Innovate BC

Aspect Biosystems Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Vancouver, Canada, focused on 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering. Founded in 2013, it develops bioprinted tissue therapeutics aimed at transforming disease treatment. The company utilizes proprietary microfluidic 3D bioprinting technology to create physiologically relevant living tissues, allowing for precise control over biomaterial composition and structure during fabrication. Aspect Biosystems offers contract testing services using its 3DAirwayALI human tissue model, catering to pharmaceutical firms and academic institutions engaged in research related to respiratory diseases. Through partnerships with leading researchers and industry innovators, the company aims to address significant challenges in regenerative medicine and advance the understanding of human tissue creation for medical research and therapeutic discovery.

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 innovative robotic solutions for industrial applications, particularly in pipe welding. Established in 2013, Novarc has made significant advancements in collaborative robotics, offering products such as the Spool Welding Robot, which is recognized as the first of its kind for pipe welding. The company also provides custom robotic solutions for various applications, including arc welding, food and beverage handling, and palletizing. With a dedicated team of engineers and scientists, Novarc Technologies aims to address complex industrial automation challenges through the development of collaborative robots and artificial intelligence systems.

Axolotl Biosciences specializes in the development of innovative bioinks for three-dimensional (3D) tissue bioprinting, specifically targeting human induced pluripotent stem cells. The company provides a range of bioinks and 3D tissue models, along with consulting services, to facilitate the creation of humanized tissue models. These models are essential for neurodegenerative research and drug screening, catering to both academic laboratories and industry partners primarily in British Columbia. By focusing on reliable bioprinting technologies, Axolotl Biosciences aims to enhance drug discovery and development processes.

HTEC Hydrogen Technology & Energy is a privately held company based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, focused on harnessing the potential of hydrogen energy systems, particularly fuel cells. The company specializes in the design, development, and operation of hydrogen fuel supply solutions, which include hydrogen generation, distribution, and fueling infrastructure. HTEC collaborates with government entities, industrial gas companies, equipment suppliers, and automotive and energy firms to deliver reliable and sustainable hydrogen solutions. By manufacturing liquefaction and cryogenic equipment, HTEC supports the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, emphasizing the provision of safe, convenient, and cost-effective hydrogen energy.

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 based in Victoria, British Columbia, specializing in the design and manufacture of advanced algal bioreactors. Founded in 2010, the company introduced its flagship 1000L algae bioreactor in 2012, followed by a 100L research reactor in 2014 and a full LED 1250L reactor in 2016. The bioreactors are fully automated, self-sterilizing, and self-cleaning, equipped with integrated applications that streamline the algae cultivation process, reducing the time and skill needed for successful production. In addition to its algae-focused products, Industrial Plankton plans to launch an automated rotifer reactor, further diversifying its offerings in the aquaculture and biotechnology sectors. All equipment is manufactured in-house, ensuring high quality and reliability.

ThisFish is a leader in seafood traceability and production software, focused on enhancing profits and sustainability within the seafood industry. The company offers innovative solutions that streamline data entry and reporting processes, enabling workers to efficiently utilize wireless devices. This technology not only saves management time but also equips executives with high-quality data to make informed decisions. By promoting transparency and accountability in the seafood supply chain, ThisFish aims to foster social, environmental, and financial sustainability. Founded by Ecotrust Canada, a Vancouver-based non-profit, ThisFish is committed to ensuring that consumers can reward responsible seafood harvesting and handling practices, thus improving productivity and compliance in seafood operations globally.

CryoLogistics Refrigeration Technologies, based in British Columbia, specializes in clean-tech cold chain equipment manufacturing. The company has developed a modular, liquid-cooled shipping container that utilizes carbon dioxide for refrigeration. This innovative container is designed to transport palletized loads of high-value, temperature-sensitive food and pharmaceuticals efficiently through the global supply chain. By offering rapid and reliable cooling power, CryoLogistics enables shippers to reduce transportation costs, improve delivery speed, and expand their customer base, all while minimizing total emissions compared to traditional refrigeration systems.

