Grand Falls

BIOÉCONOMY

INNOVATIVE BIOECONOMY: FERMENTATION, BIOPRODUCTS, AND BIOMASS UTILIZATION

INNOV’s Bioprocessing Centre is a key player in Atlantic Canada’s bioeconomy, specializing in beverage development, fermentation, organic residue valorization and high value-added bioproducts.

Its activities span a unique continuum ranging from applied fermentation research to the conversion of organic matter into energy, agri-food products or functional ingredients.

With state-of-the-art laboratories in Grand Falls and a pilot biomethanation platform in Saint John, INNOV supports businesses in designing eco-responsible processes, valorizing residual streams and innovating in the transformation of organic materials.

EXPERTISE

Fermentation and distillation

  • Artisanal beverages (beer, spirits, cider, etc.)
  • High-precision fermentation for the production of functional ingredients and proteins
  • Experimental distillation (30-liter Bavarian Holstein still)

Valorization and Bioconversion

  • Extraction, concentration, and purification of byproducts (malted grains, whey, pomace, second-grade potatoes, seaweed, marine residues).
  • Bioconversion and biomethanation of organic waste from agriculture, the food industry, and municipal waste.
  • Production of energy and organic fertilizers.

Formulation and Quality

  • Development of functional and nutraceutical beverages.
  • Quality control and physicochemical and microbiological analyses.
  • Specialized laboratory analyses for grains, malt, and hops.

Digitization and Process Optimization

  • Integration of AI, IoT, and automation for the management and optimization of industrial processes.
  • Implementation of quality control and quality assurance programs.

OUR

SERVICES

INNOV–Bioprocédés combines biological sciences, engineering, and digital intelligence to make sustainability a driver of competitiveness.

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Develop and Formulate

We support companies from the design phase through fermentation testing to product formulation.

  • Development and optimization of fermentation and distillation processes.
  • Feasibility studies and pilot trials for new ingredients or beverages.
  • Formulation of functional beverages and nutraceutical products.
  • Development and optimization of high-precision fermentation processes.

Analyze and Validate

Rigorous testing and quality control at every stage of production.

  • Microbiological, chemical and sensory analyses (quality control, stability)
  • Implementation of quality control and quality assurance programs.
  • Specialized laboratory analyses for grains, malt, and hops.

Valorize and Sustain

Turning waste streams into new sources of value and energy.

  • Valorization of agricultural, food, and marine byproducts.
  • Development of functional ingredients from secondary streams.
  • Assessment of biogas (CH₄, CO₂, H₂S) production and quality at pilot scale.
  • Optimization of anaerobic digestion and co-digestion of mixed substrates.

Transfer and Scaling

Support industry adoption and long-term capacity building.

  • Training and knowledge transfer in the areas of fermentation, value addition, and sustainable development.
  • Technology transfer from the laboratory to the pilot scale.

OUR EQUIPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Chemistry, microbiology and fermentation laboratories
  • Pilot brewery: 20L and 40L conical tanks
  • Bioreactors: 4L and 40L
  • Bavarian Holstein 30L still for experimental distillation
  • Analytical systems: HPLC-MS-UV, GC-MS-FID-ECD, UV-Vis, LECO (protein analysis)
  • Processing equipment: malting unit, microfiltration system, ultrasonic extractor, freeze dryer
  • Modular reactor for co-digestion of agri-food and municipal substrates.
  • Biogas analysis instruments: methane (CH₄), CO₂, H₂S
  • Digestate pre-treatment and recovery systems
  • Digital workstation for monitoring energy yields and process parameters.

KEY

ACHIEVEMENTS

As experts in fermentation and biomass valorization, we transform organic waste into high-value resources. From developing innovative products to producing bioenergy, we are driving the transition to a circular and sustainable economy for our regional partners.

Some of our key achievements:

  • 150+ agri-food products developed: beers, spirits, functional beverages, etc.
  • Valorization of whey, pomace and spent grains into ingredients or energy.
  • Biogas yield and co-digestion studies for agri-food and municipal partners.
  • Technical support for several SMEs and organizations such as Blue Roof Distillers, Moonshine Creek, Verger Belliveau Orchard, Craft Alcohol NB and Malterie Caux-Laflamme.
  • Co-organization of the Down East Brew Conference, a regional showcase for brewing innovation.
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