Research partnership signed with KPU Institute for Sustainable Horticulture
Vancouver, B.C. - Wild Coast Biologics Inc., announces a three-year research partnership with the Institute for Sustainable Horticulture (ISH) at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) for the development of new sustainable microalgal applications in agriculture.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Institute of Sustainable Horticulture to develop new applications for microalgae to help support the development of innovative and effective biological products for use in agriculture,” said Angie Harris Fernandes, CEO, Wild Coast Biologics.
As part of the research collaboration, Wild Coast Biologics plans to install a closed-loop vertical photobioreactor system at the ISH’s greenhouse located at KPU’s Langley campus which will grow high-quality Chlorella microalgae at scale. The core of the research will explore new applications for microalgae and microalgal metabolites, grown in a photobioreactor system, to improve the development of biological alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
“We are looking forward to building a long-term relationship with Wild Coast Biologics to bring new, environmentally protective products to agriculture industries in B.C. and beyond,” said Dr. Deborah Henderson, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Horticulture. “This research collaboration will help to advance the field of applied research in bioproducts in B.C. It will also provide students with the opportunity to support the development and application of new blue technologies and provide our industry partner, Wild Coast Biologics, the opportunity to develop new and innovative products and applications.”
About Wild Coast Biologics
Wild Coast Biologics., is a Vancouver-based biotechnology company that develops nanoparticle-based biocontrols and biofertilizers, that are enriched with microalgae metabolites, to increase soil quality, enhance crop productivity, and protect crops from diseases and pests.
About the Institute for Sustainable Horticulture
Kwantlen's Institute for Sustainable Horticulture was created in 2004 to be a partnership of academia with B.C.'s horticultural industries and the community to support British Columbia in meeting demands for a higher level of sustainability and environmental responsibility from agriculture and urban landscapes. ISH is currently funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada to conduct research into accelerating agricultural innovation to address climate change challenges.