Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Italian Technology Cluster of “Green Chemistry” (SPRING), a non-profit association whose members operate in Italy's bioeconomy sector. The partnership will promote collaborations to research and develop high-tech projects, including technologies that convert biomass and raw materials into bio-based products. Other areas of focus include establishing business relations between their networks and developing technologies that convert sustainable feedstocks into energy and value-added chemicals. The memorandum of understanding leverages free trade agreements with Europe, particularly the Canada–European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), says A.J. (Sandy) Marshall, Executive Director of BIC.