Hormone replacements made from plants, fish farming tied to hydroponic greenhouses and the propagation of hardy fruit for the Prairies are among the big ideas presented in the University of Saskatchewan’s BioVenture Challenge.
Five finalists were named during a presentation at the university June 14. A winner, to be chosen in late summer, will receive $50,000 in seed money for his or her enterprise.
The finalists include Rachel Buhler, who plans to establish a fish farm near Osler, Sask., and Joel Campbell, who has created a fruit propagation laboratory at Lumsden, Sask.
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Steve Mamchur, a Prince Albert, Sask., pharmacist, is developing hormone concentrates from natural plant sources for use in hormone replacement therapies.
Other finalists include Tyler Whale, who is creating a curbside collection company for compostable material and Patrick Mah, whose remediation process is intended for use at oilfields and mining sites.
Mark Wartman, Saskatchewan’s minister of agriculture, said the challenge will help young entrepreneurs with their ideas today and into the future by connecting them with resources and expert help.
“It’s not enough to have a good idea. It’s about taking the good idea and translating ideas into viable strong commercial ventures,” said Wartman.
The challenge received eight submissions from University of Saskatchewan graduates under the age of 35.
The finalists, who will spend the summer creating business plans and working with coaches and mentors, will be considered for venture capital funding from the Saskatchewan Angel Investors Network.
The challenge is a joint venture of the university’s industry liaison office and Saskatchewan Agriculture, aimed at accelerating opportunities in the bioeconomy.
