Today, InBC and the University of British Columbia announce the UBC Catalyst Ventures Fund. Our goal is to help more UBC-affiliated companies move from research to real world impact, and to grow here in British Columbia.

Since joining InBC, I have met many founders whose ideas began in university labs or classrooms across Canada. Their talent, especially in B.C., is remarkable. What they often lacked was early growth financing and the kind of support that helps a breakthrough become a company. Too many felt pressure to leave B.C. just to find the capital they needed.

This fund aims to change that.

Why This Fund Matters

The UBC Catalyst Ventures Fund reflects a simple idea.

Public purpose capital, used strategically, can:

• Attract more private investment into B.C.
• Accelerate the path from research to commercialization
• Keep companies, talent and intellectual property anchored in the province
• Strengthen B.C.’s long term economic resilience

UBC and InBC are each contributing $10 million, and the fund is now raising additional private capital. This blended model is intentional. It aligns with our strategy to mobilize more investment into the sectors where British Columbia already has global strength.

A Strong Foundation to Build On

UBC’s record speaks for itself.

To date, UBC has generated:

• Nearly 300 spin offs
• Significant licensed discoveries
• An estimated $13 billion in revenue from those discoveries

Few research institutions in Canada have this scale or impact. The Catalyst Ventures Fund builds on that momentum and expands B.C.’s capacity to move ideas into the market. It ensures these spin-off companies and the jobs they create will stay in the province.

Focus Areas Where B.C. Can Lead

The fund will begin by investing in:

• Life sciences
• Deep tech

These fields combine scientific depth with long term growth potential. They also reflect areas where B.C. is already competitive internationally and where the province sees strategic economic opportunity.

Supporting these sectors helps founders, but it also strengthens B.C.’s long term economic foundation.

Anchoring Companies and Talent in B.C.

At its core, this fund is about anchoring.

Anchoring means:

• Companies can grow from B.C. and stay here
• Talent sees a future in this province
• Intellectual property remains rooted in the local economy
• High quality jobs are created and sustained in B.C.
• Economic benefits cycle back into B.C. communities

When founders have reasons to stay, the entire ecosystem benefits.

Looking Ahead

I am proud of this partnership with UBC. It shows what is possible when public institutions, researchers, and private investors work together. It also demonstrates the strength of B.C.’s research base and what can happen when we match that strength with strategic investment.

This fund is not just about supporting individual companies. It is about shaping the future of B.C.’s innovation economy and creating opportunities that will benefit the province for decades.

If you are building a company connected to UBC, or you are an investor interested in contributing to B.C.’s economic future, our team would be glad to connect.

— Tom

Connect with the InBC team:
I am a UBC-affiliated company | I am an investor interested in the fund

Quotes:

“British Columbia is home to world-class research and development, and this fund will accelerate the growth of university-related innovations. We are proud to partner with UBC, one of Canada’s largest research-intensive universities. This partnership aligns with our goal to attract more capital to B.C. and scale more businesses, anchoring them here to generate economic and jobs growth in the province.”

— Thomas Park, Chief Investment Officer, InBC Investment Corp.

“As co-lead investors, UBC and InBC are working together toward this unique academic public-private partnership to anchor and grow companies in B.C. and further the impact of UBC’s research and innovation in the province, across Canada and beyond. One of UBC’s strategic goals is to partner for purpose to generate economic and social impact, and this partnership is a perfect example of what we can do by working together.”

— Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of British Columbia

“Since spinning out from UBC and leaving campus in 2017, Aspect Biosystems has grown to a team of over 130, raised more than US$350 million, and developed an industry-leading tissue therapeutic platform. We are deeply committed to continuing to grow here in B.C., and it’s fantastic to see this new fund from InBC and UBC that will help more companies like Aspect scale and innovate here at home.”

— Tamer Mohamed, Founder and CEO, Aspect Biosystems

“Some of the most impactful businesses in North America have begun at UBC. Access to capital is as competitive as ever, and it’s vital that we find new ways to support these innovative companies to grow, create jobs and stay right here at home in B.C. UBC and InBC’s initiative, representing one of the largest government investments of its kind in Canada, works in parallel with our Look West strategy, supporting a stronger, more resilient and more diverse economy that everyone in B.C. will benefit from.”

— Honourable Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth

The post Catalyzing B.C.’s Next Wave of Research-Driven Companies appeared first on InBC Investment Corp.

