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Product Development
Perennia’s BioVentures Division works with both primary producers and the processing sector on bio-resource value-chain developments and technology transfer. The focus is transforming underutilized land- and marine-based bioresources using agri-bioscience methodology to create new products such as bioactives, nutraceuticals, functional ingredients, advanced food products and non-food based bioproducts.
Industry partners can benefit from from Perennia’s expertise in structuring systematic, cost effective approaches to conducting research and development with defined and targeted commercial outcomes. Our BioVentures Team is able to leverage research and development dollars using federal and provincial assistance programs and can access existing public research infrastructure.
We can also provide assistance to corporate partners in establishing intellectual property (IP) as patents and trade secrets which enhance value and market position.
Advances in Bio-Products have already had a positive economic impact on the agricultural and fishing industries and in particular our daily lives. Farmers are growing crops which have non-food, "new uses" such as oats, which are used in cosmetic and vegetable-based inks for newspaper prints, and lobster shell can be used to remediate heavy metals.
These bioproducts are made from renewable resources and present farmers with an opportunity for diversification by converting crops into higher value bio-products, thereby strengthening their own businesses and the surrounding rural economy.
Agri-Energy
At the end of the 20th century, the fossil-based economy has proven to be a major cause of global, regional and local environmental problems. The "bio-based" economy will minimize carbon dioxide emissions, thereby reducing the problem of global warming and improving overall sustainibility.
Agri-Health
Wellness and health maintenence is now a $200 billion market and does not show any signs of slowing down. Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about their health and health care management, while simultaneously becoming frustrated with the expensive, high-tech disease treatment approach . Instead, more and more consumers are seeking complementary and alternative beneficial products which offer a natural balance and a preventative approach to health maintenance. Products such as probiotic yogurts, high fiber drinks and omega-3 fish oils are gaining in popularity as consumers take a more active role in disease prevention.
Continuing research is required on the composition and functional properties of food at various stages along the value chain to help in developing new food products, nutraceuticals and other such innovative health related products. Such products will expand the capacity and potential of individuals to take a more active role in disease prevention.
Perennia is exploring a variety of other sources of economic return for the primary sectors and is building a vibrant "development requiring research" base to support bio-innovation in Atlantic Canada.
For more information, contact:
Richard Ablett, Chief Science Director, BioVentures
902 893 4152 | Email |
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