entrepreneurship@UBC propels UBC innovations out into the world through venture creation, providing UBC students, researchers, faculty members, alumni and staff with the resources, networks, and funding they need to succeed.  As one of the world’s top 40 research universities with 80,000 students, faculty and staff and over $650M annual research funding, UBC has long been a catalyst for innovation. Part of the Innovation UBC network, entrepreneurship@UBC supports UBC ventures and entrepreneurs to generate social and economic impacts in B.C. and around the world. To date, entrepreneurship@UBC ventures have raised more than $221 million in funding, generated more than $30 million in revenue and hired more than 600 employees, stimulating the economic and social landscape of B.C. while building anchor companies that have a global impact.

entrepreneurship@UBC

BDC Capital has been recognized locally and nationally as a leader and innovator in business lending and capital investment. Many of New England’s leading financial institutions invest in BDC to help promising companies expand. Over 60 years, we have invested more than $1 billion in thousands of companies in New England.

BDC Capital Corporation

UBC Seed Fund is an investment firm that invests in seed-stage enterprises. These early equity investments are critical in assisting entrepreneurs in gaining traction in their enterprises and serving as a bridge to additional outside investment capital.

UBC Seed Fund

HATCH ventures is a joint effort between UBC’s Institute for Computing, Information and Cognitive Systems (ICICS) and entrepreneurship@UBC.

HATCH ventures

Genome BC, a non-profit research organization, leads genomics innovation on Canada’s West Coast and facilitates the integration of genomics into society. Their major investors are the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada through Genome Canada and Western Economic Diversification Canada. This funding is complemented by partnerships with many national and international public and private funding organizations to drive BC’s bioeconomy.

Genome British Columbia

Acuva Technologies

Acuva Technologies is developing ultraviolet light emitting diode (UV-LED) based drinking water purification systems targeting low to moderate volumes of water in various sizes. Acuva’s reactor is a compact, modular, and scalable system comprising UV LEDs, to provide a dose of UV radiation to water flowing through the device. The UV puriication system obtains germicidal destruction of biological contaminants such as viruses and bacteria.

Acuva Technologies is a cleantech company based in Burnaby, British Columbia that develops water purification systems using UltraViolet Light Emitting Diode (UV-LED) technology. Founded in 2014 by Manoj Singh and Fariborz Taghipour, the company's proprietary IntenseBeam technology combines UV disinfection with the energy efficiency of LEDs, enabling the purification of drinking water through microbial disinfection without adding chemicals. Acuva's flagship product is the ArrowMAX 2.0 UV-LED water treatment system, which inactivates 99.999% of E. coli bacteria and removes 99% of chlorine and lead, along with VOCs and unpleasant odors. The system has a flow rate of two liters per minute and can dispense 120,000 liters of water over its expected 7+ year lifespan.

Water purification startup Acuva Technologies closes $5.4 million Series B

ArrowMAX 2.0 UV-LED Water Treatment System

Clean tech investment of $3 million awarded to Acuva Technologies

Sterilize with ease: The future of hygiene technology

Hygiene Tech

Acuva Technologies inks exclusive North American partnership with Lippert Components, Inc.

Acuva Technologies is a cleantech company based in Burnaby, British Columbia that develops water purification systems using UltraViolet Light Emitting Diode (UV-LED) technology. Founded in 2014 by Manoj Singh and Fariborz Taghipour, the company's proprietary IntenseBeam technology combines UV disinfection with the energy efficiency of LEDs, enabling the purification of drinking water through microbial disinfection without adding chemicals. Acuva's flagship product is the ArrowMAX 2.0 UV-LED water treatment system, which inactivates 99.999% of E. coli bacteria and removes 99% of chlorine and lead, along with VOCs and unpleasant odors. The system has a flow rate of two liters per minute and can dispense 120,000 liters of water over its expected 7+ year lifespan.
Acuva's products are designed for various applications, including homes, RVs, boats, and commercial settings. The company's UV-LED technology offers an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to bottled water, allowing users to purify water from potentially contaminated sources. In May 2022, Acuva received a USD 3 million investment from the Government of Canada's Pacific Economic Development Agency, which it plans to use for upgrading existing products, commercializing new technologies, and bringing new offerings to market, such as a whole home water treatment system scheduled for release in 2024.
In February 2020, Acuva closed a USD 5.4 million Series B funding round from existing and new investors to meet growing demand and fund growth in Canada and overseas markets. The company has partnerships with original equipment manufacturers of water, ice, and beverage appliances in regions like the Philippines, China, India, and Europe to integrate its disinfection modules. Acuva has also received financing from Genome BC and funding from the federal government's Western Economic Diversification Canada's Western Innovation Initiative.

