SFU launches $20M fund with InBC to invest in spin-off ventures

Leading SFU researchers, students and alumni looking to level up their emerging tech businesses can get support from a new $20-million fund from Simon Fraser University (SFU) and InBC Investment Corp. (InBC).

The SFU Innovates Venture Fund will focus on early-stage companies in sectors with significant economic potential, including life sciences, deep technology and cleantech.  

“SFU has always been a place where ideas don’t just stay in the lab—they grow into real ventures and real impact,” says Dugan O’Neil, vice-president, research and innovation. “Having supported more than 500 ventures so far, we are excited to launch this new fund to accelerate the translation of breakthrough research into real-world impact.” 

 SFU’s intellectual property (IP) policy allows creators to maintain control of their intellectual property. The IP policy empowers SFU researchers to translate technology from SFU labs to the world at large, and incentivizes industry partners to collaborate, partner and/or license technology from SFU creators.  

SFU is investing $7.5 million in the SFU Innovates Venture Fund and InBC, a provincial Crown agency and strategic investment fund, is matching this commitment to create initial investment capital of $15 million, with the university seeking investments and philanthropic gifts to raise an additional $5 million to grow the fund to $20 million.

"Some of B.C.'s most innovative and successful companies have their roots at Simon Fraser University," says Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. "With global uncertainty causing access to capital to be increasingly competitive, it's essential that we continue finding new ways to help these businesses grow, create good jobs and stay in B.C. The SFU Innovates Venture Fund is one of the most significant investments of its kind and works hand in hand with our Look West strategy, building a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits people in every region of B.C." 

InBC will also provide investing capacity for the SFU Innovates Venture Fund through its team of investment professionals, including investment-grade due diligence and portfolio management. 

“This collaboration represents a shared commitment by InBC and SFU to increase the commercialization capacity within B.C.,” says Thomas Park, chief investment officer, InBC. “We are proud to partner with SFU, where some of the most exciting companies in B.C., such as Photonic, were born. By focusing on high-potential sectors in the province, such as life sciences, deep tech and more, we are strategically building momentum in key growth industries to maximize economic impact.” 

Photonic Inc., a Vancouver-based quantum computing firm, is a testament to how SFU supports the innovation journey of scientist-entrepreneurs like SFU professor and Photonic chief quantum officer Stephanie Simmons. Photonic is developing commercial-scale quantum computers and quantum networks to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges, while creating jobs and nurturing Canadian talent.

"As a professor, I was drawn to quantum computing for its transformational potential at scale. When considering all the elements required to make this goal a reality, SFU had a compelling combination of entrepreneurial focus, leading research talent, and world class location,” says Simmons. “Adding access to dedicated funding and investment expertise will make it easier to turn local scientific advancements into globally impactful solutions.”  

For more information about this fund, visit the InBC webpage.

To apply for this fund, contact: sfu_innovates@sfu.ca

SFU is now seeking investments and philanthropic support to grow the fund to $20M, empowering researchers, students, and alumni to commercialize technologies. Learn more here.