The Bioeconomy: The Backbone of One Canadian Economy
September 20, 2025
by Meaghan Seagrave, Executive Director, Bioindustrial Innovation Canada
Canada’s strength as a nation is rooted in its vast and diverse natural resources, and the bioeconomy stands at the forefront of transforming these assets into a cohesive, resilient, and innovative economy. The truly unique power of the bioeconomy lies in its ability to connect sectors and regions across the country—creating a "Farm and Forest to Factory" link that embodies the essence of a true One Canadian Economy.
This integrated approach is about leveraging our natural resource endowment to displace fossil-based inputs across priority value chains while keeping investment and production onshore. This interconnected system leverages Canada’s natural competitive advantage—its abundant landscapes and resource-rich regions—driving job creation, attracting private investment, and delivering high-value manufacturing opportunities from coast to coast.
The importance of building Canada’s bioeconomy goes beyond simple resource utilization. It’s about fostering high-value, disruptive innovation that breaks down traditional silos in industries and sectors, encouraging new collaborations and technological advancements to increase the productivity and competitiveness of Canada’s manufacturing industries. It’s about developing Canadian IP and creating products and solutions that are not only environmentally responsible but meeting the changing market demands for lower carbon intensity production. By doing so, Canada is better positioned to leverage innovations that build off our natural strengths and insulate Canada from the ever-changing geopolitical forces.
The bioeconomy serves as a strategic shield against the vulnerabilities of global trade hurdles and geopolitical uncertainties. When industries become interconnected across sectors and regions, Canada becomes more resilient—less dependent on external markets and more self-reliant in producing critical goods and materials. This insulation enhances national security and economic stability, ensuring that Canada can thrive even amidst global disruptions.
Since its inception, Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC) has championed this vision, establishing a comprehensive National Bioeconomy Strategy with over 400 stakeholders involved. By building fiscally responsible pathways that leverage Canada’s natural resources, including $25 million in investments that have leveraged over $450 million in private capital, BIC has cemented its role in advancing a One Canadian Economy rooted in innovation and sustainability. These efforts contribute not only to regional development, like creating more than 6,600 new clean technology jobs and 15,000 construction jobs, but also to Canada’s global positioning as an innovative leader.
The bioeconomy exemplifies a truly resilient, interconnected, and forward-looking One Canadian Economy. By embracing the Farm and Forest to Factory link, fostering disruptive innovation, and insulating against external risks, Canada is building a stronger, more united economic future—one rooted in the natural strengths and collaborative spirit of its regions. The bioeconomy isn’t just an economic strategy; it’s the foundation for a resilient, innovative, and sustainable Canada.
About Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC)
BIC is a non-profit business accelerator based in Ontario, Canada, focused on promoting sustainable chemistry and the circular bioeconomy. Founded in 2008, BIC supports the development and commercialization of green technologies through strategic investments, technical support, and the creation of innovative industrial clusters across Canada. Since 2008, BIC has made over 30 strategic investments in early-stage green technology companies that have contributed to the reduction of over 1 million tons of CO₂, while also creating over 66,600 jobs. With BIC support, these companies have attracted over CAD 500 million in external investments, allowing them to grow and scale in Canada.