Alberta Innovates Supports Canada’s Prairie-Based Cellular Agriculture Project with $500,000 Funding

Alberta Innovates has provided a $500,000 investment to New Harvest Canada for its Cellular Agriculture Prairie Ecosystem (CAPE) Project, which aims to develop food biomanufacturing technologies in Alberta. This funding, part of a $2.4 million program over three years, will explore using traditional agricultural byproducts in cellular agriculture processes to advance regional food sovereignty and sustainability, while driving economic development across the Prairies. This initiative aims to position Alberta as a global leader in food biomanufacturing, leveraging the region's agricultural expertise to meet the increasing global demand for sustainable protein production.

The CAPE project, supported by funding from the Government of Canada and regional contributions, focuses on commercialization, talent development, and applied research. With a fellowship program, an open-access research database, and plans for a regional research institute, the project seeks to strengthen regional expertise and establish Alberta as a key player in the emerging field of cellular agriculture. The initiative aligns with Alberta's priorities in innovation, agri-food value creation, and the province's bioeconomy, building on existing capacity and strong connections with the agricultural sector to drive advancements in sustainable food production.