The new BioCreate program is getting Ontario-made innovations ready for real-world use
Eight Ontario start-ups in the health, food and agriculture and clean-tech sectors are the first round of recipients for Ontario Genomics’ BioCreate program, an $11.6-million initiative providing financial and business support to help move the province’s biotechnology scene forward.
BioCreate is funded by Ontario Genomics and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) with the goal of connecting each highly-vetted company with $150,000 in non-repayable funding, 18 months of business mentorship and access to critical infrastructure. They’ll also get the opportunity to pitch to investors for further funding. The first round of recipients are:
- AIMA Laboratories (Hamilton) is speeding up the diagnosis of endometriosis by creating a home test.
- Index Biosystems (Burlington) is working on BioTag technology to make food products safer and cut down on food recalls by verifying sustainability, product quality and source-of-origin.
- Kraken Sense (Oakville) is developing new technologies to speed up detection of new and existing variants of different viruses and bacteria to maintain public health and safety.
- Ceragen (Kitchener) is helping farmers increase crop yields through microbiome engineering.
- BioFect Innovations (Toronto) designed a microorganism to mass produce brazzein, a sugar substitute.
- Genecis (Toronto) has engineered a bacteria that breaks down food waste to make cheaper bioplastics.
- Liven Proteins (Toronto) is producing animal-free protein ingredients for the food industry.
- Performance Plants (Kingston) is using genetic engineering to produce climate change-resistant crops.
Ontario Genomics President and CEO Dr. Bettina Hamelin, says, “Genomics gives us scientifically proven solutions to some of humanity’s biggest challenges. BioCreate is supporting cutting-edge companies to grow these game-changing technologies and to create jobs for the very near future.”
“Canada’s entrepreneurs are leaders in their field. Their innovative and creative solutions to our complex problems will drive our economy forward and make southern Ontario a destination for growing industries. The companies that were selected to participate in the BioCreate program are some of these incredible leaders.” says the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “By fostering the development and growth of these promising start-ups, our Government is helping them reach their potential and change the world.”
Ontario Genomics (OG) is a non-profit organization funded by the Government of Ontario and Genome Canada. Since 2000, OG has been nurturing innovation across the province by supporting genomic technologies in the health, agriculture and environment sectors. Find out more at ontariogenomics.ca.
For 13 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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Media Contacts
Maggie Blood
Innovation Communications and Public Affairs Manager
mblood@ontariogenomics.ca
Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca
