Media Releases

Program will help attract commercialization for the Peterborough Region

[PETERBOROUGH]  Yesterday marked the launch of the Centre of Knowledge in the Environment featuring the introduction of the new Trent Biomaterials Research Program lead: Dr. Suresh Narine. Dr. Narine is a pioneer and leader in his field and he and his team of researchers have been recruited to Trent University from the University of Alberta.

The research program at Trent will focus on using plant oils (lipids) to create new biomaterials. The primary source of these natural oils will be agricultural commodities such as soy, canola, flax, corn, hemp and jatropha. The applied focus of the research program will centre on creating high-value edible lipid products, high-value industrial materials such as polymers, specialized chemicals, lubricants, adhesives products, and cosmetics.

When completed, the Trent Biomaterials Research Program will be among the top one per cent of laboratories in the world focused on lipid bioproducts and their structure-function relationships.

“The Innovation Cluster, through Industry Canada’s Community Adjustment Fund, is pleased to support this initiative. We congratulate Trent University on the accomplishments thus far and look forward to working together to bring further commercialization to the region. This places our community in a fantastic spot for future commercialization and job creation possibilities,” said Bill Lockington, Board Chair, Innovation Cluster.

To date, $2.5 million has been raised to support the creation of the Trent Biomaterials Research Program. Founding partners and funders include:

- Elevance Renewable Sciences Inc., Bolingbrook, Illinois - $1,000,000
- Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster and the Community Adjustment Fund - $500,000
- Ontario Soybean Growers - $500,000
- Anonymous philanthropist who established the Biomaterials Innovation Fund - $500,000

The Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster is a not-for-profit corporation with a mission to facilitate and advance environmental, life sciences, DNA and other innovative research in the Peterborough region. Its primary goal is to help promote and sustain a strong local knowledge-based economy. For more information visit www.innovationcluster.ca

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For more information please contact Jaimi Ruoho-Long, Communications Officer, Innovation Cluster at (705) 743-0777 ext. 2130 or jruoho@gpaedc.on.ca