Collaboration strengthens national commercialization pathway for genomics-driven start-ups and SMEs in Canada’s agri-food sector
Guelph, ON March 12, 2026 – Ontario Genomics is the latest organization to join Bioenterprise Canada as a partner in Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine (The Engine). This formalizes a new collaboration to better support start-ups, entrepreneurs, and research-driven companies and accelerate the commercialization of genomics-based innovations across the Canadian agri-food sector.
“Ontario Genomics brings deep expertise in genomics commercialization and a strong track record of supporting high-potential start-ups and small- and medium-sized enterprises or SMEs,” says Dave Smardon, CEO of Bioenterprise Canada. “Their focus on implementation and scale aligns closely with The Engine, and together, we can create a more seamless pathway for innovators to move from research and development to market adoption.”
Ontario Genomics supports the implementation and commercialization of genomics-based technologies across sectors vital to Ontario’s economy, including health, agri-food, and natural resources. The organization is particularly committed to enabling technology development that supports Ontario’s agri-food sector. By creating opportunities for innovators to collaborate directly with farmers, food and beverage processors, and other value chain partners, Ontario Genomics promotes a whole-value-chain approach to technology development and commercialization.
“Ontario Genomics has a long history of supporting innovation and pushing it towards commercialization, most recently with our BioCreate and HARVEST accelerators,” says John Rafferty, President & CEO of Ontario Genomics. “Teaming up with Bioenterprise will give the food and agriculture companies we work with greater access to the kind of infrastructure they need to get their products and technologies scaled up and out to market faster.”
The partnership is expected to benefit Ontario Genomics’ funded start-ups and industry partners by connecting them to The Engine’s national platform of accelerators, incubators, industry leaders, and investors. In turn, Bioenterprise-supported companies will gain stronger linkages to genomics expertise and funding pathways.
Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, led by Bioenterprise Canada, is a national commercialization platform that brings together ecosystem partners from across the country to support the growth of innovative agri-food businesses.
About Bioenterprise Canada
Bioenterprise is Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, bringing more than 20 years of industry experience and a national network of partners together to support the growth of innovative agri-food businesses. Its programs and services help Canadian companies commercialize new products, attract investment, and accelerate growth in domestic and global markets.
About Ontario Genomics
Ontario Genomics invests in researchers and start-ups to drive industrial biotech commercialization through homegrown, cutting-edge solutions in food and agriculture, medicine and cleantech. With more than 600 partnerships and $3.5 billion in investments, we’ve been working with governments, industry and innovators for over 25 years to get ideas out of the lab and into the real world. Learn more at OntarioGenomics.ca.
For more information:
Dave Smardon, Bioenterprise Canada, dave.smardon@bioenterprise.ca
Mike Dorrington, Ontario Genomics, mdorrington@ontariogenomics.ca