BCIC Ignite Program Awards Almost One Million Dollars for BC Innovation
Second Round of Awards Funds the Commercialization of Ground-breaking BC Research
VANCOUVER, Feb. 8, 2017 /CNW/ - The BC Innovation Council, a crown agency of the Province of BC focused on fueling BC's economic engine through BC tech and market-driven innovation, announced today the winners for the second Ignite Awards. A total of $873,475 was awarded amongst three BC research projects in natural resources and applied sciences. This brings the total amount of BCIC Ignite funding awarded to over $1.7M since 2016.
The three projects met award criteria and demonstrate the ability to adapt and succeed in diverse fields including transportation, industrial manufacturing, forestry and mining.
Award criteria is based on commercial and technical viability as well as the ability to be market ready within three years. Applicants must be a consortia that includes at least one academic member and an industry partner conducting research projects that address a significant demonstrated problem faced by industry.
The three research projects with their consortium counterparts are:
- Simon Pickup, CEO, Hydra Energy, working with Dr. Steven Rogak, UBC, to develop innovations in Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (HICE) technology. Using ultra-low cost waste hydrogen, the technology will increase fuel efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and decrease operational costs in dual-fuel heavy-duty truck fleets.
- David Harvey, Director, Axine Water Technologies, working with Dr. Frank Van Veggel, UVIC, to develop novel electro-catalyst materials that will enhance ammonia removal for Axine's proprietary industrial wastewater treatment systems. It addresses need for industrial manufactures to comply with environmental regulations.
- Nima Nabavi, CEO, ExcelSense Technologies, working with Dr. Jonathan Holzman, UBC (Okanagan), and Canfor, to create self-cleaning camera technology for forestry and mining applications that has the potential to save millions in downtime and maintenance and addresses safety concerns for high-risk camera locations.
As a result of the unique BCIC Ignite model, more than $2.6M in total is being contributed to the three projects to commercialize transformative research. BCIC Ignite requires research to be market ready within a three-year time frame, and the program requires applicants to leverage existing funds from industry and academia at a ratio of $2 matching dollars to $1 BCIC Ignite dollars. More than $5M, including leveraged funds, has been contributed to BCIC Ignite projects to date.
"BC is home to transformative research that can solve problems for markets around the world," said Carl Anderson, President and CEO, BC Innovation Council. "BCIC Ignite is part of our continued to work to fuel economic growth province-wide through innovation."
"Innovation is about extracting social and economic value from research," said Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services. "These projects at the BCIC Ignite Awards have the opportunity to change the world, from right here in B.C."
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.
More information on the winners and program can be found online at bcic.ca/ignite.
About the BC Innovation Council (BCIC, www.bcic.ca)
The BC Innovation Council, a Crown Agency of the Province of B.C., accelerates the growth and success of B.C. companies by providing resources and market opportunities for applied innovations that solve challenges and drive competitiveness in B.C. industries. Through the annual #BCTECH Summit and support of the B.C. Government's #BCTECH Strategy, BCIC is fostering the growth of competitive companies that generate revenue, produce high-paying skilled jobs and drive economic development in B.C. development in BC.
SOURCE BC Innovation Council
William Johnson, [email protected], Communications Manager, t: 604 602-5258
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