A recent investment from the Global Agri-Food Advancement Partnership (GAAP) positions Saskatchewan at the forefront of the precision fermentation industry. GAAP has completed an undisclosed investment round in Ergo Bioscience (ERGO), an Argentina-based biotech startup specializing in the cultivation of complex animal proteins through plant cell technology for use in plant-based meat and dairy products. ERGO’s innovative fermentation process promises to produce high-value compounds while utilizing fewer land, water, and resources compared to conventional agricultural methods.
This funding will facilitate the company’s expansion into North America, with plans for GAAP to host ERGO at its labs in Saskatoon in the upcoming months.
In the fall of 2023, ERGO’s CEO Alejandro Barbarini took part in GAAP’s Navigate program, backed by Ag-West Bio. His exploratory trip proved highly beneficial, allowing him to connect with investors, collaborators, and industry experts through GAAP’s tailored concierge services.
GAAP is a collaborative initiative among Ag-West Bio, the Global Institute for Food Security, and Innovation Saskatchewan.
Karen Churchill, president and CEO of Ag-West Bio, emphasizes the importance of attracting international companies to Saskatchewan through Navigate, showcasing the province’s strengths. “When companies experience our infrastructure and expertise, they often express surprise and consider becoming part of our community. Although Saskatchewan’s research cluster is world-class, it remains relatively unknown. Navigate is a catalyst for change.”
Kari Harvey, CEO of Innovation Saskatchewan, highlights the significance of bringing ERGO to the province, as it builds on Saskatchewan’s strong infrastructure and substantial investments. “Saskatchewan is already recognized as a global leader in agriculture, and our expanding agri-food sector exemplifies that leadership and innovation.”
GAAP CEO Jay Robinson states, “ERGO exemplifies how our programming serves as an effective conduit for foreign direct investment, aligning Saskatchewan and Canada’s strengths with GAAP’s specialized expertise. We were excited to host ERGO in 2023 through Navigate, and we are now delighted to officially integrate them into the GAAP portfolio as they expand in Saskatchewan through our incubator.”
Robinson underscores that this investment reaffirms GAAP’s dedication to enhancing food technology and sustainability. “This funding will enable ERGO to continue innovating, improving their solutions, and ultimately aiding food producers in meeting the increasing global demand. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, GAAP aims to reshape the food landscape and foster positive change for producers and consumers alike.”
Barbarini adds, “This investment marks the launch of our offices and R&D capabilities in Canada. Our access to advanced technology for developing cell lines will accelerate project timelines and significantly broaden our capabilities. We view Canada, especially Saskatoon, as a vibrant ecosystem of institutions and businesses that nurture our technological advancements. The vision and expertise of the GAAP management team were pivotal in our strategic decision.”
