Kingston and area life sciences companies can access up to $100,000 to support growth and accelerate market readiness
Kingston, Ontario – June 4, 2025 – Kingston Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce that they are now accepting applications for the inaugural intake of the HELIX Funding program. This innovative funding initiative is designed to support early-stage and scaling life sciences businesses. With a focus on innovation and accelerating commercialization, the program will fund eligible activities such as prototype development, regulatory consulting, IP strategy, and go-to-market support.
The program is funded by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), and delivered through Kingston Economic Development Corporation. HELIX Funding is part of the Corporation’s $3.4 million Life Sciences Initiative launched earlier this year, which is expected to directly support over 100 businesses and create or maintain more than 400 high-quality jobs over the next three years.
A key component of this program is taking advantage of the comprehensive life sciences ecosystem. Over 22 partners came together to create the validation network. The impact is twofold: by investing in our current companies while at the same time accelerating market readiness for new innovative companies, HELIX funding will help amplify the region’s strengths and cement Kingston’s position as a key player in life sciences and the Eastern Ontario corridor.
HELIX Funding offers eligible life sciences companies matching funds ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to access specialized equipment, expertise, and resources through the validation network partners. Companies contribute 50 percent of the total project cost through a combination of cash and in-kind contributions, while the program matches the remaining 50 percent. This collaborative investment approach maximizes project impact and accelerates the path from innovation to market.
“The launch of HELIX Funding is a game changer for early-stage and scaling life sciences companies in Canada,” said the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “By investing in local innovators, we are not just boosting Eastern Ontario’s economy. We are helping build a stronger, healthier and more future ready Canada.”
“We are excited to begin receiving applications for the HELIX Funding program,” said Ben McIlquham, Investment Manager, Life Sciences & Health Innovation at Kingston Economic Development. “We look forward to helping innovative companies leverage our validation network partners to accelerate their growth and advance their path to commercialization.”
The initiative provides a comprehensive support system for Eastern Ontario life sciences companies, focusing on four key pillars: tailored business supports, commercialization funding, access to BSL-2 wet lab space at Providence Care Hospital, and access to the extensive validation network.
“This investment by the Government of Canada in our region marks a significant step in advancing life sciences innovation and economic resilience,” said Donna Gillespie, CEO of Kingston Economic Development Corporation. “The HELIX Funding will enable companies to move from idea to impact faster and more effectively, supporting entrepreneurs who are working on the frontlines of healthcare and biotechnology.”
Applications for the first intake period are open until July 15, 2025, with submissions closing at 11:59 pm EST. For terms and conditions, and instructions on how to apply, visit www.investkingston.ca/helix
Media Contacts:
Daniel Solorio
Marketing & Communications Manager
Kingston Economic Development Corporation
613-329-9270
solorio@investkingston.ca
