Ontario Genomics is the latest organization to join Bioenterprise Canada as a partner in Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine (The Engine). This formalizes a new collaboration to better support start-ups, entrepreneurs, and research-driven companies and accelerate the commercialization of genomics-based innovations across the Canadian agri-food sector.
“Ontario Genomics brings deep expertise in genomics commercialization and a strong track record of supporting high-potential start-ups and small- and medium-sized enterprises or SMEs,” says Dave Smardon, CEO of Bioenterprise Canada. “Their focus on implementation and scale aligns closely with The Engine, and together, we can create a more seamless pathway for innovators to move from research and development to market adoption.”
Ontario Genomics supports the implementation and commercialization of genomics-based technologies across sectors vital to Ontario’s economy, including health, agri-food, and natural resources. The organization is particularly committed to enabling technology development that supports Ontario’s agri-food sector. By creating opportunities for innovators to collaborate directly with farmers, food and beverage processors, and other value chain partners, Ontario Genomics promotes a whole-value-chain approach to technology development and commercialization.
“Ontario Genomics has a long history of supporting innovation and pushing it towards commercialization, most recently with our BioCreate and HARVEST accelerators,” says John Rafferty, President & CEO of Ontario Genomics. “Teaming up with Bioenterprise will give the food and agriculture companies we work with greater access to the kind of infrastructure they need to get their products and technologies scaled up and out to market faster.”
The partnership is expected to benefit Ontario Genomics’ funded start-ups and industry partners by connecting them to The Engine’s national platform of accelerators, incubators, industry leaders, and investors. In turn, Bioenterprise-supported companies will gain stronger linkages to genomics expertise and funding pathways.
Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, led by Bioenterprise Canada, is a national commercialization platform that brings together ecosystem partners from across the country to support the growth of innovative agri-food businesses.
Source : Bioenterprises