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.”