Aspect Biosystems Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Vancouver, Canada, focused on 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering. Founded in 2013, it develops bioprinted tissue therapeutics aimed at transforming disease treatment. The company utilizes proprietary microfluidic 3D bioprinting technology to create physiologically relevant living tissues, allowing for precise control over biomaterial composition and structure during fabrication. Aspect Biosystems offers contract testing services using its 3DAirwayALI human tissue model, catering to pharmaceutical firms and academic institutions engaged in research related to respiratory diseases. Through partnerships with leading researchers and industry innovators, the company aims to address significant challenges in regenerative medicine and advance the understanding of human tissue creation for medical research and therapeutic discovery.

Jetti Resources is a company based in Vancouver, Canada, that specializes in developing hydrometallurgical technology for the extraction of metals from mineral ores. Founded in 2014, Jetti focuses primarily on extracting copper from low-grade primary sulfides, including chalcopyrite, which is the most abundant copper mineral ore. The company has developed a proprietary catalytic technology that enhances copper recovery from vast quantities of ore, addressing significant challenges in mineral processing. This technology integrates with existing heap leaching methods and downstream operations, allowing industrial clients to improve copper yields in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable manner. Additionally, Jetti's technology is applicable for the extraction of zinc and nickel from sulfide ores, further diversifying its capabilities in mineral processing.

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., founded in 2014 and headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, specializes in developing water treatment equipment utilizing ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV-LED) technology. The company focuses on creating compact, modular, and scalable drinking water purification systems designed for low to moderate volumes of water. Acuva's systems effectively use short-wavelength radiation to inactivate microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria, by targeting and disrupting their DNA and nucleic acids. This process ensures the delivery of safe and hygienic drinking water, addressing the need for reliable water purification solutions in various applications.

Microbiome Insights Inc., based in Vancouver, Canada, specializes in microbiome analysis and testing services for researchers in academic and industrial sectors. Established in 2015, the company focuses on the diverse communities of microbial cells, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi that inhabit humans, animals, plants, and the environment. Microbiome Insights provides a comprehensive suite of services, including quantification of microbial populations, genetic potential analysis of microbial communities, and gene expression analysis. Their multidisciplinary team, comprising experts in ecology, microbiology, infectious diseases, and genetics, ensures researchers and clinicians can seamlessly incorporate microbiome analysis into studies across various fields, including human health, agriculture, and environmental science. The company is recognized for its commitment to delivering rapid, reliable, and cost-effective results.

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, that specializes in a hollow microneedle delivery platform for the biopharmaceutical market. Founded in 2014, the company emerged from research conducted at the University of British Columbia. Microdermics designs, manufactures, and tests hollow metal microneedles aimed at enhancing the delivery of various therapeutics and traditional intramuscular vaccinations. Its innovative delivery system offers a low-cost, scalable solution that mitigates the risks associated with traditional hypodermic needles, such as accidental needle sticks and needle phobia. By providing biopharmaceutical companies with a unique means of differentiating their products, Microdermics contributes to the advancement of treatments, including those for biosimilars, while potentially reducing therapeutic doses through precision injection into the intradermal space.

Jetti Resources is a company based in Vancouver, Canada, that specializes in developing hydrometallurgical technology for the extraction of metals from mineral ores. Founded in 2014, Jetti focuses primarily on extracting copper from low-grade primary sulfides, including chalcopyrite, which is the most abundant copper mineral ore. The company has developed a proprietary catalytic technology that enhances copper recovery from vast quantities of ore, addressing significant challenges in mineral processing. This technology integrates with existing heap leaching methods and downstream operations, allowing industrial clients to improve copper yields in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable manner. Additionally, Jetti's technology is applicable for the extraction of zinc and nickel from sulfide ores, further diversifying its capabilities in mineral processing.