Key Takeaways
- Genome BC’s Industry Innovation (I²) Fund has awarded $1.75 million to Maia Farms and previously $1.5 million to Verdi.
- Maia Farms is scaling production of mushroom mycelium, a sustainable protein and fibre ingredient for food manufacturers.
- Verdi is expanding commercialization of its AI-powered irrigation and crop management tools, already in use globally.
- Both companies represent British Columbia’s growing role in sustainable agriculture and agritech innovation.
- Genome BC says the I² Fund helps bridge the gap between breakthrough research and commercialization.
Maia Farms Receives Genome BC’s Funding: Scaling Mycelium Protein Production
Vancouver-based Maia Farms, which develops mushroom and mycelium-based food ingredients, has received $1.75 million from Genome BC’s I² Fund. The funding will help scale its production of mushroom mycelium, a sustainable protein alternative with the fibrous texture of meat.
Maia’s bioreactors upcycle agricultural byproducts to produce fermentation-based ingredients for food manufacturers. The versatile product can be used in items ranging from soups to ice cream.
“Maia’s innovative food ingredients are a result of advancements in genetics, agricultural upcycling and bioreactor technology; a nexus that could only happen in BC,” said Gavin Schneider, CEO of Maia Farms. “We already have a loyal customer base and this funding from the I² Fund allows us to scale up production and explore new manufacturing options.”
Maia Farms is also collaborating with the University of the Fraser Valley on a Genome BC-supported research project examining how climate-resilient food systems could shape British Columbia’s agricultural workforce.
Verdi: Expanding AI-Powered Farm Solutions
Earlier in 2025, Genome BC’s I² Fund provided $1.5 million to Verdi, a Vancouver-based agritech company co-founded by Arthur Chen and Roman Kozak. Verdi develops AI-driven software and hardware solutions that enable farmers to automate irrigation and nutrient management.
“We see AI used in our everyday lives, but as we dug into it, we’re surprised to find how many farms still rely on manual work in managing their resources like water and fertilizer,” Chen said. With Verdi’s tools, growers can manage irrigation systems from their phones using live data and automation to save time, water, and labour.
The company has expanded rapidly since the I² funding, quadrupling revenue within months and extending its market reach to the U.S., Peru, Portugal, and beyond.
“There’s a very specific time when our ability to distribute and execute on sales increased dramatically and that lined up with the I² funding,” Chen added.
Genome BC’s I² Fund: Bridging Innovation and Commercialization
Suzanne Gill, President and CEO of Genome BC, said the fund is designed to help innovative companies cross the commercialization gap. “The I² fund is bridging the gap between innovation and commercialization in BC’s bioeconomy. Our investments in companies like Maia Farms and Verdi help them grow and strengthen BC’s economy and our position as a leader in agritech.”
