New Canadian Bio-Economy AI Course Launched

OTTAWA, Ontario — Today, BioTalent Canada and Propero Learning Systems launched AI Fundamentals for the Bio-economy, a new foundational Artificial Intelligence training course geared to small and medium-sized companies in Canada’s bio-economy. With it, Canada’s bio-economy will now have access to AI training tailored to the sector’s unique needs, and employers and their teams will have a human-centred, sector-built AI learning experience that reflects how the bio-economy actually works.

Designed with the needs and expertise of scientists, technicians, legal and business professionals in mind, this course focuses on responsible, practical use of AI that supports good science and sound decision making rather than replacing it.

Despite growing interest in artificial intelligence, Canada continues to fall behind peer countries in AI literacy and training. Recent international research from KPMG International and the University of Melbourne found that Canada ranks near the bottom among advanced economies in AI skills development and public trust in AI systems, highlighting a significant gap between the technology’s potential and the workforce’s readiness to use it responsibly. For regulated, science-driven sectors like the bio-economy, this gap presents real risks, from misuse of tools to missed productivity gains and underscores the need for practical, sector-specific AI training.

The self-paced online course helps professionals and employers across the bio‑economy build confidence using AI tools responsibly in their day-to-day work. Each module guides learners through practical exercises using tools such as ChatGPT and Perplexity, culminating in a personalized “AI in My Work” implementation guide.

“AI is changing how work gets done in every corner of the bio-economy, yet most training available is generic,” says Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada. “This course was intentionally built for the bio-economy, by the bio-economy. Designed with the needs and expertise of scientists, technicians, legal and business professionals in mind, it focuses on responsible, practical use of AI that supports good science and sound decision making rather than replacing it.”

BioTalent Canada partnered with Propero Learning Systems Inc. to ensure the training was grounded in how work actually happens across Canada’s bio-economy. Propero brings deep experience designing competency-based learning for regulated, science-driven sectors, with a focus on practical application, responsible use and employer relevance. This partnership ensured the course goes beyond generic AI concepts to deliver training that reflects real workflows, real constraints and real decision-making environments faced by bio-economy professionals.

The course tackles barriers to AI adoption in the sector, including data privacy, intellectual property protection, accuracy in regulated environments and concerns about job displacement. Learners may explore how to use AI safely by incorporating human review and clear guardrails, so that AI becomes an assistant rather than an unchecked automation tool.

“Bio-economy professionals told us clearly: they want AI to sharpen their expertise, not sideline it. They asked for training grounded in real workflows; built around the regulated environments they work in every day. AI Fundamentals for the Bio-economy was designed from their insights, with sector-specific case studies and hands-on practice that learners can apply immediately,” says Scott MacDonald, Partner, Propero Learning Systems Inc.

Unlike one-time training that quickly becomes outdated, BioTalent Canada’s AI course is designed to evolve alongside the technology and the sector. New use cases, tools and examples will be added over time, and insights from learners and employers will continue to shape future modules.

A group of bio-economy leaders was brought together to review the course and provide feedback to ensure the content met the industry’s needs. Here is what one early adopter, Corinne Prince, Special Advisor for the Association for Canadian Studies and Metropolis Institute had to say: “Before taking this course, I had never used an AI tool. My first reaction was, ‘If I can do it, you can too.’ The training helped me understand what AI actually does, what it can do well, and what it cannot do. This kind of training is important for everyone because it builds confidence and helps people see where AI truly fits into their day-to-day work.”

The course is available online to industry employers and their teams across Canada, with options for organization-wide rollouts. For more information about the AI training program or to enroll, visit biotalent.ca/AICourse.

Rob Henderson is available for comment.

About Propero Learning Systems Inc.

Based in British Columbia, Canada, Propero Learning Systems is a management consulting firm specializing in accelerating skills development through customized, competency-based training programs and micro-credentials. Propero addresses critical skills gaps by aligning learner competencies with employer needs through strategic partnerships with industry associations, economic development agencies, and higher education institutions. With a proven track record across 25+ industries and impact on 80,000+ learners, Propero creates innovative solutions that prepare the workforce for rapid change. www.propero.ca

About BioTalent Canada:

BioTalent Canada supports the people behind life-changing science. Trusted as the go-to source for labour market intelligence, BioTalent Canada guides bio-economy contributors with evidence-based data and industry-driven standards. BioTalent Canada, as a workforce development council, is focused on igniting the industry’s brainpower, bridging the gap between job-ready talent and employers, and ensuring the long-term agility, resiliency and sustainability of one of Canada’s most vital sectors.

BioTalent Canada has received varied distinctions following a thorough and independent analysis of the organization. By practicing the same industry standards it recommends to partners, the organization has been honored with the following titles:

• Great Place to Work^® Employer since 2019 and one of the Best Workplaces in Healthcare for 2023 by Great Place to Work Canada^®
• The Best Leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the 2024 Best Ottawa Business Awards
• 2024 Collaboration Catalyst by Magnet Network
• One of Canada’s Best Places to Work by HRD Canada for 2024
• 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employer by Canadian HR Reporter since 2023
• Employer of Choice by Canadian HR Reporter for 2025

For more information, please visit biotalent.ca.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260415077631/en/

Contacts

Media Inquiries:
Eli Duern
Project Manager, Marketing and Communications
BioTalent Canada
613-235-1402 ext. 225
eduern@biotalent.ca

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