How much funding can be received?

Fee-for-service access to broad range of equipment to rapidly convert laboratory results into industrial processes up to the 1,500-litre scale to assist with implementing current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).

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This grant is designed to support research and development initiatives within the biotechnology sector, particularly focused on microbial fermentation processes. Eligible projects or activities facilitate the scale-up and optimization of bioprocesses using specialized facilities and expertise.

Engineering and selection of recombinant strains including Escherichia coli, Methylo-bacterium extorquens, and yeast (Pichia; Saccharomyces).
Production of biotechnology products such as peptides, proteins, nutraceuticals, organic acids, polymers, and probiotics.
Screening and optimization of media, microorganisms, cell lines, and cultivation conditions.
Bioprocess optimization and scale-up to 1500 L.
Handling and bioprocessing of methanol-oxidizing microorganisms.
Testing of new monitoring/control equipment and reagents used in bioprocessing.
Purification and analytical services supporting bioprocessing operations.
Technical and scientific guidance tailored to bioprocess development.
Provision of general or specialized training in microbial fermentation and bioprocessing.
Preparation and documentation tailored to specific bioprocessing needs.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 150,000

Development of a sustainable cosmetics line compliant with cGMP standards

$ 170,000

Implementation of eco-friendly biopesticide production compliant with cGMP

$ 150,000

Development of a new plant-based protein supplement meeting cGMP standards

$ 250,000

Design and production of biocompatible surgical implants meeting cGMP requirements

$ 200,000

Scaling up of high-performance biofuel production to meet cGMP standards

$ 120,000

Production of medical-grade sterile packaging for pharmaceuticals adhering to cGMP

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this facility's services and resources is specifically tailored to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with certain requirements.

The applicant should be a small and medium enterprise (SME) with limited capacity to invest in pilot-scale facilities compatible with current Good Manufacturing Processes (cGMP).
The company should be engaged in the biotechnology sector, requiring services like genome engineering, strain selection, or microbial fermentation process development.
The need for scaling up laboratory results to industrial processes up to the 1500 L scale should be demonstrated.

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Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

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Evaluation and selection criteria for this grant include: - Expertise in microbial fermentation and bioprocessing - Relevance of the project to industrial applications - Importance of the research to the biotechnology industry - Feasibility and scalability of the proposed work - Potential for commercialization and impact on the industry - Alignment with current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) if applicable - Track record of the research team and their ability to deliver results - Innovation and novelty of the proposed approach - Budget and resource management - Compatibility with the goals and objectives of the funding organization

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The facility offers specialized training tailored to the needs of SMEs and other clients.
Cutting-edge equipment is available for testing new monitoring and control equipment or reagents.
The NRC provides multidisciplinary expertise with a team of microbiologists, engineers, chemists, and biochemists.
The facility has a strong track record, with over 25 years of experience in supporting the biotech and research community.
SMEs are particularly encouraged to collaborate, as the facility offers unique resources that may not be otherwise accessible to them.

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NRC — Microbial fermentation pilot plant facility research facility

grant_single_labels|contact

514-496-3123

Apply to this program

Unlocking Innovation in Biotech with NRC's Pilot Plant Resources

The NRC's microbial fermentation pilot plant offers extensive R&D support and facilities to SMEs within the biotechnology sector, focusing on efficiently transforming laboratory research into industrial-scale production. By leveraging advanced microbial processes and diverse engineering expertise, the pilot plant is instrumental in fostering innovation and scalable solutions.

Detailed Insights into NRC's R&D Pilot Plant and Its Support for SMEs

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is committed to driving innovation within the biotechnology industry, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that often face significant resource constraints in scaling up their operations. The NRC's microbial fermentation pilot plant provides a comprehensive suite of R&D capabilities essential for converting laboratory developments into scalable industrial solutions, ensuring that SMEs remain competitive in the fast-paced biotech landscape.

One of the primary advantages offered by the NRC's pilot plant is its robust infrastructure, featuring bioreactors up to 1500 liters and specialized facilities like the CL-1, CL-2, and CL-3 laboratories, each equipped to handle different scale productions and safety requirements. This flexibility allows SMEs to conduct detailed process optimization and scale their operations up efficiently while adhering to current good manufacturing practices (cGMP). The pilot plant’s commitment to supporting emerging biotech processes is evident in its capability to produce GLP-quality materials, ranging from peptides and proteins to polymers and probiotics, thus meeting the diverse needs of the biotech market.

The NRC facility boasts a team of multidisciplinary experts, including microbiologists, engineers, and chemists who are adept at navigating the complexities of bioprocess development. This team provides invaluable support in areas such as genome engineering, molecular biology, and the optimization of microbial fermentation methods. By offering such comprehensive services, the NRC helps bridge the gap between laboratory research and industrial application, ensuring that SMEs can efficiently translate their innovations into market-ready products.

In addition to production and scale-up capabilities, the NRC's microbial fermentation pilot plant also excels in providing advanced purification and analytical services. These facilities are crucial for SMEs to maintain high standards in product quality and compliance, facilitating a smoother transition from research to commercialization. The availability of modern equipment for primary recovery and cell breakage, alongside purification laboratories, underscores the NRC’s dedication to delivering high-quality processing outcomes.

Moreover, the pilot plant is not just a venue for production; it is a hub for continuous learning and professional development. The NRC offers tailored training programs and technical guidance aimed at enhancing the competencies of industry professionals, thereby contributing to the overall growth of the biotech ecosystem. This training is especially valuable for SMEs, enabling them to build in-house expertise and maintain competitive proficiency in process controls and biomonitoring.

Overall, the NRC’s microbial fermentation pilot plant is an invaluable asset for SMEs aiming to expand their reach within the biotechnology field. With top-notch facilities and expert support, it provides a strategic advantage for those looking to innovate and scale up efficiently. The provision of a semi-industrial setting for training and development further enhances its role in fostering industry growth, making the NRC a pivotal partner in the journey from research to market success.