MONTRÉAL, Aug. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the global economy undergoes a profound industrial transformation driven by automation and digitalization, BDC is doubling down on Canada’s industrial future with the launch of Industrial Innovation Venture Fund II (I2VF II). This new $200 million commitment is designed to help Canadian entrepreneurs developing next-generation technologies that will drive productivity and resilience across key industrial sectors.
Building on the success of its first fund launched in 2019, I2VF II will invest in early-stage, high growth companies developing transformative solutions in advanced manufacturing, ag-tech, food-tech, extractive industries, and now with an expanded focus on critical minerals, a sector increasingly recognized as vital to Canada’s economic sovereignty and national ambitions.
“Canada’s productivity gap is especially acute in sectors like manufacturing, mining, and agriculture,” said Geneviève Bouthillier, Executive Vice President, BDC Capital. “With Fund II, we’re doubling down our commitment to entrepreneurs building practical, scalable technologies that are highly needed across these industries. The growing demand for critical minerals makes this investment more important than ever.”
Fund I addressed a critical funding gap, backing over 20 early-stage companies and demonstrating the strong potential of industrial innovation to boost productivity and global competitiveness.
Notable impacts from Fund I portfolio companies include:
- Acerta Analytics stated that it helped a manufacturing facility slash scrap rates by double digits.
- MineSense Technologies announced that deploying a system using X-ray fluorescence resulted in an 18.1% increase in ore production at a mine in British Columbia.
“Fund II will target companies that are developing transformative solutions in areas such as robotics, automation, applied AI and industrial software” says Bouthillier. “We believe these technologies are key to helping industrial enterprises improve efficiency, reduce waste, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.”
About BDC: 80 years as Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs
BDC is a partner of choice for all entrepreneurs looking to access the financing and advice they need to build their businesses and tackle the big challenges of our time. Our investment arm, BDC Capital, offers a wide range of risk capital solutions to help grow the most innovative firms. BDC’s development role means we are in a state of perpetual evolution – wherever entrepreneurs go and whatever the Canadian economy needs – we will be there to help them defy the odds. 80 years later, that commitment remains very much alive. BDC’s financing services in 2025 alone should add an estimated $25 billion in GDP to Canada’s economy over the next five years. We are one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, and the first financial institution in Canada to receive the B Corp certification in 2013. For more information on our products and services and to consult free tools, templates and articles, visit bdc.ca or join BDC on social media.
Media contacts
Jean Philippe Nadeau, Senior Communications Advisor, Public Affairs and External Communications, BDC
1-844-625-8321 [email protected]
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