3D BioFibR weaving new research opportunities
News release
Government of Canada supports automated manufacturing processes to meet increased demand
March 17, 2022 · Halifax, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Adopting advanced manufacturing processes helps businesses grow and create highly-skilled jobs, making our communities stronger. That is why the Government of Canada is investing in companies like 3D BioFibR Inc.
Federal government aids company scale-up
Today, Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Member of Parliament for Halifax, announced a repayable contribution of $200,000 to 3D BioFibR. This funding will help increase productivity and prove the consistency of the company’s manufacturing technique to attract new partners. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
3D BioFibR Inc. produces naturally-sourced, high-value biofibers from raw materials such as spider silk, collagen and chitosan. The biofibers are used for various industrial applications including bioscience, sustainable textiles, aerospace and defence. This project will allow the company to automate its dry-spinning manufacturing process to meet industrial product standards. The company will also hire two highly-skilled researchers with the goal of bringing new products to market.
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to build on the region’s competitive advantages, including its strong export potential, growing innovation network and skilled workforce.
Quotes
“Bringing businesses, researchers and universities together to find innovative solutions to today’s challenges helps build a stronger, more resilient future for all Canadians. Our entrepreneurs in science and technology-focused industries are helping to keep Atlantic Canada on the cutting edge of innovation and our government is proud to support their growth.”
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
"With their reputation for making innovative biomedical advances, 3D BioFibR is putting our region on the map. The federal government is committed to helping Atlantic entrepreneurs like 3D BioFibR scale-up and compete because when local businesses succeed, they create good jobs and technology-based solutions that, in turn, help other businesses grow too.”
- Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Member of Parliament for Halifax
“Support from ACOA at this critical point in our company’s lifecycle will help us automate our manufacturing platform, which is a key step to securing commercial partnerships. We are thrilled to have such a supportive innovation ecosystem to help us build next generation materials that can change the world.”
- Kevin Sullivan, CEO, 3D BioFibR Inc.
Quick facts
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3D BioFibR’s vision is to become a global leader in the production of nature’s strongest, lightest and toughest materials that mimic the performance characteristics of naturally-occurring biofibers.
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The company’s initial focus is on bioscience applications. Its scientists have demonstrated the ability to make collagen fibers, termed CollaFibR, used for tissue engineering and wound repair in the medical industry.
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Improving the manufacturing process of its fibres will allow the company to produce CollaFibR in longer and more consistent strands, as well as a product made from spider silk called SpidrFibR that is stronger than steel and much more flexible. These longer strands have potential for uses in other industrial applications.
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Incorporated in 2020 and located at Innovacorp, the company currently employs 20 people.
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Funding for this project is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.
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Contacts
Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Chris Brooks
Communications Director, Nova Scotia
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-830-3839
chris.brooks@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Abrianna DiPietro
3D BioFibR
info@3dbiofibr.com
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