Four Nova Scotia startups have been selected to participate in the first GreenShoots 2025–2026 cohort, a six-month program that provides funding along with business and technical support.
Delivered by Greenspring Bioinnovation Hub and Invest Nova Scotia, GreenShoots supports early-stage companies working with bio-based technologies. All four selected companies are based in Nova Scotia and operate in areas spanning skincare, agriculture, food, and biotechnology.
The selected startups – each of which will receive grants of up to $40,000 – are:
- BryoSphere, based in Cape Breton and led by Liz Mahon and Hila Behar, which is developing high-performance skincare ingredients derived from moss species.
- Karyotica, based in Truro, led by Aaron Dublenko, Prasanthi Peddinti, Dr. Raphael Ofoe, and William S. Baillie, which produces organic, plant-based biostimulants intended to improve plant health from the root up.
- Petite Riviere Farming Company, based in Conquerall Mills and led by Gregg Curwin, which is developing freeze-dried micro-broccoli products positioned as food-based interventions aimed at reducing cancer risk and chronic inflammation.
- Sophie’s BioNutrients, based in Cape Breton and led by Yao-Hsin Eugene Wang and Kirin Tuei, which uses non-GMO precision fermentation technology based on microalgae.
Greenspring Bioinnovation Hub, formerly known as Nova Scotia Innovation Hub, was established in 2015 to support development of the province’s bioeconomy. Its work includes improving access to feedstocks, supporting collaboration, and providing financial and commercialization support to bio-based companies.
Invest Nova Scotia supports early-stage companies through venture capital, incubation facilities, advisory services, and acceleration programs, with a focus on deep technology startups.
