Archive for 2023
Natures Crops wants to turn oilseed waste into “win” for Canada
If you haven’t yet heard of Ahiflower® oil, you soon will. It is becoming increasingly popular throughout North American, Europe and the UK for its high levels of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, and is used in dietary supplements, skin care products and even dog food.
What few realize is that every drop of Ahiflower® is produced in Canada – in Kensington, Prince Edward Island.
“Whenever you see that name and the registered trademark, you know it came from PEI,” says Andrew Hebard, Founder, President and CEO of Natures Crops International, which discovered, bred and now owns the intellectual property for Ahiflower®. “Even though we grow the plant in different places around the world, the seeds are all taken to PEI and processed there. The island has become the epicentre of all of our operations.”
If Hebard has his way, the company’s Canadian oilseed crushing facility with 20 or so employees will soon become a large, high-value manufacturing facility.
“What you’ll see in the future is an integrated business that takes in Ahiflower® seeds at one end and has a whole stream of different products coming out the other – foods, cosmetics, nutrition supplements and so on.”
There’s just one problem. When they press the seed for oil, there is a huge amount of leftover substance called “presscake” that, according to Hebard, has been his company’s biggest limitation to growth.
“We produce a lot more presscake than oil. So finding a market for the presscake really unlocks a huge amount of demand and scalability.”
That’s where Natural Products Canada comes in. It recently awarded the company $250,000 to develop its proof of concept to transform presscakes into high-value consumer products.
“We’ll use the money to explore different processing techniques and equipment in the lab, to make sure we can get the exact results we want,” explains Hebard. “For example, if we’re turning the presscake into a fine powder for smoothies, we want to make sure it has a consistent nutritional profile. The funding will also help us with hiring, including a Product Development Manager to focus exclusively on the composition and applications for presscakes.”
Hebard expects to complete the project comfortably within the 18-month timeframe, after which they plan to scale up and invest in new equipment, technology and staff
“If we can do this, we can grow our processing capacity, our revenue and the number of staff we employ. It won’t be a flick of a switch, but I’m very confident this project is feasible, and the NPC funding has really been instrumental in unlocking the opportunity within it.”
Rory Francis third Islander to be named into Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame
Seven of Canada’s accomplished agricultural champions will take the stage on November 4 as the 2023 inductees into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. CEO of the PEI BioAlliance Rory Francis was named as one of the inductees and is only the third Prince Edward Island resident to have received this recognition alongside Premier Walter Jones (1962) and Premier Walter Shaw (1980). Other 2023 inductees include Garnet Altwasser, John Bragg, Marcel Groleau, Ron Helwer, Robert Irving and Ray Robertson.
“This year’s inductees come from across the country and across a wide array of sectors of the Canadian agricultural landscape, and we are so excited to welcome them into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame,” says President Ted Menzies. “These Canadian agricultural ambassadors have made lifelong contributions at the farm, regional, national and international level that support the long-term sustainability and success of our industry.”
Rory Francis has dedicated his career to the agriculture and life science sector in Canada with a particular passion for island agriculture. His work and vision as a dedicated public servant and business founder have changed the commercial landscape of PEI, where he is CEO of PEI BioAlliance.
Rory is the Founder and Board Chair of the Eastern Canada Oilseed Development Alliance which has facilitated over 50 multi-year agricultural research projects valued at over $20 million connecting industry partners from Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic provinces with researchers from Saskatchewan to the Maritime provinces. He was a Board Member of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute from 2010-2019 and a Board Member of the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre from 2013-2019. Rory has been a long-standing Board Member, and current Chair of the Advisory Board for the National Research Council of Canada’s Aquatics and Crop Resource Development Centres. He is also the founder in 2007 of VetHealth Global, one of the leading international veterinary business conferences.
Rory Francis was nominated by the PEI Department of Agriculture and Land, and Byron Beeler. The 2023 induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, November 4 in Charlottetown, PEI.
