Foresight, CMPC, and Genome BC Partner to Catalyze Bioeconomy Innovation

Announcement
January 18, 2022

BioNEXT launched to drive development and scaling of Canadian bioeconomy ventures 

January 18, 2022 - Three innovation leaders have come together to launch a pan-Canadian accelerator and network hub dedicated to driving the adoption of bioeconomy solutions that will contribute to lowering carbon footprints and achieving Canada’s climate change goals.

Foresight, Canada’s cleantech accelerator joined by global paper products leader CMPC and Genome British Columbia (Genome BC), are launching bioNEXT, a new pan-Canadian, sector-specific accelerator and network hub that will bring together all stakeholders across the bioeconomy value chain - innovators, industry, investors, government, and academia - to scale bioeconomy solutions and promote adoption. 

Bioeconomy solutions use renewable biological resources to create products, processes, and services that align with a sustainable economy.

Building on the success of Foresight’s initiatives in the agriculture, carbon, energy, and water sectors, bioNEXT will help ventures scale through industry-specific training, mentorship, and ecosystem engagement. By connecting ventures with funders, investors, and corporate partners, bioNEXT will accelerate the growth of these ventures while supporting adoption of sustainable solutions.

BioNEXT partners CMPC and Genome BC provide vital links to industry and research communities. CMPC brings the perspective of a global industry leader that is committed to promoting a forest, pulp, and paper industry that is capable of responding to all needs under the highest standards of responsibility and sustainability. Genome BC supports world-class genomics research and innovation to grow globally competitive life sciences technologies while driving commercialization to deliver sustainable benefits in BC and internationally.

BioNEXT is launching with an Acceleration program that offers customized sessions of Foresight’s Launch and Deliver programs for innovators in the bioeconomy space. Applications are being accepted until January 21. Details are on the bioNEXT site.

“There is an urgent need to accelerate innovation around bioproducts, drawing on Canada’s strengths in the forestry and agriculture sectors,” says Jeanette Jackson, CEO of Foresight. “We are delighted to partner with leaders like CMPC and Genome BC to launch bioNEXT and bring the ecosystem together to meet this challenge.”

“CMPC, and particularly CMPC Ventures, is pleased to be working with Foresight and Genome BC on this initiative. Through this program we hope to foster a platform for bioeconomy innovation and engage with Canada’s most promising startups,” says Bernardita Araya, CMPC Ventures Manager.

“Our investment in this program helps to advance entrepreneurship in the life sciences while simultaneously supporting growth for BC based companies,” says Dr. Tony Brooks, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Entrepreneurship & Commercialization. “Genome BC is proud to support these young and exciting companies to help drive BC’s knowledge based economy.”


About Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre

Foresight is Canada’s cleantech accelerator. Foresight supports the identification and validation of cleantech opportunities and the successful commercialization of solutions. We bring together industry, government, academia, investors, and innovators to address today’s most urgent climate issues and support a global transition to a green economy. Find out more at www.foresightcac.com. Follow on Twitter @ForesightCAC.

About CMPC

CMPC is a sustainable company that produces solid wood products, pulp, paper, tissue and packaging products from certified and renewable forests. Founded in 1920 in Chile, it is the 3rd largest global market pulp producer, with operations in 46 productive facilities, across 8 Latin American countries and global sales to more than 45 countries. To boost the innovation strategy of the company, in particular for the relation with startups, CMPC Ventures was established in late 2020 as the CVC arm of CMPC. We offer CMPC’s ecosystem to support the companies in the portfolio, being a Venture Catalyst, not a Venture Capitalist, and catalyse innovation and growth for both the startups and CMPC.

About Genome British Columbia

Genome BC is a not-for-profit organization supporting world-class genomics research and innovation to grow globally competitive life sciences sectors and deliver sustainable benefits for British Columbia, Canada and beyond. The organization’s initiatives are improving the lives of British Columbians by advancing health care in addition to addressing environmental and natural resource challenges. In addition to scientific programming, Genome BC works to integrate genomics into society by supporting responsible research and innovation and foster an understanding and appreciation of the life sciences among educators, students and the public. genomebc.ca

Media contacts:

Elizabeth Thorsen
Foresight
604-260-0200
ethorsen@foresightcac.com

Brad Lyle
Genome BC
778-999-8195
blyle@genomebc.ca