Saskatchewan Showcases Its Biotech Leadership During Global Biotech Week
Global Biotech Week returns to Saskatchewan on September 19 to 26, bringing together researchers, industry leaders, educators, students, and community members to celebrate the discoveries and innovations shaping our future. Coordinated by Ag-West Bio and supported by a diverse planning committee, this year’s events feature opportunities to explore biotechnology through hands-on activities, public discussions, facility tours, art installations and networking events.
The week begins with a unique fusion of art and science at Nuit Blanche Saskatoon. Ag-West Bio’s interactive exhibit, Beautiful Science: The Biodiversity Beneath Our Feet, will invite visitors to ‘shrink down’ to the size of a microbe and enter a microbe disco experience at Remai Modern’s Learning Studio. The disco will highlight the constant activity that’s happening underneath our feet while research organizations and soil amendment companies provide science activities in an adjacent space. The exhibit creates a fun environment for visitors of all ages to learn about the billions of microbes constantly at work beneath our feet.
Innovation will literally be on the menu this year at our Taste of Innovation kick-off lunch on September 21st. Attendees will learn about, and sample, innovations in novel food ingredients and alternative proteins made from fungi. These innovations are helping transform Canada’s value-added food industry while demonstrating new opportunities for sustainable food production.
Education remains one of the cornerstones of Global Biotech Week. Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan plays a leading role in delivering educational programming throughout the week. The Science Teacher Workshop on Sept 21. & 22, provides educators with an opportunity to explore real-world examples of biotechnology and its applications. The Science Zone at the All-In Event and the Upcycled Art competition introduce younger audiences to biotechnology while encouraging creativity and environmental stewardship.
Several events will showcase the world-class research infrastructure located right here in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The Canadian Light Source, Canada’s only synchrotron research facility, will host a special presentation on how advanced imaging and analytical tools are being used to solve challenges in agriculture, food production, and plant biotechnology. The CLS will also offer a behind-the-scenes look at the light source through a set of guided tours. The Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre will provide exclusive tours of its agri-food innovation facility, demonstrating how Saskatchewan-grown crops are being transformed into real-world ingredients, food products, and sustainable bioproducts.
Global Biotech Week also creates meaningful connections between researchers and the public. Café Sci returns to Winston’s Pub so that community members can meet and ask questions of researchers in an informal setting at one of Saskatoon’s most established gathering places. The University of Saskatchewan hosts a webinar series, Advancements in Ag Research, that allows the community to learn about the research going on at the University of Saskatchewan directly from the researchers themselves.
From classrooms and laboratories to breweries and public gathering spaces, Global Biotech Week 2026 demonstrates the many ways biotechnology strengthens Saskatchewan and shows just how many aspects of life it’s part of. Bringing people together to learn, explore and celebrate science, this week showcases why Saskatchewan continues to be recognized as a leader in bioscience innovation and inspires the next wave of researchers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.