Partnering to support innovation in Northern Ontario

Posted: Aug 31, 2022

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Drone shot of Canadore

Guelph/North Bay, 31 August 2022 – Agri-food innovation in Northern Ontario is receiving another boost with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Bioenterprise Canada, known as Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, and Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology.

Through this MOU, the College will be able to work more closely with Bioenterprise’s Northern Ontario team on projects and initiatives across Ontario’s North that support agri-food innovation and will have access to the Engine’s national network of experts, mentors, and resources.

“It’s always an exciting moment for Bioenterprise Canada when we have the chance to strengthen our network in Northern Ontario, and we’re proud to welcome Canadore College to the Engine,” says Bioenterprise Canada CEO Dave Smardon. “Start-ups and entrepreneurs are always looking for ways to validate their innovations and Canadore College brings some much-needed capacity in this area to the Engine and to the agri-food sector in the north.” 

A major focus for North Bay-based Canadore College is sustainability and innovation. The College launched the Research Centre focusing on applied research opportunities and solutions for industry and community partners. Through this MOU, Canadore’s expertise and facilities will be available to Engine members looking to validate innovations, and students will have access to experiential learning opportunities to make them workforce ready.

“We hope to provide one mechanism of solution-focused research, particularly for partners in the North, and bring our faculty’s unique expertise and approach to support businesses and entrepreneurs.  Bioenterprise Canada will help to support this and the collaboration that will result,” says Christina DeRoche, PhD, Director of the Research Centre at Canadore College. “We see enormous benefits from this partnership for our community industry and partners in the North.”

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 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 Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology
Canadore College focuses on student success, program and service excellence, sustainability and innovation, and connection to its community. The College has identified various research priority areas including social innovation, health sciences, water and wastewater management, and agri-food. As the Research Centre and program continue to build and as the College provides dedicated space for both academic and applied research opportunities, Canadore continues to support business and community partners in these areas.  Canadore College has four northern Ontario campuses, including one in Parry Sound. Learn more at www.canadorecollege.ca.

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For more information:

Dave Smardon, Bioenterprise Canada
dave.smardon@bioenterprise.ca or (519) 821-2960

Christina DeRoche, Canadore College
christina.deroche@canadorecollege.ca or (705) 303-3484

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