The site will add state-of-the-art CGT capacity and employ artificial intelligence and automation to achieve critical product supply efficiencies for North American and global biotherapy clients
HAMILTON, ON, Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today OmniaBio Inc. will announce the opening of a new North American cell and gene therapy (CGT) manufacturing and artificial intelligence (AI) centre of excellence, which is now Canada's largest contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) facility dedicated to CGT. Based in Hamilton, Ontario, the facility is a groundbreaking development for both the Canadian biotech industry and the broader global market.
This commercial-ready facility will enhance the manufacturing of these transformative therapies, further establishing Canada as a hub for innovation, while increasing access and affordability to advanced medical treatments across North America. Initially founded by Canada's Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM) and later joined, in partnership, by MEDIPOST, Co., Ltd., OmniaBio deploys over a decade of manufacturing and analytical technology expertise, developed through Canadian, U.S. and international partnerships.
OmniaBio will collaborate with pharmaceutical and biotech companies and academic centres to deliver comprehensive services from process, analytical and associated AI development to commercial manufacturing.
The new facility's first commercial-stage customer, MEDIPOST, is a recognized innovator in stem cell therapeutics and has plans to manufacture CARTISTEM® at OmniaBio's Hamilton site for North American patients. CARTISTEM is an allogeneic (sourced from donor cells) umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell product used to treat knee cartilage defects in patients with osteoarthritis caused by degeneration.
The new 120,000 sq. ft. site, located at McMaster Innovation Park and in close proximity to the U.S. border and Canada's largest international airport, is designed to meet specialized needs such as critical cold chain logistics, dedicated staff training infrastructure, intelligently designed production flows, and a multi-modality layout facilitating both cell and vector-focused manufacturing. Using advanced technologies such as robotics, biosensors and machine learning, OmniaBio will be among the first CDMOs globally to integrate these capabilities into its service offering, helping to reduce costs, improve product quality and increase production rates compared to conventional CDMO approaches. OmniaBio's AI-enabled manufacturing will first focus on cellular immunotherapies and iPSC-based therapies.
Quotes:
"I'm thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of OmniaBio's new centre of excellence in Hamilton, which will help create good-paying jobs for Ontario workers and cement our province's role as a world leader in life sciences. This new centre, which our government was proud to support through Invest Ontario, highlights the substantial increase in jobs and investment we've seen in Ontario's life sciences sector and points to the incredible opportunity this sector holds for our province's long-term prosperity."
- Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario
"With a highly-skilled workforce and competitive business environment, Ontario is a prime location for businesses in the life sciences sector to invest and grow. We congratulate OmniaBio on this exciting milestone and look forward to seeing their facility drive further advancements across the province's life sciences ecosystem."
- Hon. Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
"OmniaBio is partnering with clients to make these essential therapies more accessible and affordable for patients in North America and worldwide. This new facility puts us in a unique position as a specialist commercial CGT manufacturing leader tackling the toughest disease challenges head-on by combining an experienced team with advanced tools and solutions."
- Mitchel Sivilotti, President and CEO, OmniaBio Inc.
"The opening of OmniaBio's facility in Hamilton is an exciting milestone in CCRM's efforts to build a strong industry in Canada around its strengths in regenerative medicine, including cell and gene therapy. This facility is a game-changer as it will keep revolutionary companies in Canada and attract global leaders to our ecosystem. With manufacturing, we have the ingredients to see the ecosystem thrive."
- Michael May, President and CEO of CCRM and Chair of OmniaBio's Board.
"For two decades, MEDIPOST has been advancing cord blood stem cell therapies from basic science to successful commercialization. As demonstrated by the recent complete enrollment of our Phase III CARTISTEMTM trial in Japan and our plan for a Phase III trial in the U.S. MEDIPOST is fast becoming a global company, and our investment in OmniaBio is an investment in this future and in the people of Ontario who will help bring this vision to fruition."
- Antonio Lee, Global President, MEDIPOST, Co. Ltd. & Co-CEO and Director, MEDIPOST Inc.
"The opening of OmniaBio's Hamilton site is the result of the vision, determination, and collaboration of many dedicated people from across the globe. As the first client at this site, MEDIPOST looks forward to harnessing OmniaBio's world-class expertise and manufacturing capabilities to bring our stem cell therapy, CARTISTEM, to North America."
