Based in Sarnia, Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC) is a business accelerator that provides support, services and investments to developers of clean, green and sustainable technologies. These innovations reduce the use of hazardous substances and pollutants, and play an important role in the development of solutions to climate change and the preservation of safe water and scarce natural resources.
Clean technologies are trending here in Sarnia
In 2015, BIC established the Centre for Commercialization of Sustainable Chemistry Innovation (COMM SCI) initiative in Sarnia, offering expert advice and technical services to companies seeking to bring their clean tech innovations to market. With an abundance of agricultural resources, Sarnia is an ideal location for the development of clean technologies and sustainable alternatives.
BIC continues to support local jobs, many companies that strengthen the Sarnia-Lambton Hybrid Chemistry Cluster, and implement sustainable solutions in areas ranging from wastewater remediation to creating fuel from agricultural waste.
Expanding support for clean tech companies to Eastern Ontario
BIC is now creating the Ontario Bioindustrial Innovation Network (OBIN)—a second hybrid chemistry cluster in the St. Lawrence Corridor, in Brockville. BIC will partner with the St. Lawrence Corridor Economic Development Commission and St. Lawrence College to deliver OBIN. The Network will fill a gap in supporting innovative companies in sustainable chemistry and clean technologies to overcome setbacks to commercialization, while reducing environmental impacts.
Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary Kate Young, was in Sarnia to visit the team at BIC today, where she announced a $15 million contribution towards the expansion project.
Through this project, 150 businesses and organizations will be assisted and 700 jobs will be created and maintained in southern Ontario. This new sustainable chemistry hub will position Ontario – and ultimately Canada – as a leader in helping innovative clean tech companies scale up and grow.
