Innovate BC is Igniting Innovation with $300,000 R&D Grant
Summary
VANCOUVER, B.C., May 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Applications are now open for Innovate BCs Ignite program, which awards up to $300,000 to fund B.C.-based research and development projects that are creating game-changing innovations in the areas of natural resources, engineering and applied sciences.The funding is awarded to teams of academia and industry who come together to solve a significant challenge that British Columbians face. I cant wait to see what inventive ideas academia and industry come up with that will help our province promote clean and inclusive economic growth for the benefit of all British Columbians.Since the program started in 2016, 41 projects have been funded a combined $10.7M, and have garnered more than $239 million in follow-on investments and awards, and 21 projects have been completed to date generating $5.4 million in revenue. innovations.One such project, a collaboration between Dr. Katherine Elvira from the University of Victoria and Dr. Stephanie Willerth of Axolotl Biosciences, received Ignite funding in 2020 to help commercialize their technology which is 3D bioprinting personalized brain tissue models. Their project is producing next generation brain organoids which can be used for screening potential drugs to treat neurological diseases and disorders as well as for understanding how COVID-19 infection affects the function of neural tissue.Other notable former winning projects include Flash Forest and the University of British Columbias drone technology which plants trees at ten times the normal rate while significantly increasing accuracy, safety, and cost savings in the reforestation industry and Browns Bay Packing Company Ltd. and the University of Northern British Columbia who are formulating a renewable and fully biodegradable packaging solution to replace traditional plastics.Innovate BC is thrilled to support the commercialization of novel innovations through the Ignite program. economy by helping companies start and scale, train talent that meets labour market needs, and encourage technology development, commercialization, and adoption.