The Global Agri-Food Advancement Partnership (GAAP) in Saskatchewan has announced the completion of an undisclosed investment round into Proxima Research and Development – Canada. Proxima, which has developed proprietary technology to better isolate, characterise, and engineer microbes for applications within agriculture, food, and pharma, offers unique microbial solutions to clients and is also developing its own technology solutions.
GAAP CEO Jay Robinson said: “Having Proxima as part of the GAAP portfolio will expand our offering for the Canadian agriculture market. We are excited to support the growth of a company that has a wide range of expertise to share.”
Proxima’s research and development program focuses on the isolation and genetic characterization of microbes with applications in food, biofuels, bioproducts, and pharmaceuticals. This bioprospecting activity supports numerous objectives, including the discovery and commercialization of novel microorganisms. One example of Proxima’s work in this area is the development of new yeast strains for brewing applications, enabling brewers to create new and exciting beer varieties for consumers worldwide.
The investment came about as a result of GAAP’s strong relationship with Ag-West Bio, Saskatchewan’s bioscience industry association. Both organizations believe that partnership leads to success. Proxima’s CEO and co-founder, Dr. Zachery Belak, said: “We are excited about this investment from GAAP because of the access to advanced equipment and facilities that it will provide. Biotechnology is one of the most expensive fields in which to start a business, and a significant part of that cost is the sophisticated equipment required. Access to GAAP’s facilities and technological capabilities through this investment will increase our ability to pursue our mission of helping clients achieve their scientific goals.” Co-founder and CSO Iain Wallace added: “We benefit from Ag-West Bio’s ongoing support, mentorship, and investments, and participation in GAAP’s incubator will help accelerate our business to the next stage.”
