New MOU between Bioenterprise and SFU VentureLabs
Guelph ON/Vancouver BC, 27 September 2021 – Bioenterprise, Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, and VentureLabs at Simon Fraser University (SFU), have agreed to join forces to help new agri-food companies commercialize and scale up science and technology innovations. The two organizations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to solidify their collaboration.
For Bioenterprise, partnering with SFU VentureLabs ensures greater connectivity between the Engine’s growing national network and the innovation ecosystem in British Columbia, and opens the door to new partnership opportunities and access to resources in science and technology innovation.
“SFU VentureLabs combines science and research expertise with an impressive track record of supporting entrepreneurs and working with companies on go-to-market strategies and building capital,” says Bioenterprise CEO Dave Smardon. “Their expertise will be a valuable addition to the Engine and will help us build a stronger Canadian innovation network that truly stretches from coast to coast.”
Based in Vancouver, SFU VentureLabs works with innovative science and technology companies with winning value propositions and strong scale-up potential. Its programs and services are tailored to each company’s needs, and the partnership with Bioenterprise will help expand and strengthen programming and supports for entrepreneurs.
“Bioenterprise has an excellent track record of helping new ventures in the food and agri-tech space, and access to the Engine’s national network will offer critical, industry-specific mentorship and networking opportunities for the companies we support,” says SFU VentureLabs Executive Director Virginia Balcom. “Partnering with Bioenterprise helps us meet the unique needs of tech- and science-based new ventures, including access to investors that understand their industry.”
Bioenterprise 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 www.bioenterprise.ca to learn more.
SFU VentureLabs is a world-class accelerator helping science and technology ventures commercialize their innovations and scale up their businesses. VentureLabs delivers unparalleled programs and services that tackle the unique challenges of growing a profitable tech business in Canada. Through deep expertise and mentorship, educational content, and empowering events, VentureLabs leads a vibrant and growing entrepreneurship ecosystem in British Columbia. Visit www.venturelabs.ca to learn more.
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For more information:
Dave Smardon, Bioenterprise, dave.smardon@bioenterprise.ca or 519-821-2960
Vivien Lee, SFU VentureLabs, vivien@venturelabs.ca or 236-878-5341
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