MarineLabs operates a North America-wide fleet of rugged ocean sensors that deliver hyper-local and high-resolution weather intelligence, providing real-time wind, wave and weather data along with AI-driven forecasts that enable maritime operators to make critical decisions with confidence.

“MarineLabs is proud to be building Canadian-made technology that’s already making maritime operations measurably safer and more efficient across North America. With the support of BDC and InBC, we’re growing our network coverage and entering new markets to deliver even greater impact for the ports, pilots and terminals that keep our economy moving.”

— Dr. Scott Beatty, Founder and CEO, MarineLabs

Its flagship product, CoastAware, sets a new benchmark for weather intelligence by combining real-time data with advanced data processing. The subscription platform delivers hyper-local, real-time weather intelligence and AI-powered 10-day forecasts, helping ports, pilots and other maritime operators to make more confident decisions and improve efficiency and safety, while minimizing environmental impact.

InBC invested in MarineLabs alongside BDC Capital’s Sustainability Venture Fund. Already active in four of Canada’s five largest ports, as well as internationally, the company will be using the investment to further expand its sensor network and grow its market share across North America.

This investment is advancing InBC’s objective to support innovation and is enhancing safety and operations for coastal industries. It is supporting the growth of a globally competitive B.C.-based business that is developing IP on Vancouver Island and contributing to jobs and economic growth in the region.

See InBC’s Portfolio

Are you a B.C.-based company ready to scale in the market and looking for investment? Learn more about how InBC is investing in British Columbia and connect with our team today: Learn More

The post InBC Invests in MarineLabs, Advancing Coastal Intelligence appeared first on InBC Investment Corp.

VANCOUVER, B.C. — InBC Investment Corp. (InBC or the Corporation), a provincial Crown corporation and strategic investment fund with $500 million to invest in the growth of B.C. scaleup businesses, today announced the appointment of Thomas Park as its new Chief Investment Officer, effective September 8, 2025.

As a seasoned community builder, investor, lawyer and consultant, and BDC Capital and Gates Foundation alum, Park will lead InBC’s investment team and strategy, expanding the Corporation’s portfolio of company and venture fund investments to drive economic growth across the province.

“We are delighted to welcome Thomas Park to InBC,” said Suzanne Trottier, Board Chair of InBC. “Park’s proven leadership and comprehensive experience backing successful companies and creating long-term impact makes him the ideal person for advancing InBC’s mission to grow B.C. businesses and invest in a strong economic future.”

Park brings with him a broad and diverse set of experiences and credentials. Most recently, he spent close to a decade at BDC, shaping its VC strategy and leading a team to develop new initiatives like the Industrial Innovation Fund, IP Financing Fund and COVID Relief Program. He went onto become a Lead Partner of the BDC Deep Tech Fund, executing investments in software and AI.

Prior to that, he worked on public-private partnerships and impact investing at the Gates Foundation and advised on operational transformations and private equity at McKinsey & Co. Park began his career as a corporate lawyer at McCarthy Tétrault before transitioning to mission-driven roles at the United Nations and other international organizations.

“I’m grateful to the InBC team and Board of Directors for their confidence,” shared Park. “InBC is deploying strategic capital to deliver returns while broadening opportunity in B.C. I’m excited to help scale a resilient, diversified portfolio with founders and funds across the province.”

InBC began investing in the fall of 2022 and has so far committed $179 million of its $500 million. Currently, its portfolio is supporting the growth of 36 B.C. businesses in a variety of sectors, ranging from life sciences to cleantech, that are driving innovation and economic and jobs growth in B.C.

Park’s appointment comes at a time in which InBC is focused on further expanding and diversifying its portfolio, while supporting the success of the companies and funds it has already invested in. The Corporation will soon begin exploring options to recapitalize and grow the fund, as its next phase of growth.

***

About InBC Investment Corp. (InBC)

InBC is a strategic investment fund established by the Province of British Columbia (B.C.) to invest in growing, innovative companies and venture funds to benefit B.C. It is investing to generate competitive financial returns alongside measurable economic, social and environmental benefits for the province. Its investments are anchoring promising companies to continue growing and staying in the province, creating jobs and boosting innovation, including growing research and development and retaining intellectual property in B.C. To learn more: www.inbcinvestment.ca

Media Contact:
Hayley Suchanek
289-681-2477
Hayley.suchanek@kaiserpartners.com

Media Kit: Thomas Park’s Headshot

The post InBC Appoints Thomas Park as New Chief Investment Officer to Lead its Next Stage of Growth appeared first on InBC Investment Corp.

