Guelph ON/Surrey BC, 9 February 2022 – Canada’s only polytechnic university and Bioenterprise, Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, have formed a new partnership to help support agri-tech and food-tech innovation.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), based in British Columbia, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bioenterprise Canada to join the Engine as a Knowledge and Development Partner.
“This partnership marks another expansion of our network in British Columbia and is strengthening the Engine’s footprint to make it truly national from coast to coast,” says Bioenterprise CEO Dave Smardon. “We are excited to make KPU’s strategic expertise and resources available to the innovative start-ups, entrepreneurs, research organizations and businesses that we work with across Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.”
The collaboration will help open new opportunities to KPU faculty, students and stakeholders for innovation partnerships in other parts of Canada, including research programs and projects, events, networking, challenge programs, joint funding applications and more. Bioenterprise’s market development and market access initiatives for entrepreneurs and start-ups are also available to support KPU where applicable.
“We are a small institution so critical mass is the real benefit to us from being part of a national network like the Engine,” says Dr. Deborah Henderson, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Horticulture at KPU. “This broadens our opportunity to partner across the country, expand our resources and make our expertise available to industry across Canada. We look forward to collaborating on research, bringing value to the broad range of agriculture industries and supporting a stronger, more national voice for agricultural innovation.”
About Bioenterprise Canada
Bioenterprise Canada is Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, bringing more than 15 years of industry experience and a national and international network of research institutions, academia, mentors and experts, government, and industry to help small and medium-sized businesses in the sector nationwide Connect, Innovate, and Grow. Through its experienced service partner network, Bioenterprise Canada offers a wide range of expertise and support to its clients, and partnerships with other industries help open doors to new technologies and platforms to help food and agri-tech businesses innovate and grow. Visit https://bioenterprise.ca/ to learn more.
About Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981 and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Based at five campuses across Richmond, Surrey and Langley, KPU offers a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Around 20,000 students annually choose one of our wide selection of programs that blend thought with action, including bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, certificates, apprenticeships and graduate diplomas. Learn more at kpu.ca.
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For more information:
Dave Smardon, Bioenterprise Canada
dave.smardon@bioenterprise.ca or 519-821-2960
Dr. Deborah Henderson, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Deborah.henderson@kpu.ca or 604-599-3460
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