Innovate BC

Aspect Biosystems Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Vancouver, Canada, specializing in 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering. Founded in 2013, the company leverages proprietary microfluidic 3D bioprinting technology to develop bioprinted tissue therapeutics aimed at transforming disease treatment. By integrating therapeutic cells and materials science, Aspect Biosystems creates allogeneic cell-based tissue therapeutics that can replace or repair damaged organ functions. The company also provides a Lab-on-a-printer technology that allows precise control over biomaterial composition and structure during tissue fabrication. Its innovative platform supports the development of novel therapeutics and enhances understanding in fundamental biology and disease research, catering to pharmaceutical firms and academic institutions focused on respiratory diseases and regenerative medicine. Aspect Biosystems is actively collaborating with researchers and industry leaders to address significant challenges in the field of regenerative medicine.

Progressive Planet Solutions Inc. is a junior mineral exploration company based in Vancouver, Canada, focused on the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties, primarily zeolite minerals. Incorporated in 2006, the company’s flagship asset is the Z1 Zeolite mine, located northeast of Cache Creek, British Columbia. Progressive Planet Solutions was previously known as Ashburton Ventures Inc. before rebranding in June 2018. The company is dedicated to exploring and developing its mineral properties to leverage the potential of zeolite in various applications.

Novarc Technologies Inc. is a Vancouver-based company specializing in the design and manufacture of collaborative robots for industrial applications, particularly in pipe welding. Founded in 2013, Novarc has established itself as a pioneer in this field, offering innovative solutions such as the Spool Welding Robot, which is uniquely tailored for high-mix low-volume production in pipe welding. The company also provides welding head-up display glasses and custom robotic solutions applicable in various sectors, including food and beverage, as well as pick and place and palletizing tasks. With a dedicated team of engineers and scientists, Novarc Technologies focuses on addressing complex industrial automation challenges through advanced robotics and artificial intelligence systems.

Axolotl Biosciences is a biotechnology company focused on advancing neurodegenerative research through innovative bioprinting technologies. The company develops a specialized bioink for three-dimensional tissue bioprinting, enabling the creation of humanized brain tissues from induced pluripotent stem cells. This technology allows academic institutions and industry partners, particularly in British Columbia, to produce reliable tissue models for drug discovery and development. In addition to its bioink, Axolotl Biosciences offers consulting services to assist researchers in utilizing their 3D tissue models effectively. Through these efforts, the company aims to enhance the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and facilitate the development of new therapeutic approaches.

HTEC Hydrogen Technology & Energy is a privately held company based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, focused on advancing hydrogen energy systems, particularly fuel cells. The company specializes in the design, development, and operation of hydrogen fuel supply infrastructure, which includes hydrogen generation, distribution, and refueling solutions. HTEC collaborates with various stakeholders, such as government entities, industrial gas companies, equipment suppliers, and automotive and energy firms to facilitate the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. By providing innovative and sustainable hydrogen solutions, HTEC aims to contribute to a safe, reliable, and cost-effective hydrogen ecosystem.

Terramera, founded in 2009 and based in Vancouver, Canada, specializes in developing and manufacturing plant-based pesticides and fertilizers as alternatives to conventional chemical products. The company offers solutions such as Proof for bed bug and dust mite control, Actigate as an organic pesticide, and Rango for pest control and crop protection. Terramera's technology platforms integrate artificial intelligence, science, and nature to promote sustainable farming practices, aiming to create a healthy and safe environment free from toxic chemicals. This approach supports farmers in achieving improved yields and profits through organic and sustainable methods.

Industrial Plankton Inc. is a Canadian company established in 2010 and based in Victoria, British Columbia, specializing in the manufacturing of algal bioreactors for algae culture. The company prioritizes quality by producing all equipment in-house. Its flagship product, a 1000L algae bioreactor, was launched in 2012, followed by a 100L research reactor in 2014 and a full LED 1250L reactor in 2016. The company's bioreactors are fully automated, self-sterilizing, and self-cleaning, integrated with an application that streamlines the algae production process, reducing the time and skill needed by users. Additionally, an automated rotifer reactor is scheduled for launch, further expanding its product line.

ThisFish is a company focused on enhancing profitability and sustainability in the seafood industry through advanced digitization and traceability solutions. It specializes in developing seafood traceability and production software that streamlines data entry for workers, simplifies reporting for managers, and delivers high-quality data for executives. By improving process control and compliance within global supply chains, ThisFish aims to bolster the social, environmental, and financial sustainability of seafood production. Founded by Ecotrust Canada, a non-profit organization in Vancouver, ThisFish is recognized as a global leader in its field, dedicated to fostering responsible harvesting and handling of seafood while increasing productivity and efficiency in seafood processing facilities.

