The B.C. government and the BC Innovation Council (BCIC) have welcomed new partner Bioenterprise BC to the BC Acceleration Network (BCAN) to support the growth of innovative agri-tech businesses in the province.

Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Minister Amrik Virk today announced the partnership at BW GLOBAL Structures, an Abbotsford-based business that constructs greenhouses using robotics, and one of many B.C. companies that are driving innovation in the agri-tech sector.

Supported by funding from the BCIC and the federal government’s Canada Accelerator and Incubator Program, Bioenterprise BC will support the commercialization of innovations in agriculture and help increase agri-food revenue. Bioenterprise BC will provide agri-tech entrepreneurs and startups in the Fraser Valley with business plan assistance, market analysis, funding guidance and networking to help accelerate their growth.

BCAN is a group of 14 tech accelerators throughout the province that help early stage entrepreneurs grow their companies. Agri-tech companies working with other BCAN partners will have access to services from Bioenterprise BC.

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Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services –

“Bioenterprise BC will support B.C. agri-food and aquaculture entrepreneurs as they not only supply the B.C. market but seek greater commercialization and export opportunities. We are pleased to welcome them to British Columbia and know their support to B.C.-based agri-tech companies will result in economic growth and opportunity for all British Columbians.”

Norm Letnick, Minister of Agriculture –

“Agri-tech represents significant opportunities for the agricultural industry in British Columbia. It can help maximize productivity, minimize inputs and create greater value from B.C.’s farmland and coast. The Ministry of Agriculture is looking forward to partnering with Bioenterprise BC as we head in to the future of agri-tech and take the sector to new innovative and uncharted places.”

Dave Smardon, president and CEO, Bioenterprise –

“British Columbia is home to a great many entrepreneurs within the agriculture and agri-food sectors, and has created innovation leaders in agri-technology with companies like BW Global, Terramerra and Tabletree. With such an innovative culture in British Columbia, it is only fitting that Bioenterprise establish a B.C. office to work in partnership with the BC Acceleration Network to help foster these companies to become commercialization successes.”

Greg Caws, president and CEO, BC Innovation Council –

“We are pleased to welcome Bioenterprise BC to the BC Acceleration Network. This new resource for BC agri-tech ventures will enhance our agriculture sector’s competitiveness and help create new jobs in British Columbia.”

Timothy Kendrick, president and chief designer, BW Global Structures Inc. –

“Today’s announcement builds off the momentum created by the BC Tech Summit, where the cooperative efforts of industry, academia and government accelerate the development and commercialization of new technologies – technologies that address the two biggest challenges facing the world: food and water. British Columbia and Canada have the opportunity to take a leadership position in the global marketplace with the help of organizations like Bioenterprise.”

https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http:%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F249094191&show_artwork=trueQuick Facts:

• The Ministry of Agriculture, through the BCIC, is disbursing $200,000 per year over four years ($800,000 total) from the Agriculture, Science and Innovation Fund to establish Bioenterprise BC.
• BW GLOBAL Structures built the tallest multi-peak greenhouse in North America (three and a half storeys tall to the peak) at the University of the Fraser Valley, BC Centre of Excellence for Agriculture.

Learn More:

Bioenterprise: http://www.bioenterprise.ca/

BCIC: http://www.bcic.ca/

BW GLOBAL Structures Inc.: http://bw-global.com/