Mojix is a leading supply chain SaaS platform that provides item-level inventory management and traceability solutions. The company's cloud-based platform modernizes inventory and asset management, facilitating omnichannel order fulfillment, increasing operational efficiency, improving inventory accuracy, and enhancing the customer experience. Mojix's solutions leverage unique digital identities assigned to individual products, enabling complete product lifecycle visibility from origin and manufacturing through distribution centers, stores, and even post-sale.
Mojix's item-level traceability capabilities track billions of unique identities, following item lifecycles from source to shelf. The company's platform collects event data whenever an item's status changes, streaming it into the Mojix platform for processing along a lifecycle data model. This allows users to access real-time status and history of any item, with superior visibility and accuracy exceeding 99%.
Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, with offices across the US, Europe, and South America, Mojix serves leading clients from diverse industries, including food & beverage, luxury brands, manufacturing, industrial, aerospace & defense, and retail. In May 2022, Mojix was acquired by an affiliate of Peak Rock Capital, a leading middle-market private investment firm, providing growth capital to accelerate Mojix's product roadmap, organic growth, and strategic acquisitions.
Key customers and partnerships
Mojix and its partner Coriel, a systems integrator specializing in RFID, IoT, and Industry 4.0 solutions, were selected by Tosca, a global provider of reusable container solutions for the food industry, to implement an RFID-based traceability solution across Tosca's European sites as of January 2023. The SaaS-based solution enables real-time, item-level visibility of Tosca's reusable pallets and containers, reducing waste from asset loss, optimizing asset management through increased rotations, and improving service quality for Tosca's customers.

Mojix

Alen Corporation, founded in 2005 and based in Austin, Texas, is a leading manufacturer of high-quality air purifiers. The company's flagship product line, the BreatheSmart series, includes models like the 75i, 45i, and FLEX, designed to clean air in spaces ranging from 700 to 1,300 square feet. Alen's air purifiers utilize True HEPA H13 filters, which can capture 99.99% of airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns, including dust, allergens, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and bacteria.
The BreatheSmart purifiers feature advanced technology such as laser sensor-based air quality detection, auto-adjusting fan speeds, and color-coded LED rings to indicate air quality levels. Alen's units are known for their quiet operation, with noise levels as low as 25 decibels.

Alen

ECOVACS is a leading global company specializing in intelligent home robotics and cleaning solutions. Its product offerings include DEEBOT robotic vacuum cleaners, WINBOT window and surface cleaners, and AIRBOT air purifiers. ECOVACS has integrated cutting-edge technologies such as LiDAR, artificial intelligence, and vision sensors into its products to enhance cleaning efficiency and automation.
The DEEBOT X2 OMNI, launched in September 2023, represents a revolutionary robotic vacuum cleaner with a square design capable of reaching corners and edges. It features a 20 cm main brush, advanced navigation through Dual-Laser LiDAR and AI, real-time video call capabilities, and an impressive 8,000 Pa suction power. The OMNI Station allows self-cleaning, hot water washing, and drying of mopping pads, ensuring a hygienic cleaning experience.
In October 2022, ECOVACS unveiled the GOAT G1 robotic lawn mower, employing Robotic Vision technology to map lawns and boundaries without complex setup. The DEEBOT PRO, a commercial floor cleaning robot designed for large spaces, leverages HIVE shared intelligence across multiple robots for efficient mapping and cleaning.
With a history spanning over 20 years and operations in more than 60 countries, ECOVACS has established a strong global presence, particularly in Asia, Europe, and North America. By the end of 2022, Chinese robot vacuums, including ECOVACS, captured nearly 50% of the overseas market share.