VetHealth Global conference brings international animal health leaders to Prince Edward Island
Delegates from six continents and more than 20 countries to participate in the premier animal health and nutrition business conference
Charlottetown, PE – For the first time since 2019, more than 200 senior international animal health and nutrition business executives, investors and innovators will gather for VetHealth Global 2023 from June 26-28 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. VetHealth Global is the premier international animal health and nutrition business conference that has been recognized for its stellar list of presenters, innovative emerging company sessions, professional business partnering programming and top-rated networking events.
This is the eighth VetHealth Global conference since 2007, hosted every two years by the Prince Edward Island BioAlliance. Due to pandemic restrictions, the last VetHealth Global conference was held in 2019. This year’s exceptional program features speakers from six continents and more than 20 countries including Kenya, Uruguay, France, Netherlands, Japan, Australia and more.
“VetHealth Global is a unique event for animal health and nutrition companies, large and small, to gain insight from well-seasoned leaders and identify new business opportunities,” said Rory Francis, CEO, PEI BioAlliance and VetHealth Global Chair. “It is an ideal environment for business-to-business networking and we are very pleased to welcome this global delegation to PEI.”
Four panel discussions will bring together global leaders to discuss areas of significance to the industry: the animal health industry in Africa, the investment environment, digital technologies and AI, as well as regulatory policy perspectives from five leading jurisdictions around the world. Additionally, there are three keynote speakers and 24 presentations by outstanding innovators, providing valuable insight into the global animal health industry.
This year’s Honourary Chair is Sébastien Huron, CEO of Virbac, an animal health pharmaceutical manufacturer, that provides innovative solutions to veterinarians, farmers and animal owners in more than 100 countries around the world, covering more than 50 species.
Other large multi-national companies that will be in attendance include Ceva Santé Animale, Elanco, Meiji Animal Health, Zoetis, Merck, Vetoquinol, and more.
VetHealth Global focuses international attention on PEI’s fast-growing bioscience cluster and innovations in veterinary health products, animal feed additives, diagnostics and fish vaccines. Animal health and nutrition is a key pillar of the growth of the bioscience sector in PEI.
“PEI is a center of expertise in animal and fish health product commercialization,” said Francis. “VetHealth Global has become a must-attend event for animal health executives and gives bioscience companies in PEI the connections they need to advance their business.”
VetHealth Global is supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Government of Prince Edward Island.
“The connections made this week will build upon the pillars of Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy, strengthening research systems, supporting emerging areas of growth, and improving access to capital,” said Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.”The Government of Canada is pleased to invest in these important business growth opportunities in the biosciences here in Atlantic Canada.”
“The bioscience sector is one of the most exciting and promising areas of economic growth in Prince Edward Island,” said the Honourable Gilles Arsenault, Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Trade, Government of Prince Edward Island. “Hosting the VetHealth Global conference is a unique opportunity to give an international audience a chance to discover how our province is a prime environment for innovation in the biosciences, especially in the areas of animal health and nutrition.”
From lab bench to convention booth and beyond: Atlantic biosciences industry takes Boston by storm
42 organizations promote region’s products and innovation at BIO International Convention
The following was published by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA):
Atlantic Canada’s bioscience innovation ecosystem is booming. The industry’s recent and rapid growth has given rise to new companies, more jobs and is reflected in an important shift in perspective about Atlantic Canada. Key strategic infrastructure developments are leading to advances in research, products, and skills development, capturing the attention of domestic and international markets and partners. The swift nature of this progress is spurring the region’s economic momentum and leadership in the bio manufacturing and life sciences industries.
Yesterday, 42 Atlantic Canadian companies, research organizations, institutions and industry associations concluded a four-day trip to Boston, Massachusetts, where they attended the BIO International Convention (BIO 2023) and showcased the best that Atlantic Canada has to offer when it comes to biosciences products and services.
The trip came at a perfect time for participating delegates, with the recent publication of the Atlantic Canada Momentum Index already creating buzz over Atlantic Canada as a place to prosper, grow and settle. Atlantic Canada is gaining attention as a global leader in start-up ecosystems, ocean tech, biomanufacturing and aerospace.
