Calgary’s life sciences sector has welcomed Bore Da Biotech, a pioneering South Korean company to the research scene. Specializing in in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) including reagents, antibodies and antigens — the company has chosen the Blue Sky City to establish its presence in North America.
This move marks the first South Korean life sciences investment in Calgary, further solidifying the city’s reputation as a hub for innovation and collaboration in the life sciences sector.
Expected to be a multi-year expansion to the city, phase one of their move includes Bore Da re-locating several staff and hiring local talent to set up research operations in Calgary. In the coming months, phase two for the firm includes plans to invest $5 million to establish a new facility that integrates research, development and manufacturing.
"When Bore Da Biotech was evaluating jurisdictions for their new operations in North America, Calgary emerged as the front-runner capable of supporting their growth with its skilled talent pool and innovation ecosystem," said Brad Parry, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development.
“Our CED team highlighted Calgary’s competitive advantages to the Bore Da team through multiple investment attraction missions, providing support with real-estate selection, facilitating government and industry connections and access to local talent pathways. We’re thrilled to welcome the firm to Calgary’s ever growing life sciences sector as they continue to solve global health challenges.”
The journey leading to Bore Da’s milestone reflects months of coordinated efforts by Calgary Economic Development (CED), the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and the University of Calgary’s Life Sciences Innovation Hub (LSIH).
South Korea has a critical mass of life sciences companies testing new solutions, making it a key target market for the CED team. Over the last two years, CED team has led several investment attraction missions to promote the opportunities possible in Calgary — and Bore da Biotech realized the potential for expansion.
The CEO of the firm, Dr. Dong Ok Choi, noted how the collaborative approach between CED and various government bodies was instrumental in their decision to choose Calgary.
“They have guided us through the entire process of settling in Canada, from finding housing and office space to securing research funding and hiring employees. Their support has been invaluable in helping us establish and operate our business smoothly,” said Dr. Choi.
"I strongly encourage those considering international expansion to explore opportunities in Canada. I firmly believe that once you decide to expand here, you will find steadfast partners in the federal, provincial, and municipal governments who will support your journey every step of the way"
A collaborative approach to landing in Calgary
Bore Da Biotech’s decision to anchor its operations in Calgary stems from the city’s strong research and talent ecosystem, and welcoming business environment. The firm joins Calgary’s growing roster of medical device and diagnostic companies opening and expanding operations.
Since officially incorporating in June of 2024, the company has secured space in the LSIH and is actively fostering collaborations with researchers from the University of Calgary. These partnerships will build team bandwidth for the firm to advance diagnostics research, enhance accuracy and improve accessibility for underserved communities through its devices.
Bore Da Biotech’s arrival diversifies and drives growth in our local economy while also serving as a win for Calgary’s community-led economic action plan, Uplook.
With the goal of solidifying our city as the place where bright minds solve global challenges, this economic framework prioritizes diversification of Calgary’s sectors and attracting companies that contribute to Calgary’s growing innovation ecosystem.
Addressing global health challenges in Calgary
The global pandemic underscored the critical need for local access to robust diagnostic tools, particularly point-of-care devices, that would not be impacted by supply chain disruptions.
With advanced research and production capabilities, the company’s presence in Calgary will accelerate the development of these diagnostic reagents and kits, benefiting care for both humans and animals.
The decision to open its doors in the Life Sciences Innovation hub was a strategic move to accelerate the development of new solutions and make local connections among Calgary’s health researchers.
Housed at the University of Calgary, the LSIH — an Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund recipient — is a collaboration space designed to help students, researchers, startups and entrepreneurs scale new ventures.
As one of the top five research universities in Canada, the University of Calgary is well-prepared to pair industry-knowledge with academic research and support ventures like Bore Da Biotech to scale.
The future of Calgary’s life sciences sector
Local milestones, like the opening of North America’s second-largest cancer centre, the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, is building a critical mass of researchers and clinical expertise in the city.
The city is home to over 120 life sciences companies, many which feed Alberta’s massive spend on research and development, which amounted to over $320 million in 2022 alone.
As the first South Korean biotech company to expand into Calgary, Bore Da Biotech sets a precedent for other global players considering the city for their North American operations.
The move reflects more than just economic diversification for Calgary — but the capacity for the city to attract skilled talent and ventures bringing new solutions to market.
Discover more about Calgary’s life sciences sector, and the Life Sciences Innovation Hub.