BioTalent Canada and Bioscience Association Manitoba Partner to Expand AI Training for the Bio-economy Workforce
BioTalent Canada and Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM) have announced a new collaboration to expand access to AI Fundamentals for the Bio-economy, a practical training program designed to help Manitoba’s bioscience organizations understand, evaluate, and responsibly implement artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace.
The BioTalent partnership was unveiled during BAM’s AI Summit, where industry leaders, researchers, employers, and innovators gathered to discuss the growing influence of AI on Manitoba’s rapidly evolving bio-economy. Through the collaboration, employers across the province will gain greater access to specialized AI training aimed at equipping employees with the knowledge and confidence needed to integrate AI into science-driven and highly regulated work environments.
Building AI Confidence Across the Bio-economy
Artificial intelligence is transforming industries worldwide, and Canada’s bio-economy is no exception. From biotechnology and life sciences to agriculture and clean technology, AI is creating opportunities to streamline research, improve operational efficiency, accelerate innovation, and enhance decision-making.
However, many organizations remain cautious about adoption. While they recognize AI’s potential, questions surrounding implementation, regulatory compliance, ethical considerations, and workforce readiness continue to present challenges.
To BioTalent address these concerns, BioTalent Canada developed AI Fundamentals for the Bio-economy in partnership with Propero Learning Systems. The training program is specifically tailored for Canada’s bioscience sector, providing practical guidance on responsible AI adoption through interactive exercises, real-world case studies, and industry-specific examples.
Rather than focusing solely on technical concepts, the course is designed to help professionals understand where AI can create meaningful value while ensuring that human expertise, scientific judgment, and regulatory requirements remain central to decision-making.
Preparing the Workforce for an AI-Enabled Future
According to BioTalent Canada President and CEO Rob Henderson, successful AI adoption begins with building confidence among employees and employers alike.
“Artificial intelligence is changing how work gets done across Canada’s bio-economy, but adoption starts with confidence,” Henderson said.
He explained that organizations need practical, accessible resources that help them evaluate AI opportunities, understand potential risks, and implement the technology responsibly.
“Organizations need practical guidance to understand where AI can create value and how to use it responsibly while keeping human expertise at the centre,” Henderson said. “By working with Bioscience Association Manitoba, we’re helping more employers and professionals build the knowledge and skills needed to transform AI’s potential into meaningful business outcomes.”
The initiative reflects a growing recognition that workforce development is just as important as technological advancement. Without employees who understand both the capabilities and limitations of AI, organizations may struggle to realize the full benefits of emerging technologies.
Supporting Canada’s AI Strategy
The collaboration aligns closely with Canada’s broader efforts to improve AI literacy, strengthen workforce readiness, and encourage the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence across industries.
As governments and businesses continue investing in AI innovation, there is increasing emphasis on ensuring employees possess the skills needed to work effectively alongside advanced technologies.
For Manitoba’s bioscience sector, this means preparing researchers, laboratory professionals, product developers, regulatory specialists, and business leaders to incorporate AI into their daily operations while maintaining high standards of safety, compliance, and scientific integrity.
The expanded training initiative aims to support these objectives by making AI education more accessible throughout Manitoba’s bio-economy.
Meeting Industry Demand
Bioscience Association Manitoba President and CEO Andrea Ladouceur said growing interest from member organizations helped drive the new partnership.
“Artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities across the bio-economy, and organizations have expressed the need for support to begin or advance their use of AI to improve productivity and drive innovation,” Ladouceur said.
She noted that many employers are eager to explore AI but want trusted guidance tailored specifically to the bioscience industry rather than generic technology training.
“Our partnership with BioTalent Canada will help our members build the confidence and practical skills they need to explore AI in meaningful ways,” she said.
By working together, the two organizations hope to lower barriers to AI adoption while encouraging organizations to embrace innovation responsibly.
Expanding Access Across Manitoba
Through the collaboration, Bioscience Association Manitoba will promote awareness of AI Fundamentals for the Bio-economy among its network of more than 200 member organizations.
The initiative is expected to increase participation from employers representing health biotechnology, agricultural biotechnology, and clean biotechnology sectors, providing broader access to workforce training that supports innovation and long-term competitiveness.
The program also aims to help organizations develop internal AI capabilities without requiring extensive prior technical knowledge.
Participants will gain a practical understanding of AI applications, ethical considerations, implementation strategies, and responsible workplace practices, enabling organizations to make more informed decisions as AI technologies continue to evolve.
Driving Innovation Through Workforce Development
Industry experts increasingly agree that AI’s long-term impact will depend not only on technological advancement but also on the ability of organizations to prepare their workforces for change.
For Canada’s bio-economy, where innovation often occurs within highly regulated scientific environments, responsible AI implementation requires employees who understand both technological opportunities and industry-specific requirements.
By investing in workforce education today, BioTalent Canada and Bioscience Association Manitoba hope to help employers remain competitive while fostering sustainable innovation across Manitoba’s bioscience ecosystem.
Organizations interested in assessing their AI readiness or learning more about implementing AI within their operations are encouraged to contact BioTalent Canada for additional guidance and support.
About Bioscience Association Manitoba
Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM) is the leading industry association supporting Manitoba’s bioscience and biotechnology sector. Representing more than 200 member companies, the organization serves businesses operating across health biotechnology, agricultural biotechnology, and clean biotechnology.
BAM works to strengthen Manitoba’s bioscience ecosystem through industry advocacy, workforce development, sector promotion, and strategic partnerships that foster collaboration and innovation.
Manitoba has earned recognition as one of Canada’s leading bioscience hubs, bringing together expertise in health sciences, agriculture, and clean technology to advance research, commercialization, and economic development. BAM plays a key role in supporting companies throughout this innovation lifecycle by connecting organizations with resources, talent, and growth opportunities.
About BioTalent Canada
BioTalent Canada is a national workforce development organization dedicated to supporting Canada’s growing bio-economy. The organization provides labour market intelligence, workforce research, professional development programs, and industry standards that help employers attract, develop, and retain highly skilled talent.
Working closely with employers, educators, government agencies, and industry stakeholders, BioTalent Canada helps bridge the gap between job-ready professionals and organizations seeking specialized talent.
The organization has received numerous national recognitions for workplace excellence and leadership, including designation as a Great Place to Work®, recognition among Canada’s Best Workplaces in Healthcare, Employer of Choice honours from Canadian HR Reporter, and awards celebrating its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, collaboration, and organizational leadership.
Through initiatives such as AI Fundamentals for the Bio-economy, BioTalent Canada continues to help Canada’s bioscience workforce build the skills needed to support innovation, resilience, and long-term industry growth in an increasingly AI-enabled economy.
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