BCIC Ignite Awards Fuels BC Innovation & Groundbreaking Research

Almost $1M Awarded to Commercialize Research in Natural Resources & Applied Sciences

VANCOUVER, Oct. 27, 2016 /CNW/ - The BC Innovation Council, a crown agency of the Province of BC, focused on driving BC's economic engine through the advancement of BC tech and market-driven innovation, announced today the first four recipients of its Ignite Awards. A total of $838,000 was awarded amongst four BC research projects in natural resources and applied sciences.

The four projects met award criteria and demonstrate the ability to adapt and succeed in fields as diverse as electrochemistry, biotech, mining and structural engineering. Award criteria is based on commercial and technical viability as well as the ability to be market ready within three years. Applicants must be partnered with industry and academia for matching of funds and delivery of market-driven research.

The four research projects with their consortium counterparts are:

• Dr. Pieter Cullis, UBC, working with Integrated Nanotherapeutics using nanoparticles for increased X-ray effectiveness in cancer treatment.
• Dr. Edouard Asselin, UBC, working with Jetti Resources to develop the means to extract metals from previously inaccessible mineral ores to change copper production.
• Dr. Thomas Tannert, UNBC, working with FP Innovations to develop the next generation of anchors for tall wood building construction.
• Dr. David Wilkinson, UBC, working with Noram Engineering to develop an adaptable and cost-effective electrochemical cell platform with many applications.

As a result of the unique BCIC Ignite model, more than $2.7M is being contributed to the four projects to commercialize transformative research. BCIC Ignite not only requires research to be market ready within a three-year time frame but also leverages its funds through a consortium of industry and academia that matches funds, $2 per each $1 BCIC Ignite.

"BC is home to transformative research that can solve problems for markets around the world," said Shirley Vickers, President and CEO, BC Innovation Council. "BCIC Ignite accelerates the commercialization of groundbreaking research to change BC and change the world."

BCIC Ignite is funded by the Natural Resources and Applied Sciences (NRAS) Endowment Fund, which was established by the Province of British Columbia to enhance the quality of life for British Columbians by building strong environments in research and development, advanced training, technology transfer and commercialization.

About the BC Innovation Council (BCIC, www.bcic.ca)

The BC Innovation Council, a Crown Agency of the Province of BC, accelerates the growth and success of BC companies by providing resources and market opportunities for applied innovations that solve challenges and drive competitiveness in BC industries. Through the #BCTECH Strategy and annual #BCTECH Summit, BCIC is fostering the growth of companies that generate revenue, produce high-paying skilled jobs and drive economic development in BC.

SOURCE BC Innovation Council

William Johnson, Communications Manager, BC Innovation Council, [email protected]