Curated learning pathways
Comprehensive 20–40-hour programs combining on-demand prerequisites, expert-led workshops or courses, assessment, networking, and career mapping.
BioHubNet talent development
Your launchpad to industry ready skills.
ENGAGE connects Highly Qualified Personnel in academia with Canada's biomanufacturing and life sciences industry through specialized training, mentorship, and networking.
What is ENGAGE?
A one-stop shop for training and mentorship.
ENGAGE builds a highly skilled talent pipeline to strengthen Canada's domestic capacity to develop and produce life-saving interventions.
On-demand courses
Choose from 60+ flexible, self-paced online courses, usually 1–2 hours each.
Special workshops
Year-round technical workshops, professional development events, and career support.
Mentorship and networking
Meet industry professionals, learn about roles and companies, and build meaningful connections.
The pathway model
Skill. Connection. Action.
The source pathway graphic is rebuilt here as accessible HTML. Programs are created by experts, benchmarked against current industry standards, and continuously improved through HQP and industry advisory feedback.
Gain industry ready skills.
- Hands on training by experienced instructors
- Self paced sector and job overview modules
Create new connections.
- Live sessions with seasoned professionals
- Career advice and role insight
Put learning into action.
- Reflective self assessment
- An action plan based on new learning
Seven career-aligned categories20–40 hours of tailored training
Spring / Summer 2026 catalogue
Seven pathways into life sciences.
Choose a career direction to move directly to its training format, learning outcomes, workshops, and application status.
01
Catalogue pathway
Biomanufacturing
For participants seeking a foundation in GMP, controlled environments, best practices, and biopharma manufacturing workflows used to produce biologics for clinical use.
Streams and learning outcomes
Choose one stream
Aseptic Cell Culture Basics · CATTIGuelph, ON; flexible off site. Work with MSCs and generate GMP compliant cell banks.
Closed Systems and CAR T Manufacturing · CATTIGuelph, ON. Aseptic connections, CliniMACS Plus, LOVO, G REX, CAR T cells, and immunotherapies.
Biologics (mAb) Manufacturing · CASTLMontreal, Vancouver, or Charlottetown. Pilot scale upstream, downstream, and fill finish workflows.
Core outcomes
- Explain GMP and GDP concepts
- Apply ALCOA+ and data integrity principles
- Demonstrate aseptic practice and contamination risk awareness
- Use contamination control and gowning behaviours aligned with cleanroom expectations
02
Catalogue pathway
Quality Control / Assurance
For participants pursuing quality careers who want to understand GMP, environmental monitoring, risk assessment, QC testing, structured OOS/OOT response, CAPA, and GDP.
Streams and learning outcomes
Choose one stream
QA/QC Micro for Advanced Therapies · CATTIGuelph, ON. Sterility, mycoplasma, bioburden, endotoxin, microbial identification, and rapid methods such as BacT/ALERT.
QA/QC Analytics for Biologics · CASTLMontreal, Vancouver, or Charlottetown. Analytical methods for biologics and integration of QC outputs into deviation, CAPA, and risk thinking.
Core outcomes
- Explain quality requirements within GMP
- Understand monitoring and contamination controls
- Document deviations in a structured, GMP aligned manner
- Apply structured CAPA and risk mitigation thinking
- Demonstrate stream specific QC method knowledge
03
In development
Research & Development
A planned pathway for research-trained talent moving toward industry process development, experimental design, assay work, manufacturability, and translational decisions.
04
Online synchronous
Regulatory Affairs
For people seeking a solid understanding of regulatory activities across a product lifecycle, the submission process, and legal requirements for pharmaceuticals, biologics, and medical devices.
Learning outcomes
- Describe the role of Regulatory Affairs
- Become familiar with Health Canada regulations
- Recall CTD modules and submission requirements
- Explain Drug Master File requirements
- Apply legislation involving recalls, complaints, ADRs, SOPs, inspections, and deficiencies
- Locate CTA, annual report, and safety reporting regulation
- Understand pathways for drugs, biologics, and medical devices
- Learn through group projects and interactive sessions
05
Full · next cohort in fall
Medical Affairs
An MSL Accelerator for people seeking to understand the Canadian Medical Affairs landscape and become field-ready through scientific exchange, insight generation, KOL engagement, cases, and simulations.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the purpose and strategic function of Medical Affairs
- Describe the MSL role and distinguish it from Sales and Market Access
- Apply nonpromotional and ethical scientific exchange principles
- Use foundational KOL engagement principles
- Understand collaboration across matrix organizations
- Practise cases, role play, simulation, peer discussion, and facilitated reflection
06
In development
Clinical Trials
A planned pathway focused on how therapies move through clinical operations, protocol execution, Good Clinical Practice, data integrity, patient safety, informed consent, and site coordination.
07
Accepting applications
Entrepreneurship
For entrepreneurial researchers preparing to commercialize science, spin out a company, or grow a venture through IP, licensing, validation, regulation, business planning, finance, corporate structure, and pitching.
Learning outcomes
- Understand intellectual property protection
- Identify regulatory processes and financing sources
- Develop a business plan and financial forecast
- Identify negotiation avenues
- Build an effective pitch deck
- Present to an investor panel and receive constructive feedback
Beyond the pathways
Other ENGAGE benefits.
Special workshops and events
- Microfluidics Professional Course · CRAFT · July 2026
- Career Fair · OBIO · March 2026
- Data Wrangling and Visualization · INSPIRE · June 2025
- Advanced Therapies Training · OBIO / CATTI · 2025
Monthly 1:1 virtual mentorship
Meet a professional from the biomanufacturing or life sciences industry for a 30-minute informational interview booked through the portal.
Professional development support
Receive personalized guidance based on career aspirations, help deciding how to use Training Credits, and access to BioHubNet professional development events.
On demand learning
Learn at your own pace from 60+ short courses with single sign on integration through the BioHubNet portal.
Travel support
Eligible participants can request preapproved travel grants for transport, meals, and accommodation required to attend in person training.
Career mapping
Every pathway combines technical learning, connection to professionals, reflective assessment, and an applied career action plan.
Who can join
No cost access for eligible HQP.
Applicants need a biomanufacturing or life sciences related STEM background and must belong to an eligible HQP category.
Master's and PhD students who completed at least two semestersPostdoctoral fellowsResearch associatesLaboratory technicians
Eligible institutions
- Hospital for Sick Children
- Queen's University
- Seneca Polytechnic
- Sinai Health
- Sunnybrook Research Institute
- Toronto Metropolitan University
- Unity Health Toronto
- University Health Network
- University of Guelph
- University of Toronto
- University of Waterloo
- University of Windsor
- Western University
- York University
Co contribution model
Other CBRF BRIF hubs and institutions can support HQP participation through a flat program fee per participant that provides 5000 Training Credits. Contact engage@biohubnet.ca. Fee structure is subject to change at BioHubNet's discretion.
Training Credits
5000
BioHubNet's course-access currency, equivalent to $5000 CAD for eligible participants.
Register. Apply. Enroll.
The source application graphic is rebuilt as accessible HTML with the document requirements and enrollment rules included.
Register on the platform.
Create a BioHubNet Training Platform account.
Apply for Training Credits.
Graduate students upload an unofficial transcript and a verification form signed by their graduate office. Postdocs, research associates, and lab technicians upload an employment confirmation letter.
Receive up to 5000 Credits.
After eligibility approval, Credits are applied to the account and the Training Credit tab is deactivated.
Redeem and enroll.
Browse the catalogue, enroll, open the provider LMS through Progress Tracker, and monitor completion and Credit use.
12-month expiry.
Unused Training Credits expire 12 months after approval.
Six-month threshold.
If fewer than 2500 Credits are used in the first six months, the remaining balance expires.
One at a time.
Participants can take one on-demand course at a time and revisit completed courses through Progress Tracker.
Networking and mentorship
Thirty minutes, once a month.
For ENGAGE HQP
After Training Credit approval, participants are automatically enrolled in two one hour courses covering the Canadian life sciences industry and typical roles in a large biopharmaceutical company.
- Complete both courses to activate the Networking Platform profile
- Receive monthly availability emails
- Book one 30 minute 1:1 informational interview
- BioHubNet provides the introduction and meeting link
For industry professionals
Professionals in biomanufacturing, biotechnology, pharma, and life sciences can volunteer one 30-minute virtual session per month.
- Submit up to five possible time slots near month-end
- BioHubNet confirms one slot within 24 hours
- Skip a month, pause, or unsubscribe at any time
- BioHubNet handles matching and logistics
Frequently asked questions
The operational details.
Information reproduced and reorganized from the ENGAGE page and the Spring/Summer 2026 program brochure.
What are Training Credits?
Training Credits are BioHubNet's own currency. Each course costs a set number of Credits. After eligibility is confirmed, up to 5000 Credits are applied to the account for enrollment through the Training Platform.
What restrictions apply to Training Credits?
- Unused Credits expire 12 months after approval.
- If fewer than 2500 Credits are used within six months, the remaining balance expires.
Can someone from a currently ineligible institution join?
Yes. Anyone can register, view the catalogue, and learn more. BioHubNet plans to expand eligibility and publishes updates through its website and newsletter. Other CBRF BRIF institutions can also ask about the co contribution model.
What if I am unsure whether my STEM background fits?
HQP in STEM programs relevant to biomanufacturing or life sciences are encouraged to apply and contact BioHubNet to discuss fit.
How do I enroll in a course?
After approval, log in, browse by topic, open More Info, and select Enroll. Progress Tracker links to the provider's LMS, records completed courses, and tracks Credit use. One on-demand course can be active at a time.
When are the structured curricula available?
The ENGAGE page describes a Spring 2026 launch. The Spring/Summer 2026 catalogue provides defined formats for Biomanufacturing, QA/QC, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, and Entrepreneurship. R&D and Clinical Trials remain identified as in development.
How do eligible HQP access Networking?
Complete the two automatically enrolled one hour industry overview courses after Credit approval. The profile is then activated, and BioHubNet sends monthly professional availability for one 30 minute meeting.
How does the industry-professional process work?
Approved professionals submit up to five possible slots for the next month. BioHubNet confirms one within 24 hours, makes the introduction, and provides the meeting link. Participation is one session per month and can be paused or cancelled.