“Since joining us four years ago during a period of rapid growth, Ms. Earthy has been an invaluable part of InBC and her work has shaped where the company is today,” said Suzanne Trottier, Board Chair of InBC. “From establishing InBC to building the processes and team, her legacy will continue to benefit the team as InBC moves forward in this next phase of growth.”

InBC thanks Ms. Earthy for her four years of leadership and remarkable contributions during her tenure.

“As the inaugural CEO of InBC, it has been an honour to establish the organization as a critical source of capital for growing B.C. companies,” said Jill Earthy. “With the incredible team in place, and with the guidance of renewed leadership, InBC is well-positioned to deepen its positive impact on the province, driving long-term economic benefits to B.C.”

Within the past three years, InBC has invested nearly $200 million into 36 B.C. companies, comprising 15 direct company investments and 9 venture funds that invest in B.C. These investments have grown to represent close to $100 million in B.C. company revenues, 2,000 B.C. jobs, and over $200 million in research and development spending. InBC has built a strong, diverse portfolio aligned with a complex mandate, while navigating shifting geopolitical and economic conditions. Since inception, InBC has strengthened B.C.’s venture capital ecosystem, attracted capital to the province, and earned a reputation as a trusted partner. This foundation positions the organization for greater impact in its next phase.

Dr. Daniel Muzyka, member of InBC’s Board of Directors, has been appointed as Acting CEO of InBC, effective September 10, 2025. Dr. Muzyka is the former Dean of the UBC Sauder School of Business and Emeritus Professor of Entrepreneurship. He has held leadership roles and served on numerous boards and commissions.

Dr. Muzyka will provide leadership and continuity during the transition period and will be an excellent steward for the day-to-day operations of InBC, while the Board of Directors launch a competitive process to appoint the new CEO.

“InBC continues to demonstrate a resilient leadership with a clear strategic vision, remaining firmly committed to delivering strong financial returns while creating positive economic, social, and environmental impact for B.C.,” added Ms. Trottier.

***

The post InBC Announces Leadership Changes appeared first on InBC Investment Corp.

4AG Robotics was InBC’s first direct investment in a company, which we announced in the fall of 2023. In less than two years, we have watched the company grow from prototype to its autonomous, vision-guided mushroom harvesting robots now deployed on three continents, helping farmers in B.C. and across the world to improve operating efficiencies and reduce food waste while addressing labour challenges.

Mushroom farming is the original vertical farm and today, mushrooms grow on aluminum shelves known as “Dutch racks” in dark, humid environments. Because mushrooms double in size every 24 hours, harvesting is required around the clock. This work is physically demanding with workers reaching between shelves to hand-pick the mushrooms. 4AG Robotics is tackling this global challenge — addressing labour shortages, improving product consistency, and optimizing mushroom yield and quality through advanced automation and AI.

The Forager HX400: 4AG Robotics’ autonomous, vision-guided mushroom harvesting robot.

The company’s autonomous, vision-guided robots can pick, trim and pack mushrooms. They are retrofitted directly to a farm’s existing shelving and are mobile between growing rooms for optimal efficiency. This flexibility enables 4AG to scale the deployment of its robots onto farms across the world. Integrated with AI, the robots continue to make smarter decisions over time — on which mushrooms to harvest, when to harvest and how to optimize trimming — continuously improving yield and quality.

4AG Robotics employees building Forager HX400 harvesting robots and installing them onto farms.

The company, based in Salmon Arm, recently expanded with a satellite office in Vancouver, representing a significant milestone in its growth. 4AG proves that you can build a global category leader in a small town, supporting economic growth and jobs in its community. Last month, the Thompson Okanagan Business Excellence Awards recognized 4AG as Big Business of the Year for its economic impact in the region.

InBC committed our follow-on investment to 4AG Robotics’ Series B alongside other investors, which closed at $40 million — an up round in a market where that’s increasingly rare. The raise comes on the heels of rapid commercial growth: 4AG has expanded across three continents, sold dozens of robots and deployed systems at the world’s leading mushroom farms, all while building from a small town in B.C. In a capital- and labour-constrained sector, this traction is no small feat. The new investment will support the company’s continued global expansion, team growth and mission to build a more sustainable food system powered by B.C. innovation.

