Nova Scotia bioeconomy
Experience what sets us apart from the rest of Canada, and the world.
What is the bioeconomy?
Nova Scotia’s Bioeconomy is a regenerative system. Innovative organizations support sustainability developing uses for bioresources and biotechnology.
This interconnected, circular economy sources, distributes, uses, reuses and finds new applications for renewable bioresources. It lowers emissions and environmental impacts, providing the province with a unique opportunity to build value and drive export growth.
Nova Scotia’s projected bioeconomy impact
5.87M
GHG reductions
(tons per year)*
4,500+
direct and indirect jobs*
$750 M
invested capital*
*Potential based on planned projects

Existing bioresource operations
Existing bioresource operations generate by-products and waste that can become feedstocks for bioeconomy projects, creating additional value and promoting a circular bioeconomy.

Feedstocks
Feedstocks can include byproducts and underutilized materials from forestry, agriculture, oceans, and municipal solid waste industries.

Bioprocessing
Bioprocessing facilities use novel techniques to convert local raw materials into a variety of both traditional and new, innovative products.

Bioproducts
Bioproducts are sustainable, low-carbon innovative products produced using renewable natural resources from municipal waste streams, agriculture, forestry, and ocean sectors.

Closing the loop
Some bioproducts are compostable and contribute to future growth, and others can be collected and diverted from landfills for reprocessing and reuse.
Why Nova Scotia?
Nova Scotia is one of Canada’s leading regions for renewable natural resource innovation. Offering a network of service providers and infrastructure facilities, Nova Scotia is the perfect place to set up your bioeconomy firm.

Local talent
Known as Canada’s Education Province, Nova Scotia has the most academic institutions per capita, providing a consistent stream of available talent.

Research and development
A number of companies and organizations look to post-secondary institutions across the province to support their research and development.

Support organizations
Gain access to a large network of support organizations that help you with research, funding, accessing global supply chains, and more!

Prime location
Nova Scotia’s proximity to the USA and Europe provides bioeconomy companies with both logistics and time zone advantages.
Local partnerships
Partnerships strengthen the voice of the community to drive the growth and success of Nova Scotia. The bioeconomy is supported through organizations that aim to promote best-in-class, investment-ready conditions for a low-carbon bioeconomy.

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency works with diverse communities to develop and diversify local economies by championing the strengths of Atlantic Canada.

Nova Scotia Community College
The Nova Scotia Community College offers research and development support for industries and educates the next generation of working professionals.

Office of Commercialization and Industry Engagement
Dalhousie’s Office of Commercialization and Industry Engagement works to facilitate partnerships, commercialize research, and assist in spinoff ventures.

Divert Nova Scotia
Divert Nova Scotia is a not-for-profit organization that's championing recycling in Nova Scotia to improve the province's environment, economy and quality of life.

FPInnovations
FPInnovations is a private not-for-profit R&D organization that specializes in solutions that accelerate Canada's forest sector growth to enhance global competitveness.

Ignite Atlantic
Ignite Atlantic is a rural innovation hub with the goal to develop a vibrant ecosystem that brings together entrepreneurs, industry, youth, and community to collaborate on innovative projects.

Invest Nova Scotia
Invest Nova Scotia is Nova Scotia’s business development agency that works to promote economic growth and community economic development in the province by enabling business, innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

Department of Agriculture
The Nova Scotia Deptartment of Agriculture supports the development of agriculture and agri-business industries that contribute to the prosperity of Nova Scotia.

Department of Natural Resources and Renewables
The Nova Scotia Deptartment of Natural Resources and Renewables supports the transition to ecological forestry management and the protection of the province's wildlife, mineral, and energy resources.

Research Nova Scotia
Research NS enhances research capacity, as well as aligns research funding with provincial priorities and promotes a mission-oriented research ecosystem to help solve Nova Scotia’s biggest challenges.

Springboard Atlantic
Springboard Atlantic provides strategically positioned resources to Atlantic Canadian universities and colleges alike, helping them transfer both knowledge and technology into the private sector.
