Natural Products Canada Announces Results of Schwabe/Nature’s Way Open Innovation Call
Natural Products Canada (NPC) is pleased to announce the results of their Open Innovation Call with Schwabe/Nature’s Way. The Open Innovation Call set out to help Schwabe/Nature’s Way – a global leader in phytoinnovation – connect with high-potential innovators from the Canadian natural and bio-based innovation ecosystem.
With a strong reputation for developing plant-based pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements, Schwabe/Nature’s Way was seeking innovative, science-backed solutions in Central Nervous System health (e.g., cognition and mood disorders), Gastroenterology/Digestion, and Cough & Cold. The initiative provided a unique opportunity for Canadian innovators to collaborate on the next generation of these plant-based health solutions.
NPC tapped its 4000+ community to identify potential natural and bio-based researchers and early-stage companies for this compelling opportunity to partner with a global leader. Over 30 applications were submitted by start-ups and researchers from across the country. NPC carefully reviewed and assessed each application, highlighting the most promising innovations in their presentation to Schwabe/Nature’s Way.
“We were impressed by both the volume and quality of application,” says Dr. Dirk Bredenbröker, MD, Executive Vice President Research & Development, Schwabe Group. “There was a broad selection and variety of approaches to our priority areas that we found intriguing. It is encouraging to see the depth of work being done in Canada, and we are grateful to have the partnership with Natural Products Canada to help us navigate it.”
Following a detailed evaluation, three applicants were selected for follow-on discussions with Schwabe/Nature’s Way. These companies are now engaging in conversations with Schwabe/Nature’s Way to explore potential co-development opportunities.
The selected applicants are:
- Aplantex: A green biotechnology company producing phytochemical active ingredients in a controlled, environment-friendly manner compatible with circular economy. They use a proprietary platform ensuring a clonal propagation of plant biomass that is optimized to express different small plant molecules.
- Folium Labs: A biotechnology firm with a proprietary platform for plant-based drug and nutrient delivery with improved bioavailability, absorption, and efficacy.
- Dr Paul Spagnuolo (University of Guelph): The academic laboratory specializes in translational natural product research, screening natural products to identify and understand the bioactivity, and then develop products for commercial use.
For more information, please contact Sue Coueslan, VP Strategy and Partnerships, Natural Products Canada