While in Boston, the Atlantic Candian delegation showcased a sample of the region’s leading products and innovations in biosciences, life sciences, pharmaceutical technology and biomanufacturing. The conference facilitated networking opportunities on workforce development and training, as well as connected members of the Atlantic Canadian delegation with key international players.
The industry and trade relationships built and strengthened at BIO 2023 will help accelerate the region’s outstanding momentum and enhance Atlantic Canada’s economic resiliency by creating new opportunities to drive high-value products and services.
Quotes:
“Once again this year, the region’s biosciences industry demonstrated they have earned their place as leaders in the global innovation ecosystem at Bio 2023. The Atlantic Canada delegation successfully showcased new initiatives in research, innovation, skills and training, and infrastructure within the region that are helping to advance Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy. Our strong presence at the conference is a testament to the achievements and capabilities of the bioscience industry in Atlantic Canada, and ACOA is proud to support these outreach and growth opportunities for our region.”
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Atlantic Canadian delegation to BIO 2023 successfully highlighted new initiatives in research, innovation, skills and training and infrastructure in the region that are advancing Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy. Our strong presence at the conference is a testament to the achievements and capabilities of the bioscience industry in Atlantic Canada.”
- Rory Francis, CEO, Prince Edward Island BioAlliance
Strong Atlantic Canadian delegation to attend BIO 2023
BIO International Convention to be held in Boston, MA from June 5 – 8, 2023
Charlottetown, PE – The Atlantic Canada Bio Industries Alliance (ACBA) is leading a group of more than 30 Atlantic Canadian bioscience and life sciences companies, research, health and education institutions and business accelerators to BIO 2023 from June 5-8, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts.
The annual BIO International Convention, hosted by Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), is the world’s largest industry gathering and brings together thousands of global biotechnology and biopharmaceutical leaders. The four-day, in-person event includes networking, programming, and partnering opportunities.
“This year, Atlantic Canada is bringing the largest delegation we’ve ever had to BIO,” said Jennifer Lenentine, Manager, Corporate Services, PEI BioAlliance and Atlantic Canadian Delegation Lead, ACBA. “This international conference is an opportunity to promote the growing bioscience sectors of each of the four Atlantic provinces with the aim to increase export sales, get more technologies to market, attract further investments, hire talented employees, and showcase the achievements and capabilities of Atlantic Canada’s sector.”
In addition to business meetings and networking opportunities at BIO 2023, the Atlantic Canadian delegation will also have an exhibition presence within the Canada Pavilion, which unifies companies and research organizations from other regions of the country.
Atlantic Canada’s thriving bioscience and life sciences sector is a rapidly expanding economic engine, encompassing approximately 300 businesses, employing over 5,000 individuals, and generating an impressive $1 billion in annual revenue.
Expertise in the region includes human and animal health clinical trials, fermentation-based biomanufacturing (CDMO and CMO infrastructure and services), and biopharma skills and training. Market targets address unmet needs in human, animal, and fish health, offering a wide array of products including pharmaceutical APIs, bio-pharmaceuticals, natural products, medical devices, and diagnostics. The Atlantic Canadian bioscience sector also excels in the specialized field of blue bio-economy resource development.
Support for the Atlantic Canadian delegation was provided in part through the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement, a federal/provincial agreement between the Government of Canada and the governments of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. The Atlantic Canadian mission is being coordinated by the PEI BioAlliance, on behalf of the Atlantic Canada Bio Industries Alliance. The Atlantic Canada Bio-Industries Alliance is an umbrella organization comprised of BioNova, PEI BioAliance, ResearchNB, and TechNL.
About the Atlantic Canada Bio Industries Alliance
The Atlantic Canadian Bio Industries Alliance (ACBA) leads the organizations responsible for bioscience industry development in Atlantic Canada and bridges the gap between scientific research and business development in each of their respective provinces through collaborative processes and regional cooperation. ACBA is comprised of four agencies: BioNova, PEI BioAlliance, ResearchNB, and TechNL who together support the growth of the bioscience sector in the region.
