Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions (AI Bio) and Alberta Innovates - Technology Futures (AITF) are teaming up to provide research and development funding for cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). This advanced biomaterial is biodegradable, non-toxic, extremely strong and has other unique properties that offer exciting opportunities for a wide range of commercial applications.

“This is an excellent opportunity for small- and medium-sized enterprises to gain funding and material for their nanotech-related research,” said Gordon Giles, director of forestry at AITF.

AITF operates one of the few pilot plants in the world capable of producing high-quality CNC in kilogram volumes. Located at AITF’s Edmonton premises, the plant is currently doing research in a number of areas including the development of CNC applications in the fields of energy, health, industrial coatings, electronics and the environment.

The R&D program, dubbed CNC Challenge 2.0, will support up to eight projects each receiving up to $25,000 in funding, up to 1 KG of CNC and access to AITF’s researchers, capacity and facilities.

"The first CNC Challenge funding program yielded several interesting projects," noted Christine Murray, director of agricultural technologies at AI Bio. "We look forward to seeing other creative uses for CNC come forward which take advantage of its unique properties and great potential."