Atlantic Bioresources TechnoVenture Centre Established

Leading edge technology and advanced research promise to bring new focus to the agriculture and fisheries sector through the new Atlantic Bioresources TechnoVenture Centre.

The centre will develop value-added and non-traditional food and bioscience products and will be led by CEO Richard Ablett, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Chris d'Entremont announced today, July 13.

"Dr. Ablett brings an exciting perspective to the new TechnoVenture Centre. His vision, experience and proven leadership qualities will guide the innovative work of the centre," said Mr. d'Entremont. "We will have a leading edge research facility right here at home."

"Bioscience is an important area of growth for the Nova Scotia economy and Dr. Ablett's expertise in research and development will fuel growth in this field," said Ernest Fage, Minister of Economic Development. "We will have some of the best talent working out of our research facility for the benefit of our industry."

"The TechnoVenture Centre provides an opportunity to pursue a series of new bioresource developments," said Dr. Ablett. "Our intent is to gain a foothold in world markets for new, natural products that meet modern consumer needs. The Atlantic region has many under-utilized agriculture and fisheries' resources that can be directed towards this market."

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Nova Scotia Agriculture College (NSAC), the Office of Economic Development and InNOVAcorp have partnered to stimulate new and innovative economic growth areas. The centre will receive $250,000 per year for three years to help enhance the health and well-being of humans and animals through the development of new products.

Located at the AgriTech Park in Bible Hill, the Atlantic Bioresource TechnoVenture Centre will be part of the Nova Scotia Agricultural College campus.

"The TechnoVenture Centre, under Richard Ablett's capable direction, will help position our university precisely where we want to be -- as a knowledge creator and innovator in the world of value-added foods and new bioproducts," said NSAC president Philip Hicks. "It will help us pull the world of tomorrow's biotechnology right onto today's NSAC campus."

Dr. Ablett was most recently director of bioscience development with TechPEI Incorporated in Prince Edward Island.