Establishing Canada’s first large-scale bioinnovation centre
News release
Significant federal contribution supports bioprocessing manufacturing, growing green supply chain
March 20, 2025 · Dartmouth, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Strengthening the biomanufacturing sector creates opportunities, supports Canadian production and moves our country towards a more sustainable future. The Government of Canada is investing to help position Nova Scotia as a leader in life sciences, clean tech, health tech and precision fermentation.
Building a world-class facility for biomanufacturing, clean tech
Today, the Honourable Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour, announced a $5 million, non-repayable contribution to Neptune BioInnovation Inc. to establish a multi-user bio-innovation hub and Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO). The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
The funding will help transform an underutilized facility in Dartmouth into a fully-equipped multi-user space for innovation and industry that will enable Canada to compete globally, strengthen domestic supply chains, and foster biotechnology advancements across critical sectors. It will provide shared industrial space, contract manufacturing, spray drying, and precision fermentation up to 100,000L, enabling companies to scale locally instead of leaving Canada.
A one-of-a-kind facility in Canada, the Neptune BioInnovation Centre (NBC) will encourage biotechnology advancements in areas such as smart materials, bioplastics, functional foods, green chemicals, therapeutics and alternative proteins. It will attract users locally and from across Canada and globally. As NBC grows, there will be job creation, measurable progress toward sustainable development goals and a stronger domestic supply chain to address environmental and human health challenges.
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to support innovation, keep manufacturing and Intellectual Property at home, attract investment and strengthen the national economy.
Quotes
“We are investing in Neptune BioInnovation Inc. to bring a much-needed facility to Atlantic Canada – one that will provide services to the whole country. This one-of-a-kind hub will help businesses scale-up right here at home, keeping costs down and creating new opportunities in the booming bioeconomy. It’s a big win for local jobs and the region’s future.”
- The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
“Dartmouth – Cole Harbour is a renowned cleantech hub, and the Neptune BioInnovation Centre will build on this thriving industry. With exceptional local expertise and our government’s strong support, we're investing in the future to help these brilliant companies grow. I’m excited to see this existing facility be transformed into a cornerstone of Canadian manufacturing, providing essential green supply chain infrastructure while accelerating innovation and commercialization across multiple industries.”
- The Honourable Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour
“This incredible example of shared investment is critical to de-risk and commercialize a multitude of cutting-edge Canadian technologies, building an essential green supply chain for Canadian manufacturing, targeting sustainable domestic economic growth while advancing climate change solutions for our domestic industries.”
- Dr. Beth Mason, Director, Neptune BioInnovation Centre (NBC)
Quick facts
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The Neptune BioInnovation Centre (NBC), a 51,000 sq ft facility on a 12.3 acre lot in Dartmouth, will offer leasable wet and dry lab space, warehouse and office spaces, and commercial scale precision fermentation, Contract Manufacturing Operation (CMO) and spray drying capacity.
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Neptune BioInnovation Inc., a not-for-profit organization, is responsible for facilities management, CMO operation, customer service, and attraction of national and international clientele.
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The centre will help companies who are creating: smart materials to displace harmful petrochemicals and reduce GHG emissions; innovative therapeutics for better health; functional food ingredients with reduced resource demand; green chemical solutions to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint; and biodegradable plastics and materials to reduce pollution and environmental destruction.
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By 2030, the global bioeconomy is projected to reach $7.7 trillion USD annually. (A business opportunity contributing to a sustainable world | World Business Council for Sustainable Development and Boston Consulting Group)
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The funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, which helps businesses speed up their growth so they can be more productive, compete on the world stage and reach new markets by making the most of new technologies, improving productivity and creating new products.
Associated links
Contacts
Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Lori Selig
Acting Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-266-7477
lori.selig@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Dr. Beth Mason
Director
Neptune BioInnovation Centre
604-302-1394
bmason@verschurencentre.ca
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