AscendBio
AscendBio enables companies in the industrial biotech and agritech sectors to scale up their technologies and business operations.
AscendBio is the only scale up program in Canada offering true pilot-scale bioprocessing – from 10 L to 100,000 L – combined with technical and investment expertise, non-dilutive government funding, and full IP retention.
Offered by Invest Nova Scotia and Verschuren Centre
Amount
No fixed amount
Quick eligibility check
Who can apply
AscendBio is designed for:
- Industrial biotech founders (pre-seed through Series A) in precision fermentation, biomaterials, biochemicals, and sustainable ingredients.
- Research and Technology Organizations with scale-up-ready IP.
- Global accelerators and university incubators seeking Canadian pilot-scale options.
- Early-stage investors, VCs, and innovation scouts looking for capital-efficient scale-up pathways for portfolio companies.
About the funding
AscendBio companies receive support to achieve technical milestones, raise the capital required, garner market insight, connect with potential customers and partners, and join a community of like-minded companies.
AscendBio is the only scale up program in Canada offering true pilot-scale bioprocessing – from 10 L to 100,000 L – combined with technical and investment expertise, non-dilutive government funding, and full IP retention.
- Pilot infrastructure under your control: Fermentation, downstream processing, extraction, and labs — all in one place, without leaving Canada.
- Scale faster, spend less: Our facilities, expertise, and funding reduce capital requirements and preserve your equity.
- Capital & connections: Non-dilutive funds, investor introductions, and access to corporate and feedstock partners.
