Natural Products Canada (NPC) is investing in two game-changing companies based in British Columbia through its Commercialization Programs. The recipients Anodyne Chemistries and NanoTech Innovation will enable a total investment of almost $1 M to validate innovation to address current challenges using nature-based solutions.  These investments were originally announced as part of investments NPC made in nine companies across the country last week. 

“Natural Products Canada sees tremendous potential in nature-based solutions as a source of sustainable economic development that makes Canadians proud,” said Shelley King, CEO, Natural Products Canada. “NPC’s investment in BC startups NanoTech Innovation and Anodyne Chemistries signals our belief in the game-changing technologies, and their potential to be truly competitive businesses that meaningfully contribute to their communities and the planet as a whole.”

The investment into Anodyne Chemistries will support a proof of concept project aimed at using the power of natural enzymes to sustainably convert CO₂ into valuable industrial ingredients.  Anodyne will receive $250,000 from NPC to invest in their project valued at over $750,000. 

“We use natural enzymes to transform emissions into chemical feedstocks, providing the foundation for both a circular carbon economy and decarbonized supply chains. Funding from NPC accelerates our efforts greatly, enabling us to get decarbonized chemicals into our customers’ products faster.” Manou Davies, Chief Scientific Officer, Anodyne Chemistries.

The support for NanoTech Innovation will help fund a proof of concept project to support the commercialization of their unique natural product that converts rust into a protective coating to prevent future erosion.  NPC will invest $66,400 into their total project budget of $166,000. 

“A lot of our effort is on building traction and getting more reference sites to provide the validation that makes customers comfortable to adopt this as a solution. Thanks to NPC and this demonstration project, we really believe we can accelerate that traction,” Bernie LeSage, Chief Business Development Officer, NanoTech Innovation.

NPC’s Commercialization Programs focus on three gaps common to highly innovative companies: product validation, talent, and competitive strategy. The Proof of Concept, Access to Talent, and Fast Track to Financing programs address each of these gaps, and provide up to $350,000 in support. Acting truly as “strategic angels” NPC works with applicants before, during and after the official application process, providing in-depth advice, guidance and connections to resources from across the country.

NPC’s work to support natural products is supported by the Government of Canada.  Since inception, NPC has provided advice and promotional support to over 1600 Canadian start-ups, and has curated thousands of strategic introductions through its extensive network of investors, industry leaders, business and technical consultants, and others that help advance sustainable innovation.

“Thanks to our government’s support, Natural Products Canada is helping Canadian entrepreneurs navigate the marketplace and bring a wide range of ecologically mindful products to consumers. These projects represent diverse opportunities for innovation, while creating skilled jobs and promoting a greener economy for all Canadians.”

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

For more information about these clients and their technologies, or to explore opportunities to collaborate with Natural Products Canada, please contact Sue Coueslan at [email protected].

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About Natural Products Canada (NPC) – 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 (Nàdarra 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.