SFU-led B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation announces first four projects

Four B.C. businesses developing solutions to help ensure the province's food systems remain secure, resilient and sustainable are the first to receive funding and partner with the Simon Fraser University-led B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI). A total of $540,000 has been invested in projects being developed by the four companies, including $122,500 from BCCAI , $122,500 from the businesses and an additional $295,000 from in-kind contributions. The four companies, all located in Metro Vancouver, are: - Aeroroot Systems (Surrey), Agrotek Industries (Burnaby), Bakerview EcoDairy (Abbotsford), and Lucent BioSciences (West Vancouver) "Investment in agriculture is the best way to fight hunger, poverty and climate change,- says SFU-s Sylvain Moreno, the scientific director of BCCAI. -These four champions are leading B.C. agritechnology revolution and will guide British Columbia toward a better future." The BCCAI, announced by the provincial government in July 2022 , brings together academia, industry and govetnment to create new opportunities towards food production and security. Located at SFU-s Surrey campus, the BCCAI is funded by the province and the federal government through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCAN).