02.13.19
BASF Canada selected Genecis, a Toronto-based biotechnology startup, as the winner of its first Innovation Pitch Series. Genecis is developing a synthetic biology platform to convert organic waste into premium chemicals and materials.
“BASF seeks to work with innovative partners to strategically solve today's global challenges,” said Marcelo Lu, president of BASF Canada. “We are proud to support a Canadian startup company which is providing a sustainable solution for organic waste.”
A variety of digital and sustainability-focused startups were considered, with the top four companies tasked with pitching sustainable business solutions to BASF Canada. Genecis was selected after receiving 80 percent of the vote by employees and an executive leader panel.
The selection criterion was based on a strategic fit with BASF’s company purpose: "We create chemistry for a sustainable future."
“BASF seeks to work with innovative partners to strategically solve today's global challenges,” said Marcelo Lu, president of BASF Canada. “We are proud to support a Canadian startup company which is providing a sustainable solution for organic waste.”
A variety of digital and sustainability-focused startups were considered, with the top four companies tasked with pitching sustainable business solutions to BASF Canada. Genecis was selected after receiving 80 percent of the vote by employees and an executive leader panel.
The selection criterion was based on a strategic fit with BASF’s company purpose: "We create chemistry for a sustainable future."
Presentations had to feature a viable, long-term business plan for a scalable product or service in a global market. In addition to receiving $10,000, Genecis will meet with BASF's innovation team to discuss potential opportunities for collaboration.
“This means much more to us than just a reward; it signifies an opportunity to develop a potential long-term partnership with BASF, where we can provide benefit to a company with global reach,” said Luna Yu, CEO and founder of Genecis. “This also provides a validation of our ability to make an impact in the expanding SynBio industry. With BASF’s support, Genecis can accelerate towards our vision of turning the waste of today into the platinum of tomorrow.”
The event was hosted at MaRS Discovery District, North America’s largest urban innovation hub, which supports high-growth Canadian-based ventures in a range of key technology sectors. In 2018, BASF Canada partnered with MaRS to evaluate emerging technologies.
“Genecis is solving two massive global challenges at once – food and plastic waste – with an innovative solution that has the potential to change our world, so it’s no surprise that they were selected by BASF for this important award,” said Jane Kearns, senior cleantech advisor at MaRS Discovery District. “Genecis was also one of six finalists chosen by a panel of expert judges from across North American for our Women in Cleantech Challenge, so continue to expect more big news from this impressive company.”
“This means much more to us than just a reward; it signifies an opportunity to develop a potential long-term partnership with BASF, where we can provide benefit to a company with global reach,” said Luna Yu, CEO and founder of Genecis. “This also provides a validation of our ability to make an impact in the expanding SynBio industry. With BASF’s support, Genecis can accelerate towards our vision of turning the waste of today into the platinum of tomorrow.”
The event was hosted at MaRS Discovery District, North America’s largest urban innovation hub, which supports high-growth Canadian-based ventures in a range of key technology sectors. In 2018, BASF Canada partnered with MaRS to evaluate emerging technologies.
“Genecis is solving two massive global challenges at once – food and plastic waste – with an innovative solution that has the potential to change our world, so it’s no surprise that they were selected by BASF for this important award,” said Jane Kearns, senior cleantech advisor at MaRS Discovery District. “Genecis was also one of six finalists chosen by a panel of expert judges from across North American for our Women in Cleantech Challenge, so continue to expect more big news from this impressive company.”
