Natural Products Canada boosts bioeconomy with latest investment

Natural Products Canada (NPC) invests $1.1 million in 11 products through its strategic Commercialization Programs. The recipients represent a diverse range of sustainable, natural product innovations from industrial dyes and asphal to bioplastics and poultry feed.

NPC’s contributions will enable a total of $3.1 million in strategic initiatives designed to help each client tackle the critical next step in their commercialization journey. The latest announcement includes start-ups and research institutes from across the country, including F&B-related companies such as AltaGreen, Climicals, Enhanced Medical Nutrition, Infusd Nutrition, New Protein International, and Opalia.

AltaGreen

Program: Fast Track to Financing

Project Budget: $62,500

NPC Contribution: $25,000

AltaGreen has created hemp-based poultry feed that delivers high-quality omega fatty acids, plant protein and other phytonutrients that play crucial roles in promoting optimal health and growth.

Climicals

Program: Fast Track to Financing

Project Budget: $12,735

NPC Contribution: $5,094

Climicals has developed an innovative process of converting sugars leftover from the food industry into valuable bio-based chemicals for the flavour and fragrance markets.

Enhanced Medical Nutrition (EMN)

Program: Fast Track to Financing

Project Budget: $66,000

NPC Contribution: $25,000

Enhanced Medical Nutrition (EMN) is a transformative food-as-medicine company with an evidence-based nutrition program to help patients prepare better and recover faster from surgery.

New Protein International

Program: Proof of Concept

Project Budget: $417,168

NPC Contribution: $250,000

New Protein International will produce the cleanest-label soy protein isolate in the world. Its proprietary clean technology removes the petrochemical hexane, a known carcinogen, from the production process.

Opalia

Program: Proof of Concept

Project Budget: $625,000

NPC Contribution: $250,000

Opalia is one of the world’s first companies to develop a technology to make real milk without cows. This creates sustainable, animal-free milk, eliminating any production issues for dairy product manufacturers.

“Natural Products Canada is proud to support these breakthrough technologies that showcase Canada’s remarkable capacity for natural product innovation,” said Shelley King, CEO, Natural Products Canada. “By investing in these innovative solutions, NPC is accelerating the growth of sustainable companies and products across a range of industries, and contributing to the health and well-being of our communities.”

NPC’s Commercialization Programs focus on three gaps commonly found in highly innovative companies: product validation, talent, and competitive strategy. The Proof of Concept, Access to Talent, and Fast Track to Financing programs address each of these gaps, and provide up to $250,000 in support. Clients typically benefit from NPC’s extensive advice and guidance before, during and after applying for programs, ensuring maximum impact of NPC as a source of ‘smart capital’.