Choosing solutions that protect tomorrow!
Exploring the Bioeconomy
Sustainable development is critical to our future. In collaboration with YRES, we're launching bioeconomy workshops and speaker sessions in Fall 2026. Learn how biological solutions in energy and health can drive a more sustainable world — register to get involved.
EXPLORE. LEARN. INNOVATE.
Program Details
About the Exploring the Bioeconomy series
The bioeconomy uses living organisms to create sustainable solutions in health, food, energy, materials and the environment. Our programs introduce learners to the ideas and innovations shaping a more sustainable future.
Who Can Join?
Open To All Ages
Children, teens and adults are welcome to explore our Bioeconomy programs.
Learning Topics
Sustainable Living
Explore applications in health, agriculture, energy, materials and the environment.
Bioeconomy Subsectors
Bio-Health
Agri-Bio
Bio-Energy
Bio-Industrial
Our Speakers
Gabriela Melendez
Project Coordinator, majored in Human Biology
Jensen Ong
Bioeconomy Education Program Coordinator
David Starr
Chief Analytics Officer, CAMH (The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)
Dr. Yanwei Xi
Clinical Laboratory Geneticist, CHEO (The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario)
Lauren Sayegh
Project Coordinator, Food Studies student
Program Schedule
All program times are in Pacific Time (PST).
Industrial Products in the Bioeconomy
Date: November 7, 2026
Time: 3:00–3:45 PM PST
Recommended Age Group
11 - 14
In this session, we will explore the potential of using plants and other organic material to create industrial products. See how waste can be used to create useful products, and discover how household waste can be used to create bioadhesives!
AI in the Bioeconomy
Date: November 21, 2026
Time: 3:00–3:45 PM PST
Recommended Age Group
14+
How can AI support human health?
Join David Starr, Chief Analytics Officer at CAMH, as he explores how AI is being used to advance the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases. Discover the opportunities AI creates for healthcare and biotechnology, while considering the challenges and limitations of applying this rapidly evolving technology in healthcare.
About David Starr:
David Starr serves as the Chief Analytics Officer for the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), as well as the Operations Director of the Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics. His work focuses on leveraging Artificial Intelligence to analyze health data for disease treatment and prevention.
Agricultural Solutions in the Bioeconomy
Date: November 14, 2026
Time: 3:00–3:45 PM PST
Recommended Age Group
14+
Explore how biological science and innovation are being used to address challenges in agriculture, such as improving food production and reducing waste. Join us to learn about how agricultural biotechnology is shaping the future of food and creating new opportunities in the bioeconomy.
Career Spotlight: Laboratory Geneticist
Date: December 5, 2026
Time: 3:00–3:45 PM PST
Recommended Age Group
14+
What is a Laboratory Geneticist, and what do they do? In this session, Dr. Yanwei Xi shares his experiences working as a Clinical Laboratory Geneticist at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Come and explore the exciting field of genetics within the Bio-Health industry!