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Last week CFIN released its latest member virtual experience, Cultivating Success: Canada's Big Biomanufacturing Opportunity. The experience was hosted by cellular food experts Dr. Lenore Newman of the Food and Agriculture Institute at the University of the Fraser Valley in BC, and Dr. Evan Fraser of the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph in Ontario. The event featured many examples of Canadian cellular food companies, including YEX Serums, a Toronto, ON-based biotechnology research company developing media and nutrients for cellular culture growth.
Here’s YEX co-founder Dr. Hon Leong talking about what it was like participating in the experience.
Q: Tell us a bit about your company and what you do.
Leong: YEX is a company that is manufacturing a product that will enable companies to make their lab-grown meat products profitably and in an environmentally friendly way.
Q: You were onsite at Immersion Room for the shooting of the documentary. What was that experience like?
Leong: Honestly, it was one the most incredible experiences of my life. I enjoyed every minute of it. Being in an office and in a lab all day – it was such a contrast. All of the equipment and professional filmmakers that day made it feel so glamorous. It was a wonderful experience for me.
Q: Why do you think it’s important to explain what the cellular food industry is and to showcase Canadian companies in this space?
Leong: I think that its going to be the future of meat and in Canada there are several companies that are involved in innovation and production. Canada is not lagging behind, and with more exposure and time, Canada could be helping lead the frontier of this new food industry.
Q: How do you see the cellular food sector progressing in the short and long term?
Leong: Its hard to say but I am optimistic. As I learn about more and more Canadian companies involved in this, I am becoming optimistic that in the short term there will be some Canadian successes. In the long term, I’m hoping that food grocers will take notice and help Canadian companies better market and communicate the benefits of this new type of food.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
Leong: YEX is hoping to be a major player in the cell ag field by helping others with their media needs. We offer something that is truly innovative and will lead to delicious tasting food products.
To connect with YEX, reach out to your Regional Innovation Director.
In case you missed it, here's Cultivating Success: Canada's Big Biomanufacturing Opportunity.
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