Genomic tools and technologies have the potential to improve our health, environment and nutrition, and Alberta has no shortage of entrepreneurs ready to meet the challenge. However, while biotech startups are typically well-equipped to test and refine their technologies and products, scaling-up into a sustainable business presents a wholly new challenge. A 2025 survey conducted by Genome Alberta found that many of the companies surveyed cited talent shortages in business development as a barrier to commercialization.
A pilot work placement program funded by Genome Alberta and Alberta Advanced Education aims to fill this gap, connecting recent business grads with companies engaged in genomics. Since its inception in 2023, the program has created 8 new business development positions across 8 companies, in sectors spanning healthcare, agriculture and agri-tech, and the environment. Over the course of a 1-year placement, participants build valuable workplace skills while exploring career paths in the world of “omics.” At the same time, they provide their host company essential expertise in core functions like marketing, client relations and partnership development.
For recent grads like Kalpita Reddiar, the program represents the opportunity to explore a career path in an innovative and meaningful industry.
“I thought it was the perfect opportunity, not just because genomics was very interesting to me, but also because I could bring my business learning and acumen into the life sciences sector and have a real-world impact,” says Kalpita.
Kalpita applied to the program soon after graduating from the University of Calgary’s business program in June 2024. That same summer, she was placed with OncoHelix, a Calgary-based precision-diagnostics company which specializes in advanced molecular and immune diagnostics for cancer, as a Business Development Associate.
Participating businesses are expected to create a meaningful work placement position where participants can grow their skills under supportive mentorship. For Kalpita, this took shape as the opportunity (and trust) to apply her skills to a wide range of challenges.
“I’ve had so many excellent, beautiful experiences – not just the people but the level of responsibility I was trusted with,” says Kalpita. “OncoHelix had strong confidence in my abilities, so I as very much involved in strategic initiatives and exposure to partners, collaborators and stakeholders. This was important because I came in with limited technical knowledge of genomics, and I’m grateful they showed that level of trust in me.”
For growing businesses like OncoHelix, the opportunity to work with driven and talented individuals like Kalpita is a way to accelerate their business at a pivotal time.
“OncoHelix is a scaling a company, and a scaling company is constantly facing trade-offs – do you invest in resources, invest in people, invest in product, invest in market expansion?” says Kevin James, Director of Partnerships and Growth at OncoHelix. “This allowed us to do both at the same time – invest in staff and product development.”
Crucially, the funding support provided by the work placement program de-risks the hiring process, enabling businesses like OncoHelix to work with young professionals at the very start of their careers.
“Having a position funded through a program like this lets us take on more of a training aspect. We can invest in mentorship and development and get to teach the genomics side of things while they bring the business experience,” says James. “Programs like this encourage companies like us to hire earlier than we otherwise would have been able to, which means we hit milestones quicker and accelerate the translation of research to real world use.”
For new grads like Kalpita, this hands-on mentorship in a professional environment and exposure to a rapidly evolving industry is a key benefit of the program.
“Being placed with a smaller organization which is rapidly developing innovative products allowed me to wear multiple hats and have a hand in multiple projects. Being in that position allowed me to learn quickly and fast, while also having that support from my team,” says Kalpita.
By helping Albertan companies and new grads grow their businesses and careers together, the program helps develop and retain highly-skilled individuals right here in the province. This impact extends beyond the work placement period into stable job creation, as 81% of participants are retained into ongoing roles with their host company. Such is the case for Kalpita, who since completing her 1-year work placement, has transitioned into a full-time position with OncoHelix as a Partnerships and Engagement Associate.
“Personally, when I was in a similar position a decade ago, there weren’t opportunities like this,” says James. “I had to leave the province as a new grad to find opportunities. This keeps local talent in genomics and in life sciences in Alberta.”
For Kalpita, this represents more than just a work position, but a way to see her skills have a tangible impact on the health of her community.
“If you’re curious and motivated on how your business skills can contribute to real-world impact, this is a helpful program and transformative experience,” says Kalpita.
Are you an “omics” business based in Alberta looking to grow or diversify your business, and could meaningfully support a new grad? Find out more about requirements to become a host here (see under “For Alberta-based Companies”): Careers – Genome Alberta
