Cleantech Commons at Trent University has partnered with Bioenterprise, Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, to provide innovative start-ups and early-stage companies within the cleantech sector with value-added services.

The partnership will bring accelerator services to Cleantech Commons and will give future tenants access to Bioenterprise’s specialized agritech and food expertise, national networks, and mentorship framework. The two organizations will also gain more access to provincial and national funding opportunities through joint proposals that support innovation.

“Our partnership with Bioenterprise will help us offer targeted business acceleration services to student entrepreneurs, faculty and researchers to support the development and commercialization of new clean, green, and low-carbon technologies,” says Martin Yuill, Cleantech Commons executive director. “These are the innovations that will help move us closer to a net-zero future and generate sustainable, high-value cleantech jobs for Trent graduates.”

Experiential learning opportunities

In addition to a suite of business acceleration services, Cleantech Commons will also provide incubation programming, experiential learning opportunities, and co-working spaces for aspiring student entrepreneurs, as well as commercialization training for researchers. These value-added services will be offered through the Trent Enterprise Centre, a startup and spin-out support facility for up-and-coming new cleantech ventures.

“The combination of value-added business support, advisory and mentorship services, as well as entrepreneurship programming will give Trent students the opportunity to end their time at university with more than just a degree,” says Mr. Yuill. “They will also be able to develop the skills required to be a cleantech entrepreneur, acquire marketable skills that will give them an edge in a competitive job market, and potentially even create a startup venture of their own.”

Cleantech Commons is currently assessing tenant fit and planning for the first multi-tenant building, with three anchor tenants and 25 sub-tenants already expressing interest in locating at the research park.

Read more about the partnership between Cleantech Commons and Bioenterprise.