Halifax, NOVA SCOTIA – Natural Products Canada (NPC) today announced an $803,880 investment across five early-stage companies. This brings its total investment to over $13.7 million across more than 100 Canadian start-ups.

The five funding recipients represent the cutting edge of bio-based innovation. They address critical challenges from sustainable construction materials and natural coatings to advanced agricultural fertilizers. NPC’s investment will enable $2,009,700 in total project activities across multiple provinces.

“These innovators showcase the incredible diversity of Canada’s bioeconomy. From sustainable paints to advanced fertilizers, these companies are turning Canadian natural resources into high-performing, global solutions that create meaningful economic impact while delivering better environmental outcomes.”

Shelley King Founder & CEO, Natural Products Canada.

“Investing in the development and commercialization of innovative, cutting-edge Canadian natural products and technologies is delivering economic benefits for all Canadians.  Natural Products Canada’s investments are helping talented entrepreneurs turn Canadian resources into world-class solutions, driving sustainable growth and solidifying Canada’s role as a global leader in the bioeconomy. Congratulations to NPC and the latest group of commercialization program recipients for their contributions to a cleaner, healthier, and more competitive future.”

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

“Supporting sustainable innovation is key to building a resilient Canadian economy,” said The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “These investments empower companies developing renewable, bio-based products that reduce environmental impacts and create value from Canadian resources. Together, we are strengthening Canada’s leadership in the global bioeconomy while driving sustainable growth across our sectors.”

The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food in Canada

This investment is supported by the Government of Canada’s Strategic Response Fund. It is building momentum behind NPC’s bioeconomy leadership across the country and around the globe. NPC’s Commercialization Programs bridge the gap between innovation and market success for early-stage bioeconomy companies.

Portfolio companies have leveraged every dollar of NPC investment to secure an additional $52 in follow-on capital. This creates a powerful multiplier effect. Thirteen high-performing companies from our initial investment fund catalyzed the formation of Nàdarra Ventures. This specialized private investment vehicle is now amplifying our impact. It strengthens Canada’s competitive position in commercializing homegrown bio-innovations that address global markets.

Through Proof of Concept, Fast Track to Financing, and Access to Talent streams, NPC provides financial support while acting as a “strategic angel,” offering guidance and connections to its network.

Details of the five Commercialization Program recipients are listed below. For more information about the clients and their innovations, or to explore collaboration opportunities with Natural Products Canada, please contact: [email protected]

Commercialization Program Recipients

Corol

• Program: Proof of Concept
• Project Budget: $250,000
• NPC Contribution: $100,000
• Province: Alberta
• Corol is scaling up production of bio-based polyols from bench to pilot scale. Their patented process converts locally grown vegetable oils into renewable, high-performance alternatives to petrochemical polyols.

Pure Paint

• Program: Proof of Concept
• Project Budget: $855,000
• NPC Contribution: $342,000
• Province: Nova Scotia
• Pure Paint has developed the first all-natural, plant-based architectural paint in North America. The formulation uses renewable Canadian ingredients to match or exceed the performance of conventional latex paints.

Lucent Biosciences

• Program: Proof of Concept
• Project Budget: $860,000
• NPC Contribution: $344,000
• Province: British Columbia
• Lucent Biosciences is optimizing and trialling a controlled-release phosphorus fertilizer coating. Their plant-based biodegradable Agreos technology improves nutrient efficiency and reduces environmental impact.

Synergia Biotech

• Program: Fast Track to Financing
• Project Budget: $22,500
• NPC Contribution: $9,000
• Province: Alberta
• Synergia Biotech produces a natural colourant from cyanobacteria using proprietary extraction technology. This funding supports building and implementing a food safety management system to achieve GFSI-benchmarked certification required for regulated food and beverage markets.

Lodge Systems

• Program: Fast Track to Financing
• Project Budget: $22,200
• NPC Contribution: $8,880
• Province: British Columbia
• Lodge Systems transforms domestic cellulose fibre into flight-ready airframes and structural components. Their vertically integrated manufacturing engine delivers high-performance hardware, providing a sovereign, scalable supply chain for the autonomous age.

About Natural Products Canada

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 (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.