Government of Canada Announces $1 Million for Clean Technology to Enhance Urban Rail Systems

Western Innovation Initiative funding helps companies quickly move their ideas to market 

EDMONTON, June 1, 2017 /CNW/ - A globally-recognized Edmonton company, Willowglen Systems, will soon be able to power more efficient metro rail transit systems worldwide and contribute to job growth in the local economy, with the Government of Canada's investment of $1 million.

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada released this statement today.

Willowglen Systems will use the funding to commercialize and market the next generation of SCADACOM Transit ICS, its integrated control system for metro-rail applications. The system can monitor all aspects of a metro-rail network giving operators and supervisors complete situational awareness of their system in real-time, resulting in higher safety standards, reliability, and economical and environmental efficiencies. The company currently employs 60 people and is looking to increase its technical staff by over 100 additional employees as a result of this commercialization project.

There is a growing global demand for safe and efficient metro rail systems. Currently, over three billion riders travel annually on light rail, subway, and intercity rail systems monitored by Willowglen technologies. This number is projected to climb to 10 billion riders within six years. 

This investment is one of several successful projects to be announced under the Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative. The program provides $100 million in repayable contributions to small- and medium-sized companies in Western Canada.

Quotes
"Willowglen Systems is an excellent example of a company that has diversified its business to support a growing industry. By investing WINN funding into innovative companies such as Willowglen, the Government of Canada is helping Canadian companies compete globally while creating more high-quality jobs for Albertans."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada

"The WINN funding will enable Willowglen Systems to build on the success our metro-rail solutions have enjoyed and expand our customer and brand reach into a broader global market. Our mission is to raise the bar on safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship of metro and regional rail systems worldwide. We are very proud that the technologies we will deliver today will help ensure a cleaner planet for years to come."
- Wayne Karpoff, President, Willowglen Systems 

Additional Links

• Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative
• Willowglen Systems

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SOURCE Western Economic Diversification Canada

Donna Kinley, Regional Communications Manager, Western Economic Diversification Canada, 780-902-2984, [email protected]; Carl Lorimer, Director, Sales and Marketing, Willowglen Systems, 780-716-5390, [email protected]