Congratulations to the entire 4AG Robotics team for its achievements.

See InBC’s portfolio  

InBC is investing in companies with strong connections to B.C and ready to scale in the market (typically raising a Series A or later round). Explore if InBC is the right investor for you and connect with our team today: Learn More

The post InBC Commits Follow-on Investment to Salmon Arm-based 4AG Robotics appeared first on InBC Investment Corp.

Brightspark Ventures is a leading Canadian early-stage venture capital firm experienced in supporting Canadian technology companies for success. The fund will continue investing in groundbreaking early-stage technology companies, with a focus on supporting seed-stage ventures.

“The Brightspark team truly is passionate about what they do. They thrive on partnering with founders and they want to be a part of building great, global companies. I’m excited to bring my experience and energy to help build on that foundation. Being based out west, I also want to help Brightspark tap into the incredible talent and innovation happening here, and connect the firm with the teams building new, impactful companies.”

— Andrew Lugsdin, Partner, Brightspark Ventures

Brightspark Ventures expanded its presence in British Columbia with the appointment of a B.C.-based Partner, Andrew Lugsdin, to lead the fund’s investments in Western Canada. Lugsdin, who is a seasoned investor and startup consultant with over twenty years of experience, has a strong track record for investing in and supporting B.C. technology companies. Since InBC’s investment, Brightspark has already made an investment in B.C.-based RetreatsAndVenues, a B2B marketplace that is transforming how companies find and book corporate retreat spaces and logistics.

InBC’s investment in Brightspark Ventures is helping to increase the number of investors in the province, driving more investment activity and strengthening the overall business environment for more companies to grow and thrive in B.C.

Learn more about Brightspark’s commitment to B.C. and get to know Andrew, including his extensive experience and how he supports founders, in this spotlight interview:

See InBC’s portfolio

InBC invests in venture funds to increase the number of investors in the province and reach more B.C. companies across a range of sectors, growth stages and impact areas. Funds looking for an investment can learn more and connect with our team here.

The post InBC Invests in Brightspark Ventures, Welcoming Fund’s Expanded Presence in B.C. appeared first on InBC Investment Corp.

With over 20 years of experience, Vanedge Capital has a proven track record for building and leading world-class companies. In addition to providing investment capital, the team brings its deep technical expertise and extensive network to help exceptional entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and attract follow-on capital.

“We appreciate InBC’s investment in Vanedge Capital’s Fund IV and are proud to be part of B.C.’s thriving technology ecosystem. Over the years, we have backed successful B.C. companies such as Canalyst, Bonsai Micro, Wurldtech, Axine, Recon Instruments, Autozen, Dyspatch and Vodasafe, among many others. Additionally, our team has played key roles in the growth of companies like Bycast, D-Wave, ALI Technologies and Electronic Arts. We look forward to working with InBC to continue fostering innovation and supporting B.C.’s entrepreneurial talent.”

— Paul Lee, Managing Director, Vanedge Capital

Based in Vancouver, Vanedge Capital has a history of backing innovative B.C.-based companies. With this financing, the fund will continue to invest in visionary technologists that are solving technical and business problems on a global scale.

InBC invested in Vanedge Capital alongside other investors. This investment is fostering more investment activity in B.C. and leveraging the fund’s expertise to support early-stage hard tech companies in the province.

InBC invests in venture funds to increase the number of investors in the province and reach more B.C. companies across a range of sectors, growth stages and impact areas. Funds looking for an investment can learn more and connect with our team here.

The post InBC Invests in Vanedge Capital to Support Early-stage Hard Tech Companies appeared first on InBC Investment Corp.

Novarc Technologies is a full-stock robotics company specializing in the design and manufacturing of automated welding solutions. Its suite of products includes the Spool Welding Robot (SWR^TM), a first-of-its-kind autonomous pipe welding robot, and NovAI^TM, an AI-driven machine vision system that enables robots to see, think and adapt like an expert welder. By using machine vision and real-time adjustments, NovAI ensures consistent, high-quality welds in almost any condition.

“This new capital from this oversubscribed round will enable us to accelerate our product development, expand our market presence and continue delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. We remain committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in robotic welding, and this investment brings us one step closer to achieving our goals.”

