The federal government is investing $15 million in a proposed Calgary biomanufacturing facility.

Ottawa is making the investment through its Strategic Innovation Fund. The money will go towards a Northern RNA proposed three-year project.

The company aims to expand its biomanufacturing capacity by “establishing a facility compliant with good manufacturing practice (GMP) to produce lipids that are a critical component for mRNA vaccines and therapies,” according to a federal government news release. The vaccines are used to prevent COVID-19 and other viruses from spreading.

The project aligns with Canada’s biomanufacturing and life sciences strategy and is part of an effort to provide the country with secure domestic sources of lipid production.

“Lipids are a critical raw material needed to produce life-saving medicines, and global manufacturing capacity is limited.,” said Brad Stevens, Northern RNA’s founder and CEO. “Northern RNA is appreciative of the government support that makes this expansion, local economic diversification and increased employment possible.”

Through the project, according to the news release, Northern RNA will maintain 50 jobs, create 150 new positions and hire students for 195 co-op terms.