AscendBio: Scale Your Industrial Biotech or Agritech Company with Confidence

AscendBio helps industrial biotech and agritech companies scale faster and more capital-efficiently by combining the Verschuren Centre’s pilot-scale bioprocessing capabilities (10 L to 100,000 L) with Invest Nova Scotia’s sector expertise, business support, international networks, and access to non-dilutive funding – while companies retain full IP. Participants gain support to reach technical milestones, raise capital, access market insight, and connect with customers, partners, and a peer community.

To get started, tell us about your company by filling out the webform below.

Interested in learning more?

For more information about opportunities in Nova Scotia's industrial biotech sector:

Learn more about AscendBio

Why AscendBio

Companies that join AscendBio gain tailored support to hit technical and commercial milestones, raise capital, connect with investors and partners, and access critical infrastructure that would otherwise take years and significant investment to build.

Tell us about your company to get started with AscendBio

Why Companies Choose AscendBio

Pilot-scale bioprocessing from 10 L to 100,000 L
Access to technical, commercial, and investment expertise
Non-dilutive government funding
Full IP retention
Connections to customers, partners, and global networks

Who We Work With

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.

Partnering with the Verschuren Centre

The Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment is facilitating the transition to a green and circular economy by supporting innovative clean technology commercialization.

The centre has established teams of expertise in key areas to assist companies advance IP and accelerate uptake in manufacturing and primary production industries. Areas of specialty include industrial and agritech bioprocessing, carbon and polymer materials, thermal energy transitioning and storage, and climate mitigation in aquaculture.

Our Track Record

Since launch, more than 50 companies have scaled with AscendBio, collectively raising over $100 million and developing innovative technologies positioned to change the world.

Ready to scale? If your company is ready to take the leap from lab to pilot scale, AscendBio can get you there.

Connect with an Expert

Click on our experts to learn more about their experience, get contact information, or request an email or phone call.

Questions? Looking for more information? Get in touch today—we’d love to talk more about the many reasons you have to choose to do business in Nova Scotia, Canada.