Alberta's government is investing an additional $1 million from 2026 to 2029 to expand Genome Alberta’s work placement program. The funding is expected to support around 20 one-year placements with 18 to 20 Alberta small- and medium-sized businesses. Graduates will build skills in areas such as bioinformatics, big data and business development while gaining valuable experience with Alberta employers.
Placements give recent graduates hands-on experience, mentorship and opportunities to build careers in fast-growing industries. Participating employers gain skilled talent in areas such as data analysis, artificial intelligence, marketing, client relations, partnership development and commercialization.
“Alberta is home to world-class talent, innovative businesses and groundbreaking research. By connecting graduates with meaningful work opportunities, we are helping more Albertans build rewarding careers here at home while giving employers the skilled workforce they need to grow, commercialize new technologies and compete in a rapidly evolving global economy.”
The funding also helps employers bring on early-career professionals and invest in their growth through mentorship and training. In turn, participating businesses can better focus on developing products, expanding into new markets and turning research into real-world solutions.
“Our work placement programs create quality opportunities for emerging professionals to build their careers here in Alberta, while helping biotech companies attract and retain the skilled talent they need to innovate, grow and bring new technologies to market. This investment is a win-win-win for graduates, companies and Alberta as we work to build the talent and capacity needed for a globally competitive life sciences sector.”
Genomic tools and technologies can improve health, agriculture, food production and environmental outcomes while driving economic growth. As Alberta’s biotechnology sector continues to grow, employers need people who can analyze data, build partnerships, reach customers and translate research into products and services.
Quick facts
- Alberta's government is investing an additional $1 million from 2026 to 2029 to support about 20 one-year placements.
- The placements are expected to be hosted by 18 to 20 Alberta small- and medium-sized businesses.
- The earlier $1-million program supported 23 placements with 17 Alberta businesses, including eight business development placements and 15 bioinformatics and big data placements.
- More than 70 per cent of participants remained employed after completing their placements, demonstrating how industry experience can help graduates transition into the workforce.