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. “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 lives.”
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 the 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.”
For more information:
University of Guelph
www.uoguelph.ca