About BIOS
The Bio-Industrial Opportunities Section (BIOS) provides technical and industry development support for the development, scale-up and commercialization of non-food value-added products and applications. Adding value to Alberta’s biomass resources helps to create jobs, stimulate economic diversification and grow the provincial economy.
A team of dedicated professionals can help you advance your bio-based project, from biomaterials and bio-based chemicals to bioenergy and natural health products. Our focuses include:
- identifying new opportunities for agricultural/forestry processing and production of value-added products from waste streams and byproducts
- maximizing value through fractionation of biomass to isolate high value ingredients
- facilitating commercialization and market access through industry development and extension activities
Bio Processing Innovation Centre
The Bio Processing Innovation Centre (BPIC) – operated by BIOS – is a 10,000 ft2 pilot facility providing essential product development and scale-up support to the growing bioeconomy. BPIC offers a suite of facilities, equipment and expertise to help companies succeed. The assets are uniquely positioned between lab- and pilot-scale production, giving companies the ability to test and improve their proof-of-concept ideas and processes before committing to full production.
BPIC works with Alberta researchers and companies to advance innovative ideas and processes that convert agriculture and forestry biomass into value-added products. These biomass inputs include:
- oilseeds
- cereal grains
- specialty crops
- botanicals
- biomass secondary process streams
The BPIC team offers clients a multi-disciplinary skill set backed by years of working experience in bio-industrial product development. The team’s knowledge, focus and expertise on technical services supports bio-industrial clients by delivering applied solutions. In-house expertise provided by scientists, engineers, technologists and industry development officers is available for clients.
With a natural and non-prescription health products (NNHP) licence from Health Canada, the facility can also provide interim manufacturing services for cosmetic and personal care products and NNHPs. BPIC also has an industrial hemp licence that allows clients to develop hemp-based products.
BPIC Services
Engineering services and technical consultation
Section scientists or engineers may provide these services. The charges relate to the time spent on a contracted project and can apply to work done at the facility or at the client’s facility.
Benchtop development
This refers to the use of the laboratory for product development. Clients may use the facility on their own, or with assistance from a branch scientist or engineer (note the difference in fees).
Pilot plant development
This refers to the use of the BPIC facility for the commercialization of products under development, or the production of products for testing or marketing purposes. Included in this fee is a technologist who will assist you with equipment use.
Interim processing
This refers to the use of BPIC for a specified period of time beyond the developmental period. Clients may contract the use of the pilot plant to manufacture their products for the market while their own facilities are being upgraded or constructed. The daily fee will depend on the complexity of the process and the amount and type of space being used. All costs related to ingredients, manufacturing, packaging and shipment of products produced in the pilot plant, and cleaning by a third-party contractor are the responsibility of the client.
Post-processing cleaning
Fees are charged to recover the cost of pilot plant cleaning services to meet building requirements.
Handling and storage
Storage of finished products in a controlled temperature environment and of dry goods is limited by the availability of space. Fees will be applied only when excessive amounts or lengths of storage occur.
BPIC fee schedule
GST will be applied to all goods and services supplied by the Minister.
These fees apply to Alberta companies or companies that have processing facilities in Alberta. Fees for out-of-province clients will be negotiated prior to signing a contract but in most cases will be double those quoted above.
Table 1. Fee schedule – Bio-Industrial Opportunities Section
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Engineering services | $350 per day* |
| Technical consultation | $350 per day |
| Benchtop development – by section staff | $350 per day |
| Benchtop development – by client staff | $350 per day |
| Pilot plan development | $500 per day |
| Interim processing | $500 to $1,200 per day |
| Post-processing cleaning | $25 per person per hour |
| Handling and storage | $0.10 per kg per day |
| Seminars and demonstrations | Cost plus 10% |
* Daily rates are based on a 7.25-hour day.
Resources
Accessing our services
- Bio-Industrial Opportunities Section (PDF)
- Operations and Facilities Unit Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Fee Schedule (PDF)
- Application for Technical Assistance
Factsheets
- Circular Economy
- Technical Capabilities and Equipment Spray Dryer
- Value-added Fractionation Program
- Biomaterial Development and Characterization
Reports
Contact
Connect with the Bio-Industrial Opportunities Section:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-644-8118
Fax: 780-638-3586
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]
Ken Gossen, Executive Director:
Phone: 780-980-4860
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]
Hong Qi, Director:
Phone: 780-644-8128
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]
Address:
Bio-Industrial Opportunities Section
O.S. Longman Building
4th Floor, 6909 116 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T6H 4P2