Closed
Last Update: April 27, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
AscendBio helps industrial biotech and agritech companies scale from lab to pilot production in Canada. The program combines technical support, business expertise, non-dilutive government funding, and access to pilot-scale bioprocessing infrastructure.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase production or service capacity
- Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
- Cape Breton
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Scaling industrial biotech and agritech technologies.
- Moving technologies from lab scale to pilot scale.
- Advancing business operations and commercialization readiness.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Industrial biotech founders.
- Agritech companies.
- Research and Technology Organizations.
- Global accelerators and university incubators.
- Early-stage investors, VCs, and innovation scouts.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada.
- Nova Scotia.
- Cape Breton Region.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the AscendBio Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the AscendBio. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the AscendBio?
AscendBio helps industrial biotech and agritech companies scale from lab to pilot production in Canada. The program combines technical support, business expertise, non-dilutive government funding, and access to pilot-scale bioprocessing infrastructure.
Who is eligible for the AscendBio program?
To be eligible for the AscendBio program, you must:
Industrial biotech or agritech companies.
Scale-up-ready technologies or IP.
Early-stage businesses and RTOs.
What expenses are eligible under AscendBio?
Scaling industrial biotech and agritech technologies.
Moving technologies from lab scale to pilot scale.
Advancing business operations and commercialization readiness.
Who can I contact for more information about the AscendBio?
You can contact Invest Nova Scotia by email at ascendbio@investnovascotia.ca.
Where is the AscendBio available?
The AscendBio program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the AscendBio a grant, loan, or tax credit?
AscendBio is a Researchers And Facilities
Who are the financial supporters of the AscendBio?
AscendBio is funded by Invest Nova Scotia