AbbVie Launches Biotech Innovation Program in Quebec, Expanding Industry Support Initiatives

AbbVie, a leading pharmaceutical company, has announced the launch of a new program aimed at fostering innovation in the Canadian biotech sector. The AbbVie Biotech Innovators Award, developed in collaboration with adMare BioInnovations, will provide early-stage biotechs in Quebec with valuable resources and expertise to accelerate their growth.

Program Details and Eligibility

The newly launched program is accepting submissions until February 20, 2026, targeting early-stage biotechs in Quebec that align with AbbVie's core focus areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, and aesthetics. The winning company will receive a comprehensive support package, including:

• One year of free access to lab and office space at the adMare Innovation Centre in Quebec
• Direct engagement with AbbVie's scientific and business leaders
• Funding support from AbbVie to facilitate the program

This initiative is designed to stimulate innovation and contribute to the growth of the life sciences industry in Canada's capital city, leveraging the combined expertise of AbbVie and adMare BioInnovations.

AbbVie's Commitment to Biotech Innovation

The Quebec-based program follows the success of AbbVie's first Biotech Innovators Award, presented earlier this year to Neuropeutics, a Toronto-based biotech developing small molecules for neurodegenerative conditions. That award, in partnership with the University of Toronto's SpinUp, demonstrates AbbVie's ongoing commitment to supporting emerging biotechs across Canada.

An AbbVie spokesperson emphasized the company's dedication to advancing science and improving patient outcomes, stating, "We have a passion for supporting patients who face serious and life-altering diseases, and we believe that together we can advance the science needed to improve patient outcomes."

Industry Trend: Pharma Support for Biotech R&D

AbbVie's initiative reflects a broader industry trend of major pharmaceutical companies investing in biotech R&D support. For instance, Eli Lilly recently announced plans to open a new Gateway Labs site in Philadelphia, adding to its network of lab spaces designed to provide biotechs with state-of-the-art facilities and scientific engagement.

This trend underscores the importance of collaboration between established pharmaceutical companies and emerging biotechs in driving innovation and addressing unmet medical needs. As these partnerships continue to evolve, they are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the future of drug discovery and development.