Ecovacs

Therabody is a global pioneer in wellness technology, offering a range of innovative products and services to promote healthy living. The company's flagship product, the Theragun, is a percussive therapy device designed to alleviate pain and improve muscle recovery. Therabody's Theragun lineup includes various models, such as the Theragun Elite, Theragun Prime, and Theragun Mini, each with different speed settings, amplitude, and attachments to target specific muscle groups.
Therabody's technology utilizes percussive therapy, delivering quick, repeated strikes to the body to trigger blood vessels to dilate, increase circulation, and release muscle knots. The devices feature ergonomic designs, allowing for multiple grip options and ease of use. The brand has expanded its offerings beyond massage guns, introducing products like RecoveryAir pneumatic compression boots, PowerDot electrical stimulation devices, and TheraFace facial health devices.
In September 2022, Therabody raised USD 165 million in a growth equity round, valuing the company at over USD 1 billion. This funding allowed Therabody to further invest in hardware, software, services, and digital content, solidifying its position as a leader in the wellness tech industry. As of February 2024, the company offers its products in more than 60 countries and has nearly 600 granted patents globally, with over 200 more patent applications pending.
Key customers and partnerships
Therabody's customer base spans various industries, including professional and collegiate sports teams, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals seeking relief from muscle tension and pain. The company has partnered with several high-profile athletes, such as Kevin Hart and Aaron Rodgers, who have invested in the brand and promoted its products.
In February 2022, Therabody announced plans to expand its physical presence with the launch of Reset, a chain of whole-body wellness centers offering a range of services, including cryotherapy, light therapy, and hyperbaric chambers. By July 2022, the company aimed to have 22 physical locations, including Reset centers and standalone retail stores, across major US cities like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Houston.

Therabody

Xenex Disinfection Services is a pioneering company that provides advanced UV disinfection technology to healthcare facilities worldwide. Their flagship product, the LightStrike robot, utilizes intense bursts of broad-spectrum pulsed xenon UV light to rapidly destroy pathogens on surfaces, including multi-drug resistant organisms like MRSA, C. diff, and VRE. This technology is scientifically proven, with over 45 peer-reviewed studies validating its efficacy in reducing pathogen transmission.
The LightStrike robots are designed to complement manual cleaning processes by disinfecting areas that may be missed during routine cleaning. They are effective against a wide range of viruses, bacteria, and spores, making them a valuable addition to healthcare facilities' infection prevention strategies. The company's patented technology is protected by 193 patents and has been deployed by over 1,000 hospitals worldwide.
Xenex's innovative approach has gained recognition from leading healthcare institutions such as HonorHealth, Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson, Ochsner Health, and Texas Health Resources, which have integrated the LightStrike robots into their disinfection protocols. The company's commitment to scientific evidence and a mission to improve global health has been the driving force behind its success.

Xenex

Technological devices used to keep an individual clean, specifically their body, teeth, and clothing to prevent illness and diseases.

Technological products and devices related to balancing a female's vaginal flora to prevent infections and vaginal diseases.

Technological equipment and devices used to keep an individual's house (such as domestic items, the air, and surfaces) clean to prevent illness and diseases.

Technological equipment and solutions that can be used in an industrial or domestic setting to control biological food hazards (such as microbes and bacteria) and to ensure food safety and quality for human consumption, preventing diseases and illness.

Technological equipment and devices used to ensure clean air, sanitation, and hygiene in public places to prevent illness and diseases.

Uses IoT for sensors and data gathering in both public environments and for personal hygiene

Provide solutions for environmental hygiene—can be used in smart cities for health and safety purposes

Acuva Technologies

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