Five B.C. projects win Ignite funding

Through its Ignite program, Innovate BC has allocated $1.5 million to support five research and development projects across B.C. The funded initiatives span sectors including healthcare and mining, with a focus on developing practical solutions to pressing industry challenges. The projects are also expected to contribute to job creation and economic activity within the province.

The Ignite program supports the commercialization of research in clean technology, engineering, and life sciences by funding projects that bring together academic and industry partners. Each project is eligible for up to $300,000 in funding. Since launching in 2016, the program has backed 58 projects, distributing a total of $15 million in support.

“Each year, we see impactful, homegrown solutions emerge from projects built on industry-academic partnerships supported by the Ignite program,” said Peter Cowan, president and CEO, Innovate BC. “By connecting research with real-world needs, these collaborations are helping B.C. companies commercialize their innovations and tackle some of our regions’ biggest challenges – like climate change and healthcare accessibility – while driving job creation, strengthening key provincial industries, and building a prosperous, resilient future for British Columbians.” 

This year’s projects were selected based on their commercial and technical viability as well as their ability to be market ready within three years. To be considered, projects must also address an industry problem with the potential for significant benefit to British Columbia and be implemented by a group of academic and industry members.

“Innovate BC’s Ignite funding is helping us turn innovative ideas into real-world impact – from reducing plastic waste to supporting the transition to sustainable seafood packaging right here in Campbell River,” said Jesse Knight, CEO of Brown’s Bay Packing Company, a funding recipient. 

Mike Kennedy, CEO of fellow funding recipient nPhyla, pointed to the program’s importance in accelerating research and development for his joint project with the University of British Columbia. 

“With the Ignite funding, nPhyla is expanding its eDNA analytics to deliver powerful, scalable tools for environmental monitoring and sustainable mining,” said Kennedy.

Previous Ignite recipients include B.C.-based innovation companies such as VoxCell BioInnovation, Daanaa Resolution, and Terramera, each of which have become significant contributors to industries including clean energy, agriculture, and healthcare.