How can scaling up go from elusive dream to accessible reality?

Canadian innovation is tackling a global challenge: how to feed the world’s animals sustainably. With support from Mitacs, Calgary-based startup Cv̄ictus is developing a low-carbon, sustainable alternative to traditional animal feed — one that could significantly reduce the environmental impact of livestock farming.

Using a revitalized industrial fermentation process, Cv̄ictus converts methanol into high-protein, single-cell feed, offering a scalable replacement for fish and soybean meal. Unlike traditional sources that contribute to deforestation and marine depletion, methanol fermentation requires less land, less water, and produces a smaller carbon footprint.

Mitacs helps Cv̄ictus scale an underused fermentation technology

To modernize and scale this process, Cv̄ictus partnered with Mitacs and researchers at the University of Alberta’s Biorefining Conversions and Fermentation Laboratory. Supported by Mitacs funding, student researchers have doubled productivity compared to legacy methods from the 1980s — helping bring this solution closer to commercialization.

“We have giant dreams and expectations for where this technology will go, but as a startup, we can’t feasibly employ the resources required to scale,” said Katrina Stewart, Cv̄ictus Director, Biotechnology and Carbon Reduction. “Academic researchers provide the innovation, expertise and drive we need to help move the needle forward on this exciting technology.” 

Student research supports a cleaner, closed-loop production system

Mitacs intern Domenic Marano, a Master’s student in bioresources technology, is also helping design a closed-loop system to recycle the waste stream from fermentation — further minimizing the environmental impact.

As Cv̄ictus moves into animal feed trials, the project showcases how Mitacs partnerships help scale homegrown solutions that support sustainability, industry, and economic growth.

Learn more about how Mitacs can support your innovation: mitacs.ca/partner 

Mitacs’s programs receive funding from multiple partners across Canada. We thank the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon for supporting us to empower Canadian innovation. 

Do you have a business challenge that could benefit from a research solution? If so, contact Mitacs today to discuss partnership opportunities: [email protected].