Natural Products Canada continues to advance sustainable, bio-based innovation with an investment of $336,046 into five Canadian companies. These start-ups represent eco-friendly solutions in a diverse range of industries, including construction, transportation, fisheries, packaging, and food production.

The companies are as follows:

• Biodiffusion Technologies: Biodiffusion is creating more sustainable and safe driving surfaces by replacing cement with a plant-based bioresin in secondary asphalt roads. The company receives $24,000 from the Fast Track to Financing Program to ensure their eco-friendly bioresin checks all the boxes for their target markets.
• BioForm Solutions: BioForm is addressing the plastics crisis with a unique technology that uses 3D printing and renewable, plant-derived materials to create compostable bioplastics for containers, food packaging, and agricultural plastics. BioForm receives $75,000 from the Access to Talent Program to expand their team.
• Biopolynet: Biopolynet is reducing the cost and environmental impact of lobster fisheries by upcycling fish bi-product into lobster bait. The company receives $114,080 from the Proof of Concept program to test their all natural bait in the commercial fisheries.
• Casa Bonita: Casa Bonita is tackling food waste by upcycling spent brewer’s grain into high-protein tortillas with a long shelf life. Casa Bonita receives $17,820 from the Fast Track to Financing Program to advance their sustainable and nutritious tortillas.
• Performance Biofilaments: Performance Biofilaments is creating sustainable biomaterial derived from bi-products of the pulp and paper industry to improve the structural performance of concrete and mortar, while reducing CO₂ emissions. The company receives $105,146 from the Proof of Concept Program to test their product in real-world settings.

“Investing in Canadian innovators and organizations like Natural Products Canada, who areadvancing sustainable, bio-based innovations is crucial. These recipients  will support Canadian businesses and bring eco-friendly solutions to multiple industries that benefit all Canadians and support jobs in the construction, transportation, fisheries, packaging and food production sectors.”

– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

The financial support comes through NPC’s Commercialization Programs, supported by the Government of Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund, designed to help Canadian start-ups address critical gaps along their path to market. The three programs – Fast Track To Financing, Access To Talent, and Proof of Concept – address different needs, with varying maximum amounts ranging from $25,000 to $250,000.

“The challenges to the health of our planet grow more acute every day. These companies have game-changing solutions to address these issues across a remarkable range of industries,” says Shelley King, CEO, Natural Products Canada. “These innovations combined with NPC’s practical programs provide a powerful tool to get these Canadian planet-friendly solutions into action quickly and efficiently.”

NPC’s Commercialization Programs are just one element of their strategic offering. They also provide advisory services and crucial introductions and referrals, as well as hosting various events and initiatives to showcase Canadian innovation to their broad network of international investors and corporations. In addition, they have launched a $50M capital fund to invest in high-potential Canadian natural products through the creation of NPC Ventures. 

For mor information:

Sue Coueslan

VP Strategy and Partnership

[email protected]

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Natural Products Canada (NPC) is the driving force behind Canada’s Natural Product Innovation Cluster–a strategic and diverse community focused on the development and commercialization of naturally-derived products and technologies in health and life sciences, natural resources, agriculture and agri-food, and sustainable bioproducts. As part of its role in the Cluster, NPC offers in-depth advice and a suite of commercialization programs to Canadian early-stage companies and research institutes; provides connections and innovation scouting services to corporations and investors; and leverages an investment fund (NPC Ventures) to help develop and de-risk promising Canadian opportunities. NPC has received financial support from the Government of Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund, administered by the department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and the Centre of Excellence in Commercialization and Research (CECR) program, administered by the Networks of Centres of Excellence.