BIOTECanada Announces 2026 Gold Leaf Award Winners, Recognizing Excellence Across Canada’s Biotechnology Ecosystem

OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BIOTECanada, the national industry association representing Canada’s biotechnology sector, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Gold Leaf Awards, recognizing outstanding leadership, innovation and impact across Canadian biotech.

For more than 20 years, the Gold Leaf Awards have celebrated the people and organizations strengthening Canada’s biotechnology sector and advancing Canadian innovation with global reach. This year’s recipients reflect the depth and strength of Canada’s biotech ecosystem, from globally competitive companies and emerging innovators to researchers and leaders translating Canadian science into real-world impact.

The 2026 Gold Leaf Award recipients are:

• Biotech Company of the Year: Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc.
• Promising Biotech Company of the Year: Ripple Therapeutics
• Industry Leadership Award (Ecosystem Builder): Dr. Allen Eaves
• Community Leadership Award (Research & Innovation): Dr. Massimiliano Paganelli and Dr. Claudia Raggi

“Canada’s biotechnology sector is built by people with the vision, discipline and ambition to turn world-class science into globally competitive companies that strengthen Canada’s health security, economy and global standing,” said Wendy Zatylny, President and CEO of BIOTECanada. “This year’s Gold Leaf Award recipients reflect the strength of our ecosystem and the momentum driving Canadian biotech forward. Their work shows what is possible when Canadian innovation is supported, scaled and positioned to compete globally.”

“This year’s recipients represent the kind of leadership that moves a sector forward,” added Oliver Technow, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Their achievements speak to the depth of Canadian biotechnology and the opportunity in front of us to attract investment, retain talent and build companies from a strong Canadian base.”

This year’s recipients were selected by an independent selection committee composed of respected leaders from across Canada’s biotechnology and life sciences ecosystem. BIOTECanada thanks the committee for their time, expertise and thoughtful contributions to the process.

2026 Gold Leaf Awards Selection Committee Members:

• Brian Bloom – Bloom Burton & Co.
• Stéphanie Michaud – BioCanRx
• Maxime Pesant – Fonds de solidarité FTQ
• John Norman – Gowling WLG
• Shermaine Tilley – CTI Life Sciences Fund
• Penny Walsh – Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences

The 2026 Gold Leaf Award winners will be celebrated at the Gold Leaf Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, September 22 at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, coinciding with BIONATION, BIOTECanada’s national gathering of biotechnology leaders, policymakers, investors and ecosystem partners.

For more information on the awards and winners, visit:
https://www.biotech.ca/about/gold-leaf-awards/