Scale faster with the AscendBio program

The AscendBio program helps industrial biotech and agritech companies scale faster and more capital-efficiently through a partnership between the Verschuren Centre and Invest Nova Scotia.

Companies in the program grow their operations onsite at the Verschuren Centre, with access to specialized facilities, technical expertise, commercialization support, and a collaborative innovation ecosystem designed to accelerate growth.

Participants also join a growing community advancing industrial biotech and agritech commercialization in Nova Scotia and beyond.

Interested in learning more? Fill out the webform below to start the conversation.

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Find out more about scaling in Nova Scotia’s industrial biotech ecosystem:

Learn more about AscendBio

Why the AscendBio program?

Since launch, more than 50 companies have scaled through the AscendBio program, collectively raising over $100 million and advancing innovative technologies with global impact.

Who should participate in the AscendBio program

Industrial biotech founders (pre-seed to Series A) working in precision fermentation, biomaterials, biochemicals, and sustainable ingredients
Research and technology organizations with scale-up-ready intellectual property
Global accelerators and university incubators seeking Canadian pilot- and demonstration-scale capacity
Early-stage investors, VCs, and innovation scouts supporting capital-efficient scale pathways for portfolio companies

Why Companies Choose the AscendBio program

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

Company Spotlight: Dispersa

Dispersa is a clean technology company developing biodegradable, waste-derived biosurfactants as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based chemicals used in products like cosmetics and household cleaners. By transforming food waste into high-performance ingredients, the company is helping drive a more sustainable chemical industry.

Through AscendBio, the company gained access to specialized infrastructure, technical expertise, and business support that helped accelerate commercialization and growth. Dispersa has highlighted the collaborative, team-oriented approach at the Verschuren Centre as a key factor in its success, describing the organization as a core long-term partner as the company continues expanding in Nova Scotia.

“AscendBio and the Verschuren Centre have an immense wealth of shared knowledge and supportive resources for start-ups. Having the right partners who have industry experience and the resources is exactly what we were looking for" - Dispersa founder & CEO, Nivatha Balendra

Check out The Chemicals Between Us: A chat with Nivatha Balendra of Dispersa to learn more about this exciting Nova Scotia start-up.

About the Verschuren Centre

The Verschuren Centre is a clean technology development and commercialization hub helping companies advance and scale sustainable solutions across industrial biotechnology, agri-tech, bio-manufacturing, carbon transformation, and advanced materials.

Through shared-use facilities, specialized laboratories, and in-house technical expertise, the Centre supports companies from early-stage development through to pilot-scale commercialization in a more cost- and capital-efficient way.

For AscendBio participants, the Verschuren Centre provides the infrastructure, scientific capability, and collaborative ecosystem needed to de-risk technologies, accelerate commercialization, and connect with a growing network of innovators building a more sustainable bioeconomy.

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.