The UILO is actively engaged in the creation and development of UBC spin-off companies, based on UBC research discoveries.
As at March 31, 2024, UBC research has been instrumental in creating 260 spin-off companies. Approximately 150 of those companies are understood to be currently active, or to have merged or been acquired.
AbCellera
2014
Founded around research led by Dr. Carl Hansen, Abcellera has developed an antibody discovery platform that searches and analyzes natural immune systems to find antibodies for disease prevention and treatment.
QLT
1981
UBC's most commercially successful spin-off company to date. QLT developed the research led by Drs. Julia Levy and David Dolphin to create Visudyne, a light-activated drug to treat age-related wet macular degeneration - a leading cause of vision loss.
Precision Nanosystems
2011
Commercializes proprietary platforms and companion reagent kits to enable the simplified manufacture of novel nanoparticles used in medicine and medical research. The technology was developed through a collaboration between Drs. Carl Hansen and Pieter Cullis at UBC.
TaskTop
2007
Provides fully automated, enterprise-grade integration of software development tools. Founded on technology developed by Drs. Gail Murphy and Mik Kersten. Based in Vancouver with offices in the USA and UK.
Alpha-9 Theranostics
2020
Alpha-9 Theranostics is a clinical stage, radiopharmaceutical company developing imaging and therapeutic molecules with the goal of improving the lives of patients affected by metastatic cancers. Alpha-9 was founded by researchers from the University of British Columbia and BC Cancer.
Acuva Technologies
2016
Developing highly efficient, low maintenance and low power ultraviolet light emitting diode (UV-LED) water purification systems for processing low to moderate volumes of water for drinking water applications for mobile and off grid situations.
Aspect Biosystems
2014
Aspect Biosystems was created around research led by Dr. Konrad Walus. The company combines microfluidics and 3D bioprinting to create living, human tissues in order to fuel medical research and the development of bioprinted therapeutics that will save lives and make people healthier.
Paragon Testing Enterprises
2010
Canada’s leader in English language proficiency tests for those wishing to immigrate to Canada, to become Canadian citizens, or to study in Canada at all levels.
Westport
1994
Founded around Dr. Phil Hill's discovery of a technology that enables diesel engines to run on clean-burning natural gas. Westport is now a leading employer in BC and sells advanced natural gas and propane engines, fuel systems and components to customers in more than 70 countries.