The Center for Aquaculture Technologies Canada (CATC) receives both GLP and GMP recognition
The Center for Aquaculture Technologies Canada (CATC) announced the expansion of their Canadian laboratory services receiving both the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) recognition and EU Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification effective immediately.
This GLP recognition provides CATC the ability to conduct aquatic safety studies at both the Souris and Victoria facilities in PEI under the OECD GLP principles, the highest quality standard required for determining safety of products destined for regulatory approval. CATC is the only Canadian Aquatic Contract Research Organization with this recognition.
The CATC facility in Victoria PEI has also received GMP certification from the German EU monitoring authority for batch release testing of aquatic vaccines. The GMP batch release testing ensures the highest quality of products, minimizes risks associated with release to market and facilitates international recognition of the products in the countries that require GMP certification.
CATC is also fully compliant with the International Cooperation on Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Registration of Veterinary Medicinal Products (VICH), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and offers the same level of quality for clinical efficacy studies.
The Center for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT) is a global, full-service, Contract Research Organization that is focused on the application of technologies to improve productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in the aquaculture industry. CAT is home to a unique combination of world-class scientists, bringing together complementary expertise in fish health, nutrition, feed & laboratory technologies and genetics working in state-of-the-art facilities to deliver innovative, tailor-made solutions for organizations in the sector.
BioAccelerator detailed engineering design contract awarded
Consortium led by Open Practice and IPS – Integrated Project Services successful contractors
Charlottetown, PE – Following the recent announcement of provincial and federal financing for the BioAccelerator, a new 75,000 sq. ft. biomanufacturing center of expertise, the contract for detailed engineering design and project management has been awarded to a consortium led by Open Practice and IPS – Integrated Project Services.
Earlier this year, the Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island announced a $50 million investment in the BioAccelerator, the largest single investment in economic development infrastructure in PEI history. Situated in the BioCommons Research Park in Charlottetown, the BioAccelerator will be a unique multi-function facility with 75,000 sq. ft. of biomanufacturing space that will provide facilities and services to researchers, entrepreneurs, and bioscience-based companies operating along the full continuum from research and product development, process development, manufacturing scale-up, and biomanufacturing skills and training. The BioAccelerator will become a centrepiece for biomanufacturing and fermentation-based business development in Atlantic Canada and a national asset.
Following an extensive basis-of-design development stage and RFP process, five high quality proposals were received from firms and consortia across Canada. The consortium of Open Practice and IPS were the successful proponents for the design tender.
Open Practice is a design-led firm offering services in community and urban planning, feasibility studies, and sustainable architecture. IPS is a global leader in developing innovative solutions for the consulting, architecture, engineering, project controls, procurement, construction management, and commissioning, qualification and validation of technically complex facilities worldwide. Both Open Practice and IPS have employees based in PEI, working on a number of projects including bioscience engineering projects.
“We were pleased with the excellent proposals received to carry out the detailed engineering design for the BioAccelerator and are now moving forward with the next steps on this project,” said Rory Francis, CEO, PEI BioAlliance. “We are committed to keeping the momentum going as the BioAccelerator will provide essential biomanufacturing facilities and services for businesses across the region and beyond.”
Tenants in the BioAccelerator will include early-stage companies, small, and medium size enterprises from Atlantic Canada, across Canada, and from international locations. It will also include the facilities and expertise of the National Research Council of Canada’s atypical fermentation labs as well as CASTL, providing hands-on biopharmaceutical manufacturing training for the talent pipeline that will be essential to Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy. The BioAccelerator will be CASTL’s national headquarters and expanded lead training facility.
The BioAccelerator will be owned by the Charlottetown Area Development Corporation (CADC) and operated by the PEI BioAlliance. Once engineering design services are complete, the construction tender will be issued and awarded, with construction expected to be completed by fall 2025.
For more information on the BioAccelerator, visit peibioalliance.com/bioaccelerator.
