From the depths of space to the local grocery aisle, the way we produce and consume food is undergoing a radical shift. As global populations grow and climate patterns become increasingly unpredictable, the need for resilient, nutrient-dense, and sustainable food systems has never been more urgent.
British Columbia is rising to meet this challenge, emerging as a global hub for agritech innovation. Leading this charge are two companies reimagining the building blocks of our food supply: Maia Farms, which is pioneering mycelium-based proteins, and BeriTech, which is mastering the art of year-round, indoor berry cultivation.
Maia Farms: The Power of Mycelium
The story of Maia Farms began with a mission that was literally out of this world. Tasked by the Canadian Space Agency and NASA through the Deep Space Food Challenge, the team developed a mycelium-based protein system designed to thrive in the most extreme environments. After winning the challenge, they turned their gaze back to Earth, realizing that the same technology used to feed astronauts could revolutionize food manufacturing here at home.
Maia Farms specializes in integrating functional mushroom ingredients into everyday foods. Their flagship product, FORM, is a clean-label protein made from oyster mushrooms and pea protein. Unlike many plant-based alternatives that require heavy processing or chemical binders, FORM offers a "drop-in" solution that enhances both nutrition and texture.
A recent partnership with Sprague Foods showcased the practical impact of this technology. By integrating Maia’s ingredients into their soups and chilis, Sprague was able to significantly boost protein and fiber content while maintaining a meat-like "bite" that survives the intense heat of industrial retort processing. For manufacturers, it represents a rare "no-compromise" solution: cleaner labels, better nutrition, and consistent taste at scale.
BeriTech: Bringing the Farm Indoors
While Maia Farms innovates with what we eat, BeriTech is changing how and when we grow it. In Canada, off-season fresh berries are often a luxury or a high-emission import. BeriTech is working to change that narrative by developing advanced technology to deliver premium off-season blueberries, raspberries and blackberries at scale.
Focusing on the intersection of plant genetics and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), BeriTech uses precision-controlled indoor farming to bypass the limitations of the Canadian climate. Their approach combines advanced horticultural methods with plant breeding and genomicsto ensure that off-season berries meets high standards of quality and food safety.
With a mission to enhance Canada’s food security, BeriTech is designing its first commercial-scale facility to provide locally produced, environmentally friendly berries year-round. By reducing the reliance on long-haul shipping, they aren't just delivering fresher fruit—they are significantly lowering the carbon footprint of the Canadian produce aisle.
A Stronghold for Agritech Innovation
The success of companies like Maia Farms and BeriTech is no accident; it is a byproduct of British Columbia’s robust agritech ecosystem. The province is home to over 150 agritech companies that leverage B.C.’s unique combination of world-class research universities, diverse climates, and a tech-savvy workforce.
Central to this growth is the BC Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI) hosted at SFU. The Centre plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between technological breakthroughs and commercial success. By providing small and medium businesses with tailored support, funding, and industry expertise, the Centre ensures that B.C. remains at the forefront of agritech innovation, strengthening food security and climate resilience.
"British Columbia is uniquely positioned to lead the global agritech transition," says Rahul Singh, Director of the BC Centre for Agritech Innovation. "By providing access to the right resources and expertise, BCCAI helps companies like Maia Farms and BeriTech turn prototypes into real-world solutions. This ecosystem isn't just supporting businesses; it's securing the future of our food systems and driving sustainable economic growth across the province."
Meet Maia Farms and BeriTech at the B.C. Pavilion
Together, Maia Farms and BeriTech represent the dual nature of British Columbia’s agritech leadership: one harnessing the microscopic power of fungi to fortify our diets, and the other mastering the macroscopic engineering of indoor environments to protect our harvests.
Visit the BC Pavillion during Web Summit Vancouver to connect with these teams and experience firsthand how they are redefining the building blocks of our food system.
Explore programming at the BC Pavilion at Web Summit Vancouver.
