initiatives like the Fueling Biotechnology Partnership Awards and specialized training in commercialization. With the launch of the Incubation Investment Award Program, we are taking the next step to fill a critical early-stage funding gap and help bring made-in-Canada therapies to patients and the marketplace.”
– Cate Murray, President & CEO, Stem Cell Network

The Stem Cell Network (SCN) is a Canadian not-for-profit that supports stem cell and regenerative medicine research; training the next generation of highly qualified personnel; enabling knowledge mobilization of research; and enhancing the commercialization readiness of stem cell and RM innovations. From the lab to the clinic, SCN’s goal is to power life-saving therapies and technologies through regenerative medicine research for the benefit of all. Created in 2001, with support from the Government of Canada, the Network has funded over 280 research projects and 30 clinical trials, cumulatively driven by experts from 350 research groups across Canada. Since its inception, over 28 biotech companies have been catalyzed or enhanced and more than 7,900 highly qualified personnel have been trained. In 2023, the Government of Canada announced additional funding for SCN through the Strategic Science Fund that will support SCN activities and research through to the end of the decade.