Government of Canada supports growing biotechnology cluster in Cape Breton

April 8, 2021 · Sydney, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Today, Mike Kelloway, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, and Jaime Battiste, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, announced a total of $2,214,302 to support the growth of the emerging biotechnology sector in Cape Breton. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages.  

• Reazent Inc. is receiving a $403,050 repayable contribution to further develop and commercialize its patented organic fertilizers and pesticides to improve crop health and yields. This project will create up to five jobs.
• Alter Biota Inc. is receiving a $400,531 repayable contribution to commercialize its low-cost, high-performance, concrete strengthener. This project will create up to six jobs.
• Phycus Biotechnologies Inc. is receiving a $400,000 repayable contribution to produce a plant-based commercial-scale ingredient for skin care products, providing an alternative to crude oil-based ingredients. This project will create up to six jobs
• Kraken Sense is receiving a $315,000 repayable contribution to commercialize its innovative device that can detect bacteria in food and beverage products in real-time. This project will create up to eight jobs.
• The Verschuren Centre is receiving a $695,721 non-repayable contribution to obtain specialized research and development equipment that will enable its business tenants to pilot and grow their clean technology innovations and proofs of concept. This project will create up to eight jobs.

Related products

• News release: Cape Breton grows ecosystem of innovative, environmentally sustainable companies

Associated links

• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
• To find out more about ACOA programs and services, please visit the ACOA website