A new venture fund backed by InBC Investment Corp. and University of British Columbia aims to channel more capital into companies emerging from academic research.

The UBC Catalyst Ventures Fund will include $10 million each from InBC and UBC, with plans to raise up to an additional $20 million from private investors, for a total of as much as $40 million.

Why it matters: Access to early-stage capital remains a key bottleneck for university spinouts—particularly in capital-intensive sectors like life sciences and deep tech, which the fund will prioritize.

The fund will focus on companies built on UBC research, including ventures founded by faculty, students, and alumni, with the goal of helping them scale while staying anchored in BC.

It also aligns with the province’s “Look West” economic strategy, which targets major growth in both tech and life sciences employment over the coming years.

Context: UBC has been a significant engine for company creation in the province, with more than 280 spinoffs contributing an estimated $13 billion in economic activity to date. Notable examples include AbCellera, Xenon Pharmaceuticals, and Aspect Biosystems.

The announcement follows other recent moves by InBC to strengthen its investment platform, including the appointment of Thomas Park as chief investment officer to help deploy capital from its broader $500 million fund.