CASTL Opens Biomanufacturing Training Facility in Quebec

Montreal (QC) (November 27, 2023) – The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) unveiled its new biomanufacturing training facility in Montreal, Quebec yesterday afternoon. Located at the Angus Technopole in east Montreal, the new facility responds to the demand for highly skilled personnel in Quebec’s growing biomanufacturing sector by offering a wide range of technical bioprocessing training.

"This is a major milestone in CASTL’s mission to enable the growth of the biomanufacturing and life sciences sector. Thanks to the incredible support of the Quebec Government, our national lead partners adMare BioInnovations, and various other partners, CASTL will deliver industry-informed technical training, preparing the current and future workforce for the growth and innovation of Quebec’s fast-growing biomanufacturing sector." - Penny Walsh-McGuire, CASTL’s Executive Director

The new CASTL biomanufacturing training facility contains state-of-the-art pilot-scale bioprocessing equipment that will allow employees to gain practical skills that are immediately transferable to the operations and workflows used in biomanufacturing. The facility is equipped with laboratories and classroom spaces built to deliver biomanufacturing training at the highest level of quality. The facility mimics biologics production processes such as those used to manufacture monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, viral vectors and other biopharmaceutical products of cGMPs. This includes upstream, downstream and supporting equipment, including a solution and preparation area, a cell culture laboratory, bench-top and pilot-scale single-use bioreactors, chromatography and filtration systems and other equipment.

The establishment of this training facility was made possible through an investment of $2.5 million dollars from the Quebec government.

"Today's investment will help ensure Quebec's growth and autonomy in drug manufacturing. The creation of the CASTL biomanufacturing training centre in Montreal consolidates Quebec's position as a leader in the strategic biomanufacturing sector." - Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region

According to BioTalent Canada’s 2021 labour market research, Quebec’s bioeconomy will require more than 15,500 additional employees by 2029, with some of the highest demand being in biomanufacturing. CASTL will help fill the demand for skilled individuals.

"As CASTL's National Lead Partner, adMare is delighted to welcome CASTL to the Quebec life sciences ecosystem. CASTL's new biomanufacturing training facility is a critical step forward in growing the sector by addressing the talent gap through providing Canadian life sciences talent with the skills needed to develop their careers and simultaneously attracting new talent to Quebec." - Kristy Lonergan, Senior Director of the adMare Academy

With this new facility, CASTL will deliver on-site customized hands-on and theoretical training for entry-level employees through to senior management and post-secondary students. Courses are set to start in January 2024.

"CASTL's training facility is a critical asset, nurturing skills for the dynamic biomanufacturing sector and fueling innovation. Cutting-edge science requires cutting-edge talent. We at Moderna recognize the value of this initiative, which promises to foster a robust talent pool, ready to contribute not only to our advanced mRNA manufacturing facility, but also to the broader biotechnology industry." - Roger Ngassam, Manufacturing Site Head Canada, Moderna

CASTL is the exclusive provider of the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) licensed training programs in Canada. Based in Ireland, NIBRT develops and delivers state-of-the-art training and education programs for the world’s leading biopharmaceutical manufacturing companies.

"NIBRT is proud to partner with CASTL in its mission to advance biomanufacturing training in Canada. The unveiling of CASTL's new biomanufacturing training facility in Montreal marks the next exciting step in this journey. NIBRT’s collaboration with CASTL is a testament to our shared dedication to equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the field of biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The provision of biopharma workforce skills remains a huge global challenge, and we at NIBRT are delighted to share our world-leading training capability to the support the development of the Canadian life sciences sector through this cutting-edge facility, which will play a pivotal role in shaping a highly skilled workforce for the future." - Darrin Morrissey, NIBRT’s CEO

For more information on CASTL training programs visit www.castlcanada.ca or contact info@castlcanada.ca

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Media contact
Stefanie Bolduc
stefanie@castlcanada.ca
613-794-1367

Anaïs Blanchard
anais@mercureconseil.ca
(438) 926-0543

About CASTL
The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) is a national skills and training organization formed to address the talent needs of the Canadian life sciences sector. Specializing in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, CASTL delivers on the economic and sectoral demand for individuals who have the technical skills to enter, thrive and meet the needs of the fast-growing Canadian biomanufacturing industry. With multiple GMP-like biomanufacturing training facilities, CASTL provides industry informed practical hands-on training, theoretical knowledge and e-learning. CASTL is the exclusive provider of the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) licensed training programs in Canada. Based in Ireland, NIBRT develops and delivers state-of-the-art training and education programs for the world’s leading biopharmaceutical manufacturing companies and partner academic institutions. CASTL is supported by National Lead Partner adMare BioInnovations and its adMare Academy. The adMare Academy is dedicated to providing the specialized training required to foster the next generation of highly qualified personnel who will drive the growth of Canadian life science companies. www.castlcanada.ca

About adMare BioInnovations
With a wealth of globally-competitive scientific discovery, Canada is primed to lead the life sciences world. To make this a reality, at adMare BioInnovations, we use our scientific and commercial expertise, specialized R&D infrastructure, and seed capital to build strong life sciences companies, robust ecosystems and industry-ready talent — and re-invest our returns back into the Canadian industry to ensure it is sustained for the long-term. As part of our commitment to build talent, we have created the adMare Academy, dedicated to providing the specialized training required to foster the next generation of highly qualified personnel who will drive the growth of Canadian life science companies. The adMare Academy has trained more than 500 alumni — 95% of whom are employed in the life sciences industry. 

About the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT)
The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) is a global centre of excellence for training and research in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. NIBRT is located in a world class facility in Dublin, Ireland. This facility is purpose built to closely replicate a modern bioprocessing plant with state-of-the-art equipment and enables NIBRT to offer the highest quality training and research solutions. NIBRT’s mission is to support the growth and development of all aspects of the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. For more information visit www.nibrt.ie.