Innovative testing.
Reliable solutions.
LuminUltra develops biological testing solutions that discover and monitor potentially harmful microorganisms in people and everyday spaces.
Based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, LuminUltra is using their innovative testing solutions to support the pandemic response and help keep Canadians safe. Adjusting their business plan to respond to the COVID-19 call to action, LuminUltra developed new ways to quickly test surfaces, wastewater and patients for COVID-19 and has been supplying the Government of Canada with their innovative testing solutions.
The Challenge: Responding to a surge in demand for new products during COVID-19
LuminUltra was in a unique position at the onset of the pandemic. With soaring demand for innovative testing solutions for COVID-19, and their expertise in biological diagnostic testing, they needed to quickly pivot their operations to respond to the call for a made-in-Canada testing solution.
Working with the Accelerated Growth Service (AGS) during this crucial adjustment period helped LuminUltra fast track their pandemic scale-up by connecting them with the right partners at the right time. Working with an Innovation Advisor, they secured funding to establish a new certified manufacturing facility where they produced over 24 million testing kits. This helped them lock in a new Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) contract to supply the Government of Canada with key components for COVID-19 diagnostic tests. In addition to funding new facilities, support from AGS partners allowed LuminUltra to keep existing staff during volatile times, bring on over 40 new employees, and build their reputation as a global player in their field.
How we’re helping them
grow their business
Working capital & new equipment financing
Support from the National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) and Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) helped LuminUltra establish a new manufacturing facility to produce over 24 million COVID-19 testing kits.
Hiring and skills development strategy
LuminUltra qualified for payroll support from Opportunities New Brunswick over three years, allowing them to hire over 40 new employees to support their rapid growth.
Business support in foreign markets
Support from Global Affairs Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) helped position LuminUltra as a key player in filling the global demand for COVID-19 testing solutions, increasing their international visibility.
Advisory services
Support from an Innovation Advisor helped LuminUltra secure the government funding they needed to fast-track their growth and sustain their momentum.
With the support of
AGS partners
- Global Affairs Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
- National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP)
- Export Development Canada (EDC)
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
- Opportunities New Brunswick
- Innovation Canada SuperClusters
- Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)
We're also helping
them get
- Contract default protection through EDC
- A supply arrangement with the Government of Canada
Because they’re helping
to build our economy by
Creating Jobs
Fostering Innovation
Growing Fast
Exporting Globally
Think you’re AGS ready?
Get in touch
Call us, toll-free in Canada, at 1-833-201-4358 |TTY: 1-866-694-8389, or send us your details and we’ll get back to you.
Looking to find all the other ways government can help you grow, scale or take it global? Check out innovation.canada.ca to find the right supports for your business.