Advancing food and farming innovations is the focus of a new partnership between the University of Guelph and Bioenterprise, Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine.
The two organizations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will bring together the strengths of the University’s research and commercialization resources with Bioenterprise’s national network of expertise, knowledge and funding programs.
While the two institutions have a long history of collaboration, this MOU will increase and improve opportunities for building development and research capacity; spur collaborative research opportunities; and build an increased connection between Bioenterprise and U of G’s industry liaison team in the Research Innovation Office.
”This formalized partnership builds on a stellar collaborative relationship the University already enjoys with Bioenterprise,” said Malcolm Campbell, vice-president (research). “Now our researchers will have even more opportunity to access global networks of researchers, mentors, government, industry and other experts to put their innovations into action and make a real-world difference. It’s another channel for U of G research to improve life.”
The collaboration will also create new pathways for commercialization support for entrepreneurs and start-ups participating in the Accelerator Guelph program, including mentorship and potential access to possible funding sources.
“The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is a significant funder of agricultural research at the University through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, and the renewed partnership with Bioenterprise will help ensure Alliance-funded research is better connected to industry commercialization opportunities,” said Campbell.
“The University of Guelph is well known across Canada and internationally for its food and agriculture expertise, and we welcome the innovation opportunities this new partnership will make possible for members and partners of the Engine nationwide,” said Bioenterprise CEO Dave Smardon. “Part of the vision behind creation of the Engine has always been creating a more cohesive and collaborative national innovation network in our sector, and this new collaboration will yield benefits to both organizations.”
About the University of Guelph
One of Canada’s top comprehensive and research-intensive universities, the University of Guelph spans urban hubs and rural communities. Established in 1964, the University enjoys a reputation for innovation and excellence dating back more than 150 years to its founding colleges: Ontario Veterinary College, Ontario Agricultural College and Macdonald Institute. Today U of G’s seven colleges conduct leading-edge teaching and research in the physical and life sciences, business, arts, social sciences, and agricultural and veterinary sciences. We have nearly 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students at campuses in Guelph, Toronto and Ridgetown and 185,000 alumni in more than 160 countries worldwide. The University of Guelph, and everyone who studies here, explores here, teaches here and works here, is committed to a simple, shared purpose: to Improve Life.
About Bioenterprise
Bioenterprise is Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, bringing more than 15 years of industry experience and a national and international network of research institutions, academia, mentors and experts, government, and industry to help small and medium-sized businesses in the sector nationwide Connect, Innovate, and Grow. Through its experienced service partner network, Bioenterprise offers a wide range of expertise and support to its clients, and partnerships with other industries help open doors to new technologies and platforms to help food and agri-tech businesses innovate and grow. Visit www.bioenterprise.ca to learn more.