Innovate BC

Aspect Biosystems Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Vancouver, Canada, specializing in 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering. Founded in 2013, the company leverages proprietary microfluidic 3D bioprinting technology to develop bioprinted tissue therapeutics aimed at transforming disease treatment. By integrating therapeutic cells and materials science, Aspect Biosystems creates allogeneic cell-based tissue therapeutics that can replace or repair damaged organ functions. The company also provides a Lab-on-a-printer technology that allows precise control over biomaterial composition and structure during tissue fabrication. Its innovative platform supports the development of novel therapeutics and enhances understanding in fundamental biology and disease research, catering to pharmaceutical firms and academic institutions focused on respiratory diseases and regenerative medicine. Aspect Biosystems is actively collaborating with researchers and industry leaders to address significant challenges in the field of regenerative medicine.

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 collaborative robots for industrial applications, particularly in pipe welding. Founded in 2013, Novarc has established itself as a pioneer in this field, offering innovative solutions such as the Spool Welding Robot, which is uniquely tailored for high-mix low-volume production in pipe welding. The company also provides welding head-up display glasses and custom robotic solutions applicable in various sectors, including food and beverage, as well as pick and place and palletizing tasks. With a dedicated team of engineers and scientists, Novarc Technologies focuses on addressing complex industrial automation challenges through advanced robotics and artificial intelligence systems.

Axolotl Biosciences is a biotechnology company focused on advancing neurodegenerative research through innovative bioprinting technologies. The company develops a specialized bioink for three-dimensional tissue bioprinting, enabling the creation of humanized brain tissues from induced pluripotent stem cells. This technology allows academic institutions and industry partners, particularly in British Columbia, to produce reliable tissue models for drug discovery and development. In addition to its bioink, Axolotl Biosciences offers consulting services to assist researchers in utilizing their 3D tissue models effectively. Through these efforts, the company aims to enhance the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and facilitate the development of new therapeutic approaches.

HTEC Hydrogen Technology & Energy is a privately held company based in North Vancouver, Canada, focused on advancing hydrogen energy systems. It designs and manufactures liquefaction and cryogenic equipment to support hydrogen supply for fuel cell electric vehicle deployments. The company provides services related to the design, development, and operation of hydrogen generation, distribution, and fueling infrastructure, collaborating with government agencies, industrial gas providers, enabling equipment suppliers, and automotive and energy companies. Its work aims to deliver hydrogen that is safe, reliable, convenient, sustainable, and affordable for transportation and energy applications.

Founded in 2009, Terramera develops plant-based pesticides and fertilizers. It offers products like Proof (for bed bugs and dust mites), Actigate (an organic pesticide), and Rango (a plant-based pest control). The company aims to transform agriculture by fusing artificial intelligence, science, and nature to provide sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

Industrial Plankton Inc. is a Canadian company established in 2010 and based in Victoria, British Columbia, specializing in the manufacturing of algal bioreactors for algae culture. The company prioritizes quality by producing all equipment in-house. Its flagship product, a 1000L algae bioreactor, was launched in 2012, followed by a 100L research reactor in 2014 and a full LED 1250L reactor in 2016. The company's bioreactors are fully automated, self-sterilizing, and self-cleaning, integrated with an application that streamlines the algae production process, reducing the time and skill needed by users. Additionally, an automated rotifer reactor is scheduled for launch, further expanding its product line.

ThisFish enhances profitability and sustainability within the global seafood industry by digitizing operations, ensuring traceability, and driving innovation. Its software reduces costs, bolsters process control, and facilitates compliance across international supply chains.

CryoLogistics is a BC-based clean-tech company specializing in cold chain equipment manufacturing. It has developed an innovative refrigerated container for shipping palletized loads of temperature-sensitive food and pharmaceutical products globally.

Aspect Biosystems Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Vancouver, Canada, specializing in 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering. Founded in 2013, the company leverages proprietary microfluidic 3D bioprinting technology to develop bioprinted tissue therapeutics aimed at transforming disease treatment. By integrating therapeutic cells and materials science, Aspect Biosystems creates allogeneic cell-based tissue therapeutics that can replace or repair damaged organ functions. The company also provides a Lab-on-a-printer technology that allows precise control over biomaterial composition and structure during tissue fabrication. Its innovative platform supports the development of novel therapeutics and enhances understanding in fundamental biology and disease research, catering to pharmaceutical firms and academic institutions focused on respiratory diseases and regenerative medicine. Aspect Biosystems is actively collaborating with researchers and industry leaders to address significant challenges in the field of regenerative medicine.

Founded in 2014, Jetti Resources specializes in hydrometallurgical technology for extracting metals from mineral ores. Its proprietary catalytic process is used to efficiently recover copper from low-grade primary sulfides like chalcopyrite, making it a cost-effective and environmentally responsible solution.

Founded in 2009, Terramera develops plant-based pesticides and fertilizers. It offers products like Proof (for bed bugs and dust mites), Actigate (an organic pesticide), and Rango (a plant-based pest control). The company aims to transform agriculture by fusing artificial intelligence, science, and nature to provide sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

Founded in 2014, Acuva Technologies specializes in developing and providing advanced water treatment solutions. The company's core technology is based on ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV-LED), designed to purify drinking water by effectively eliminating viruses, bacteria, and other biological contaminants.

Microbiome Insights Inc., based in Vancouver, Canada, is a leading provider of microbiome analysis and testing services aimed at academic and industrial researchers. Founded in 2015, the company specializes in the analysis of microbial communities, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi that inhabit various environments, such as humans, animals, and plants. Microbiome Insights offers a comprehensive suite of services that includes quantifying microbial populations, analyzing the genetic potential and gene expression of microbial communities, and optimizing study design and workflow. Their multidisciplinary team comprises experts in ecology, microbiology, infectious diseases, and genetics, ensuring a high level of expertise and fast, reliable results tailored to meet the needs of clients across numerous research applications in human health, agriculture, and environmental science.

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, established in 2014. It specializes in the commercialization of a hollow microneedle delivery platform aimed at the biopharmaceutical market. The company leverages innovative research from the University of British Columbia to develop low-cost, scalable hollow metal microneedles that enhance the delivery of therapeutics and traditional intramuscular vaccinations. By replacing traditional hypodermic needles, Microdermics addresses critical issues such as the risk of accidental needle sticks and needle phobia, significantly improving patient experience and safety. Its proprietary delivery system offers potential benefits for a variety of biopharmaceutical applications, including opportunities in the emerging biosimilars market, thereby enabling biopharmaceutical companies to differentiate their products and extend their lifecycle.

Founded in 2014, Jetti Resources specializes in hydrometallurgical technology for extracting metals from mineral ores. Its proprietary catalytic process is used to efficiently recover copper from low-grade primary sulfides like chalcopyrite, making it a cost-effective and environmentally responsible solution.