— Soroush Karimzadeh, CEO, Novarc Technologies

Novarc’s autonomous welding solutions can be tailored to the unique needs of a wide variety of industries, ranging from shipbuilding to biotechnology and food and dairy production. The company’s innovative technology is helping industrial manufacturers maximize productivity while setting a new global standard for welding precision and quality. Today, Novarc’s robots are trusted by customers on four continents, including by B.C. manufacturers across the province, and is continuing to expand around the globe.

InBC invested in Novarc Technologies alongside other investors. With this latest financing, the company will be expanding its market presence and advancing its research and development, including the development of its AI-driven solutions such as NovAI. Based in Burnaby, B.C., Novarc’s growing team is supporting local jobs in engineering, software development, robotics, AI and more.

InBC’s investment in Novarc Technologies is supporting robotics and AI innovation in B.C. and helping to advance industrial manufacturing industries for future economic growth. This investment aligns with InBC’s investment theme to innovate for the future.

Are you a growing, innovative company looking for investment? InBC is providing equity investment to private companies with potential to generate positive impacts for the people of B.C. Connect today

The post InBC Invests in Novarc Technologies, Advancing Intelligent Welding Technology for Industrial Manufacturing appeared first on InBC Investment Corp.

Reverb Therapeutic’s novel antibody-based Amplify•R platform combines bispecific antibody engineering with data-driven modelling of antibody interactions to amplify and redirect endogenous cytokines to tissues of interest. By redirecting the body’s naturally occurring cytokines, this approach avoids the hurdles seen in other treatments using lab-produced cytokines, such as systemic exposure to other parts of the body or immunogenicity — a provoked immune response to a foreign substance.  

“We are excited to have the backing of this standout group of investors as we advance the Amplify•R platform. The Amplify•R platform has broad potential across many cytokines. With this funding, we will take our lead IL-15 bispecific program to the candidate stage and will develop additional bispecific programs spanning other cytokines and additional cellular targets.” 

— David de Graaf, Ph.D, CEO of Reverb Therapeutics 

Reverb’s technology is presenting an exciting potential treatment for a broad range of diseases. Preclinical studies have established the platform’s ability to redirect cytokines and shrink tumours, and the company’s initial focus will be on the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. With this investment, it will continue to advance its therapeutics well as develop additional programs. 

InBC invested in Reverb Therapeutics alongside other investors. This investment is working in parallel with the B.C. Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing Strategy to support a key growth sector in B.C., including supporting the growth and retention of research and development and intellectual property in the province. British Columbia is currently home to the fastest growing life sciences sector in Canada, employing over 20,000 people. 

Are you a company with strong connections to B.C. and ready to scale? InBC is making equity investments in growing, innovative private companies. Learn more and connect today

The post InBC Invests in Reverb Therapeutics, Advancing Antibody-Based Therapeutics appeared first on InBC Investment Corp.

Aspect Biosystems’ full-stack tissue therapeutic platform integrates proprietary AI-powered bioprinting technology, computational design tools, therapeutic cells and advanced biomaterials to create implantable tissues that can replace, repair or supplement biological functions. It is building a new class of regenerative medicine with the potential to treat serious metabolic and endocrine diseases such as diabetes, obesity, rare endocrine disorders and liver disease.

The company has a landmark partnership with global healthcare leader Novo Nordisk to develop disease-modifying treatments for diabetes and obesity. The partnership is currently focused on developing bioprinted tissue therapeutics for the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels without the need for immunosuppression, with the potential to offer a transformative treatment for people living with type 1 diabetes.

Last year, Aspect Biosystems received investment from the Governments of Canada and British Columbia to accelerate and anchor its clinical biomanufacturing capabilities in the province. With this latest investment, the company will advance multiple bioprinted tissue therapeutics with a mission to deliver a new class of cellular medicine and functional cures for people living with serious metabolic and endocrine diseases. This funding will also fuel the expansion of its full-stack tissue therapeutic platform.

InBC invested in Aspect Biosystems alongside other investors. In addition to the potential for financial returns, this investment advances InBC’s impact objective to innovate for the future and is working in parallel with the B.C. Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing Strategy to position B.C. as a global hub for life sciences and biomanufacturing. Currently, B.C. is home to the fastest growing life sciences sector in Canada.

Are you a company with strong connections to B.C. and ready to scale? InBC is making equity investments in growing, innovative companies raising a Series A or later round. Learn more and express your interest in a potential investment here.

The post InBC Invests in Aspect Biosystems, Pioneering Bioprinted Tissue Therapeutics appeared first on InBC Investment Corp.