Photo includes from left to right: Jason Field, President & CEO, Life Sciences Ontario; Sarah Young, Senior Business Innovation & Strategic Partnerships Officer, Invest Barrie; Stephannie Schlichter, Director, Invest Barrie; Brian Craig, VP of Operations, Life Sciences Ontario
As this summer continues to fly by, it's hard to believe that it's been almost two months since I was able to represent the City of Barrie at our very first BIO International Convention in Boston. Looking back, I can confidently say that it was a game-changing experience that left me with my eyes wide open, my mind racing with the possibilities, and handfuls of business cards with new connections and friends.
BIO 2025 brought together the world’s most influential players in the life sciences sector. From multinational Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) to groundbreaking biotech startups, global investors, academic leaders, and government representatives—this was the place to be for any city looking to strengthen its innovation pipeline and forge meaningful partnerships. For Invest Barrie, it was a chance to step onto the world stage, share our story, and explore new opportunities to grow our emerging life sciences ecosystem.
In this photo: Garrett Tone, Executive Director - Life Sciences, Invest Ontario
Barrie’s own Environmental Systems Corporation was one of only a handful of Canadian companies displaying their products on the exhibition floor, and graciously invited Invest Barrie to be a community partner. Having Vern Solomon and Dina Iezzi as our guides throughout the conference made all the difference as navigated this global stage.
This conference is about building strong relationships and creating new opportunities for collaboration in the life sciences sector. Whether it was discussing sector trends with site selectors such as Jim Wilson, learning from global cluster success stories, or connecting with companies eyeing expansion or partnership, every conversation reinforced the vital role cities like ours play in shaping the future of health innovation.
In this photo: Stephannie Schlichter, Director, Invest Barrie and Jim Wilson, Senior Vice President, Occupier Services
This experience strengthens our mission to continuously drive innovation and attract investment to Barrie’s life sciences sector to support anchor institutions such as Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, Georgian College’s Sadlon Centre for Health & Wellness and Lakehead University’s future downtown Barrie STEM Hub. We’re proud to be laying the groundwork for a thriving hub that not only supports research and commercialization, but also creates jobs and delivers real impact in our community.
We’re energized by the momentum and collaboration at BIO 2025 and how we can apply the learnings and connections made to our life science sector moving forward. From enhancing value proposition to fostering partnerships that cross borders and disciplines, this experience has sparked a renewed focus on growth, resilience, and global competitiveness.
BIO 2025 was more than a conference, it was a launchpad. And for Invest Barrie, it’s just the beginning. Let's keep building Canada's life science future together!
Check out Barrie’s growing life science sector today.