Simon Fraser University is putting new capital behind its next generation of spin-off companies.
The Burnaby-based university has launched the SFU Innovates Venture Fund, a new fund created with InBC Investment Corp. to support early-stage ventures emerging from SFU researchers, students, and alumni.
The fund will focus on companies in sectors with strong economic potential, including life sciences, deep technology, and cleantech. SFU is committing $7.5 million, which will be matched by InBC to create $15 million in initial investment capital. The university is also seeking additional investment and philanthropic support to grow the fund to $20 million.
“SFU has always been a place where ideas don’t just stay in the lab—they grow into real ventures and real impact,” said Dugan O’Neil, SFU’s 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.”
The fund arrives as universities across Canada look for new ways to commercialize research, retain intellectual property, and help promising companies scale locally.
SFU’s intellectual property policy allows creators to maintain control of their IP, a model the university says helps researchers move technology from the lab into the market while encouraging collaboration with industry partners.
For InBC, the partnership adds another channel for backing homegrown companies in high-potential sectors. The provincial Crown agency will also provide investment support for the fund through its team of investment professionals, including due diligence and portfolio management.
“This collaboration represents a shared commitment by InBC and SFU to increase the commercialization capacity within B.C.,” said Thomas Park, chief investment officer at InBC. “We are proud to partner with SFU, where some of the most exciting companies in B.C., such as Photonic, were born.”
Photonic, a Coquitlan-based quantum computing company, is one example of the type of SFU-rooted venture the fund is designed to support. The company was founded out of work by SFU professor Stephanie Simmons, who now serves as Photonic’s chief quantum officer.
“As a professor, I was drawn to quantum computing for its transformational potential at scale,” said Simmons. “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.”
She added that dedicated funding and investment expertise will make it easier to turn local scientific advances into globally impactful solutions.
The launch also aligns with B.C.’s broader push to help companies grow and stay in the province.
“Some of B.C.’s most innovative and successful companies have their roots at Simon Fraser University,” said 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.”
Companies interested in applying to the fund can contact SFU Innovates directly.
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