CryoLogistics Refrigeration Technologies is a British Columbia-based manufacturer specializing in clean-tech cold chain equipment. The company has developed an innovative shipping container designed for the transportation of high-value, temperature-sensitive food and pharmaceutical products. This modular, liquid-cooled container utilizes carbon dioxide for refrigeration, offering a rugged and thin-walled solution that significantly enhances capacity within the refrigerated supply chain. By delivering rapid, reliable, and efficient cooling, CryoLogistics' containers enable shippers to reduce transportation costs, accelerate delivery times, and expand their customer base, all while minimizing total emissions.

Aspect Biosystems Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Vancouver, Canada, specializing in 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering. Founded in 2013, the company leverages proprietary microfluidic 3D bioprinting technology to develop bioprinted tissue therapeutics aimed at transforming disease treatment. By integrating therapeutic cells and materials science, Aspect Biosystems creates allogeneic cell-based tissue therapeutics that can replace or repair damaged organ functions. The company also provides a Lab-on-a-printer technology that allows precise control over biomaterial composition and structure during tissue fabrication. Its innovative platform supports the development of novel therapeutics and enhances understanding in fundamental biology and disease research, catering to pharmaceutical firms and academic institutions focused on respiratory diseases and regenerative medicine. Aspect Biosystems is actively collaborating with researchers and industry leaders to address significant challenges in the field of regenerative medicine.

Jetti Resources, established in 2014 and based in Vancouver, Canada, specializes in developing hydrometallurgical technologies for extracting metals from mineral ores. Its proprietary catalytic technology is primarily used to recover copper from low-grade primary sulfides like chalcopyrite, addressing a significant global resource recovery challenge cost-effectively and responsibly. Additionally, Jetti's technology can be applied to other minerals such as zinc and nickel sulfides, expanding its potential impact on the mining industry.

Terramera, founded in 2009 and based in Vancouver, Canada, specializes in developing and manufacturing plant-based pesticides and fertilizers as alternatives to conventional chemical products. The company offers solutions such as Proof for bed bug and dust mite control, Actigate as an organic pesticide, and Rango for pest control and crop protection. Terramera's technology platforms integrate artificial intelligence, science, and nature to promote sustainable farming practices, aiming to create a healthy and safe environment free from toxic chemicals. This approach supports farmers in achieving improved yields and profits through organic and sustainable methods.

Acuva Technologies Inc. is a Canadian company based in Vancouver that specializes in the development of ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV-LED) water purification systems. Founded in 2014, Acuva focuses on providing safe and hygienic drinking water solutions for low to moderate volumes. Its innovative technology employs UV LEDs to deliver a dose of ultraviolet radiation to water, effectively inactivating microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria by disrupting their DNA and nucleic acids. This modular and scalable system ensures the purification of water, making it suitable for various applications where safe drinking water is essential.

Microbiome Insights Inc., based in Vancouver, Canada, is a leading provider of microbiome analysis and testing services aimed at academic and industrial researchers. Founded in 2015, the company specializes in the analysis of microbial communities, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi that inhabit various environments, such as humans, animals, and plants. Microbiome Insights offers a comprehensive suite of services that includes quantifying microbial populations, analyzing the genetic potential and gene expression of microbial communities, and optimizing study design and workflow. Their multidisciplinary team comprises experts in ecology, microbiology, infectious diseases, and genetics, ensuring a high level of expertise and fast, reliable results tailored to meet the needs of clients across numerous research applications in human health, agriculture, and environmental science.

Ecoation Innovation Solutions specializes in providing greenhouse growers with advanced tools for the early detection of pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies that can impact crop value. By harnessing proprietary artificial intelligence and plant signal data, Ecoation's system delivers daily updates on crop health directly to growers through desktop and smartphone applications. This technology empowers growers to take prompt actions that enhance crop value, lower operating costs, and minimize pesticide usage. Based in Canada, Ecoation's innovative platform integrates elements of biology, automation, sensing, and robotics, aiming to transform agricultural practices and improve overall crop productivity. The company is currently conducting paid field trials in British Columbia greenhouses to demonstrate the effectiveness of its solutions.

Microdermics Inc. is a medical device company based in Vancouver, Canada, established in 2014. It specializes in the commercialization of a hollow microneedle delivery platform aimed at the biopharmaceutical market. The company leverages innovative research from the University of British Columbia to develop low-cost, scalable hollow metal microneedles that enhance the delivery of therapeutics and traditional intramuscular vaccinations. By replacing traditional hypodermic needles, Microdermics addresses critical issues such as the risk of accidental needle sticks and needle phobia, significantly improving patient experience and safety. Its proprietary delivery system offers potential benefits for a variety of biopharmaceutical applications, including opportunities in the emerging biosimilars market, thereby enabling biopharmaceutical companies to differentiate their products and extend their lifecycle.

Jetti Resources, established in 2014 and based in Vancouver, Canada, specializes in developing hydrometallurgical technologies for extracting metals from mineral ores. Its proprietary catalytic technology is primarily used to recover copper from low-grade primary sulfides like chalcopyrite, addressing a significant global resource recovery challenge cost-effectively and responsibly. Additionally, Jetti's technology can be applied to other minerals such as zinc and nickel sulfides, expanding its potential impact on the mining industry.