- Edward Ahn, CEO, MEDIPOST, Inc. (USA)
About OmniaBio
OmniaBio Inc. is a technology-focused, global cell and gene therapy CDMO with a vision to manufacture a disease-free world. As a subsidiary of CCRM, OmniaBio harnesses over a decade of expertise in regenerative medicine and advanced therapies. Offering comprehensive and tailored CDMO services, cutting-edge development and reliable Good Manufacturing Practices capabilities, OmniaBio specializes in immune cell-based therapies, induced pluripotent stem cell therapies and lentiviral vectors, driving advancements in the field and bringing maturity to cell and gene therapy. With existing clinical and commercial manufacturing capabilities OmniaBio is poised to meet surging global CGT manufacturing demand, enabling access to transformative treatments for patients around the world. Please visit us at www.omniabio.com to learn more.
About CCRM
CCRM is a global, public-private partnership headquartered in Canada. It has received funding from the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and leading academic and industry partners. CCRM supports the development of regenerative medicines and associated enabling technologies, with a specific focus on cell and gene therapy. A network of researchers, leading companies, investors, and entrepreneurs, CCRM accelerates the translation of scientific discovery into new companies and marketable products for patients with specialized teams, dedicated funding, and unique infrastructure. In 2022, CCRM established OmniaBio Inc., a commercial-stage CDMO for manufacturing cell and gene therapies. CCRM is hosted by the University of Toronto. Visit us at ccrm.ca.
About MEDIPOST
Founded in 2000, MEDIPOST is a leading commercial-stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of umbilical cord-derived stem cell therapies to treat inflammation-driven degenerative diseases. The company's flagship product, CARTISTEM®, is the world's first allogeneic stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis (OA), approved in Korea in 2012 and used to treat over 31,000 patients. As the largest and most trusted umbilical cord blood bank in Korea, MEDIPOST leverages its deep expertise in stem cell research and development to pioneer innovative treatments that improve patient outcomes. In partnership with the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM), MEDIPOST has established Omniabio, a cell and gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) based in Hamilton, Ontario. With a focus on global expansion, MEDIPOST is advancing its therapies into the Japanese, U.S. and European markets through ongoing Phase III clinical programs.
For more information, please contact:
Stacey Johnson
Vice President, Communications and Marketing
CCRM and OmniaBio Inc.
stacey.johnson@omniabio.com
1-647-309-1830
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
OmniaBio Announces Opening of New Commercial Manufacturing Facility in Canada, Bringing Life-Saving Cell and Gene Therapies to Patients
OmniaBio Announces Opening of New Commercial Manufacturing Facility in Canada, Bringing Life-Saving Cell and Gene Therapies to Patients
OmniaBio Announces Opening of New Commercial Manufacturing Facility in Canada, Bringing Life-Saving Cell and Gene Therapies to Patients
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- Teachers of years 1-10 see the benefits of hands-on computer science and AI education but lack the right tools to engage students, according to a new report, 'Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education'.
- Age-appropriate and curriculum-aligned LEGO® Education lessons equip educators with everything they need to teach computer science and AI concepts as part of their curriculum.
- Students explore and build essential computer science and AI literacy skills through hands-on, collaborative and meaningful learning.
BILLUND, Denmark, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, LEGO® Education announced a new hands-on solution and curriculum for computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) for year 1-10 classrooms that fosters collaboration, creativity, and learning outcomes. Shipping from April 2026, LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI enables schools to expand critically needed access to computer science and AI education.
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LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI empowers teachers to deliver computer science and AI learning that is impactful, meaningful, and relevant for every K-8 classroom (ages 5-11+). jwplayer('myplayer1').setup({file: 'https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2857931/LEGO_Education_CSAI_Concept_Video.mp4', image: 'https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2857931/LEGO_Education_CSAI_Concept_Video.mp4?p=thumbnail', autostart:'false', stretching : 'uniform', width: '512', height: '288'});
"We have a vision for kids learning, building and coding together – moving away from classrooms where kids work individually on computers with headphones on," said Atish Gonsalves, Head of Product, Computer Science & AI, LEGO Education. With LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, students collaborate and work in groups of four while teachers facilitate hands-on lessons with ready-to-use materials. Kits are specifically designed for years 1-2, 3-6 and 7-10, featuring LEGO® bricks, hardware and lessons that are accessible for beginners yet offer infinite possibilities for experienced learners.
'Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education' found that many teachers are lacking the right tools to engage their students in these concepts. In fact, more than half of teachers globally say current resources leave students "bored", and nearly half say computer science isn't relatable and doesn't connect to students' interests or day-to-day. While 69 per cent of global teachers agree AI literacy is critical for students' futures, 40 per cent say their schools aren't prepared to teach it responsibly.