You’re Invited | BioNetworking Session on May 11
Please join us Thursday, May 11 for our next BioNetworking Session – The PEI Bioscience Cluster: A Biomanufacturing Centre of Expertise. This event will feature informative presentations from: BIOVECTRA, Croda Canada and Elanco. You won’t want to miss it!
📅 May 11, 2023
⏰ Presentations: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
⏰ Networking Lunch: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
📍 Victorian Room, Rodd Charlottetown Hotel
✉ Please RSVP
Rory Francis recipient of Purvis Memorial Award from Society of Chemical Industry
On Tuesday, April 18, the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) held the annual SCI Canada Awards Dinner, bringing together key members of the chemical and industrial community in Canada. The Awards dinner is a prestigious networking event that is pivotal in bringing science and business together by enhancing connections between industry, chemical science and engineering professionals across the board.
CEO of the PEI BioAlliance Rory Francis received the Purvis Memorial Award, which is presented to an individual for significant strategy development and successful implementation within the Canadian chemical industry. Congratulations to Rory on this recognition!
Rory is a native of Prince Edward Island. He earned a BSc in geology and chemistry from Mount Allison University, as well as an MSc in Hydrogeology from the University of Waterloo.
Since 2004 he has been CEO of the Prince Edward Island BioAlliance, a not-for-profit partnership of bioscience businesses, academic and research organizations, and government agencies that includes 60 companies earning over $600 million in annual sales, making the bio sector the second largest industry in the province. He is a founder of the Emergence Bioscience Business Incubator, Natural Products Canada, a national natural products ecosystem and business accelerator, and the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL).
Prior to the award presentations, a panel discussion took place around the theme of ‘Unlocking the potential of Science Talent enabling impact on Canada’s economic growth.’ This seminar explored specific Canadian government programmes, the policies that help promote Canada’s science talent development and how these enable economic growth, whilst also positioning Canada as a global leader in technology and innovation.
Panellists included Rory Francis, CEO, PEI BioAlliance (Purvis Memorial Award winner, 2023); Dr. Alison Ewart, Dean of Centre for Research & Innovation at Fanshawe College; Professor Howard Alper, Distinguished Professor at University of Ottawa; and Dr. Fiona Hess, Process Chemist and Member of the SCI Canada Committee.
2023 Award Winners:
- Canada Medal: Dr Paul Smith, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics
- Purvis Memorial Award: Rory Francis, PEI BioAlliance
- LeSueur Memorial Award: Dr Rupert Spence, DuPont Canada
- International Award: Dr Vaikuntam Iyer Lakshmanan OC, Process Research ORTECH Inc
- Julia Levy Award: Prof. Pieter Cullis, The University of British Columbia
- Kalev Pugi Award: Prof. Francesca Kerton, Memorial University
- Outreach Award: Grenfell Campus, Memorial University – Prof. Geoffrey Rayner-Canham, Chaim Christiana Andersen, and Rosalina Naqitarvik
Sales Bootcamp for Startups with Kent Summers
Join seasoned entrepreneur and Emergence Team Mentor Kent Summers for a sales bootcamp, you won’t want to miss. Perfect for startups looking to learn the basics of sales or increase their sales performance, this workshop is held over the course of 5 half-day sessions, in person and online. This workshop is hosted by Emergence, Atlantic Canada’s bioscience business incubator that accelerates the growth of startups and early-stage companies moving from ideation to commercialization.
Session topics include developing an effective sales toolkit, the dos and don’ts of prospecting, end-to-end sales, identifying market segments, direct vs. channel sales, value proposition framing, stakeholder mapping, measuring sales performance, and more!
In Person and Online: May 18-19, 2023
Online: May 23, 25 and 30, 2023
Cost: $200 per company
About Kent Summers
Kent Summers is a seasoned entrepreneur with four successful startups and a 30-year contribution to the Boston entrepreneurship community in operating, volunteer and board roles.
Kent is an Emergence Team Mentor and teaches the B2B Sales for Startups course at MIT and is a regular lecturer at the Harvard Business School.