"The future will be led by children who don't just use technology – they understand it, question it and ultimately build a better world with it," said Andrew Sliwinski, Head of Product Experience, LEGO Education. "AI presents incredible opportunities for learning, but it must be introduced with intention and care. This is why we developed a solution for the classroom grounded in the LEGO Group's values of child safety, privacy and well-being. With LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, children engage with AI to build their understanding of how the technology works in a safe and responsible way."
LEGO Education is introducing a hands-on, student-centred approach to effectively teach computer science concepts in the classroom and foster AI literacy, creativity and student agency. The report found that teachers value digital learning with screens but want more balance to deliver the best learning outcomes. The LEGO Education curriculum includes both screen-free lessons and lessons that combine physical bricks with the digital LEGO® Education Coding Canvas to bring student creations to life. To understand why and how the technology works, students build and experiment with AI, ultimately learning how to engage with it in a more meaningful and responsible way. This marks a significant shift in how these subjects are taught in classrooms.
With the upcoming launch of LEGO Education Computer Science & AI and the recent introduction of LEGO® Education Science, LEGO Education is designing solutions that equip schools with the tools they need to more easily and effectively teach subjects that have often been disconnected and inaccessible to many students and teachers. As part of this transition, the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Portfolio will retire, including LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime and LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential. For details and timing, visit LEGOeducation.com/SPIKE-retirement.
LEGO Education Computer Science & AI will begin shipping in April 2026. To learn more, visit LEGOeducation.com/CS-AI.
Stay connected on social media through LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
Key Product Information
- Kits will be available in three grade bands: years 1-2, 3-6 and 7-10.
- Each kit is a stackable box containing LEGO bricks, interactive hardware, connection card(s), charging cable(s) and building instructions.
- LEGO Education Coding Canvas offers intuitive, block-based coding experience with word and icon blocks (available on a web browser or as an iOS app). LEGO Education Coding Canvas requires no student login, and data is only saved locally.
- Free unlimited access to the online Teacher Portal includes Getting Started materials, facilitation notes, classroom presentations, curriculum-aligned lessons and more.
- Collaborative experiences invite students to build, code and create their own AI interactions.
- FIRST® LEGO® League Future Edition deepens the learning from LEGO Education Computer Science & AI in the classroom. FIRST LEGO League will be available as Founders Edition and Future Edition. For information on eligibility and availability, visit: LEGOeducation.com/FLL
Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education
Survey of 1,800 teachers and administrators across the United States, Germany, South Korea and Australia. Respondents included general educators, US administrators and computer science specialists. The survey was conducted by Edelman DXI Research on behalf of LEGO Education during August and September 2025.
Download the full report: LEGOeducation.com/AI
About LEGO® Education
LEGO® Education brings inquiry-based, hands-on learning into year 1-10 classrooms and beyond, combining educators' expertise with engaging LEGO® bricks and standards-aligned lessons to deliver meaningful learning outcomes. These learning experiences, rooted in safety, collaboration and hands-on discovery, inspire students to believe that any subject or path in life is within reach.
LEGO, the LEGO logo, LEGO Education, the LEGO Education logo and the SPIKE logo are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2026 The LEGO Group.
Media Contact
Kelley Brescia
Kelley.brescia@LEGO.com
- Teachers of years 1-10 see the benefits of hands-on computer science and AI education but lack the right tools to engage students, according to a new report, 'Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education'.
- Age-appropriate and curriculum-aligned LEGO® Education lessons equip educators with everything they need to teach computer science and AI concepts as part of their curriculum.
- Students explore and build essential computer science and AI literacy skills through hands-on, collaborative and meaningful learning.
BILLUND, Denmark, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, LEGO® Education announced a new hands-on solution and curriculum for computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) for year 1-10 classrooms that fosters collaboration, creativity, and learning outcomes. Shipping from April 2026, LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI enables schools to expand critically needed access to computer science and AI education.
LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI empowers teachers to deliver computer science and AI learning that is impactful, meaningful, and relevant for every K-8 classroom (ages 5-11+). jwplayer('myplayer1').setup({file: 'https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2857931/LEGO_Education_CSAI_Concept_Video.mp4', image: 'https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2857931/LEGO_Education_CSAI_Concept_Video.mp4?p=thumbnail', autostart:'false', stretching : 'uniform', width: '512', height: '288'});
"We have a vision for kids learning, building and coding together – moving away from classrooms where kids work individually on computers with headphones on," said Atish Gonsalves, Head of Product, Computer Science & AI, LEGO Education. With LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, students collaborate and work in groups of four while teachers facilitate hands-on lessons with ready-to-use materials. Kits are specifically designed for years 1-2, 3-6 and 7-10, featuring LEGO® bricks, hardware and lessons that are accessible for beginners yet offer infinite possibilities for experienced learners.
'Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education' found that many teachers are lacking the right tools to engage their students in these concepts. In fact, more than half of teachers globally say current resources leave students "bored", and nearly half say computer science isn't relatable and doesn't connect to students' interests or day-to-day. While 69 per cent of global teachers agree AI literacy is critical for students' futures, 40 per cent say their schools aren't prepared to teach it responsibly.
"The future will be led by children who don't just use technology – they understand it, question it and ultimately build a better world with it," said Andrew Sliwinski, Head of Product Experience, LEGO Education. "AI presents incredible opportunities for learning, but it must be introduced with intention and care. This is why we developed a solution for the classroom grounded in the LEGO Group's values of child safety, privacy and well-being. With LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, children engage with AI to build their understanding of how the technology works in a safe and responsible way."
LEGO Education is introducing a hands-on, student-centred approach to effectively teach computer science concepts in the classroom and foster AI literacy, creativity and student agency. The report found that teachers value digital learning with screens but want more balance to deliver the best learning outcomes. The LEGO Education curriculum includes both screen-free lessons and lessons that combine physical bricks with the digital LEGO® Education Coding Canvas to bring student creations to life. To understand why and how the technology works, students build and experiment with AI, ultimately learning how to engage with it in a more meaningful and responsible way. This marks a significant shift in how these subjects are taught in classrooms.
With the upcoming launch of LEGO Education Computer Science & AI and the recent introduction of LEGO® Education Science, LEGO Education is designing solutions that equip schools with the tools they need to more easily and effectively teach subjects that have often been disconnected and inaccessible to many students and teachers. As part of this transition, the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Portfolio will retire, including LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime and LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential. For details and timing, visit LEGOeducation.com/SPIKE-retirement.
LEGO Education Computer Science & AI will begin shipping in April 2026. To learn more, visit LEGOeducation.com/CS-AI.
Stay connected on social media through LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
Key Product Information
- Kits will be available in three grade bands: years 1-2, 3-6 and 7-10.
- Each kit is a stackable box containing LEGO bricks, interactive hardware, connection card(s), charging cable(s) and building instructions.
- LEGO Education Coding Canvas offers intuitive, block-based coding experience with word and icon blocks (available on a web browser or as an iOS app). LEGO Education Coding Canvas requires no student login, and data is only saved locally.
- Free unlimited access to the online Teacher Portal includes Getting Started materials, facilitation notes, classroom presentations, curriculum-aligned lessons and more.
- Collaborative experiences invite students to build, code and create their own AI interactions.
- FIRST® LEGO® League Future Edition deepens the learning from LEGO Education Computer Science & AI in the classroom. FIRST LEGO League will be available as Founders Edition and Future Edition. For information on eligibility and availability, visit: LEGOeducation.com/FLL
Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education
Survey of 1,800 teachers and administrators across the United States, Germany, South Korea and Australia. Respondents included general educators, US administrators and computer science specialists. The survey was conducted by Edelman DXI Research on behalf of LEGO Education during August and September 2025.
Download the full report: LEGOeducation.com/AI
About LEGO® Education
LEGO® Education brings inquiry-based, hands-on learning into year 1-10 classrooms and beyond, combining educators' expertise with engaging LEGO® bricks and standards-aligned lessons to deliver meaningful learning outcomes. These learning experiences, rooted in safety, collaboration and hands-on discovery, inspire students to believe that any subject or path in life is within reach.
LEGO, the LEGO logo, LEGO Education, the LEGO Education logo and the SPIKE logo are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2026 The LEGO Group.
Media Contact
Kelley Brescia
Kelley.brescia@LEGO.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
LEGO® Education Announces Hands-on Computer Science & AI Learning Solution
LEGO® Education Announces Hands-on Computer Science & AI Learning Solution
LEGO® Education Announces Hands-on Computer Science & AI Learning Solution
LEGO® Education Announces Hands-on Computer Science & AI Learning Solution
