Government of Canada investing in research collaborations between colleges and entrepreneurs Français
Funding for Niagara College will help strengthen local manufacturing sector and train the next generation
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON, July 17, 2019 /CNW/ - Collaborations between college researchers and businesses help our national and local economies thrive and prepare young Canadians for the jobs of the future. Canada's colleges are at the heart of communities across the country and fuel research that helps businesses innovate and grow.
Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors, on behalf of the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, announced nearly $2 million in funding to support research at Niagara College. This funding is part of a $57-million investment through the College and Community Innovation Program that Minister Duncan announced on June 13, 2019.
The grants for Niagara College will support researchers working with the region's manufacturing sector to accelerate the use of advanced technologies, such as machine learning, robotics and 3D printing, to foster innovation and boost local companies' competitive advantage. The funding will also go toward equipment for researchers looking into the agricultural factors that can impact the production of cannabis.
This investment is part of Canada's Science Vision and the government's commitment of more than $10 billion to science and research, which includes the largest ever boost for college research funding.
Minister Tassi also signed the Dimensions Charter at Niagara College. Institutions that endorse the charter commit to embedding the principles of equity, diversity and inclusiveness in their policies, practices, action plans and culture.
Quotes
"The recipients at Niagara College are building strong partnerships with local companies and industries so that businesses can take advantage of the latest innovations. At the same time, these partnerships are ensuring young Canadians get the on-the-ground skills needed to succeed in the economy of tomorrow. This is all part of our government's work to strengthen the relationship between science and research and our economy and society."
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors
"Our government is committed to returning science and research to their rightful place. We're investing in students and research collaborations with small to medium-sized businesses so they can work together on a diverse range of research projects to boost economic development and create jobs across the country. Through these projects, colleges, cégeps and polytechnics will be making a real difference in the lives of Canadians in their communities."
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport
"NSERC values the tremendous contributions of Canada's colleges in the research and innovation ecosystem. Today's investment will enhance our country's world-class research capacity, help businesses innovate to create growth, and train our next generation of researchers and entrepreneurs."
– Dr. Marc Fortin, Vice-President, Research Partnerships, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
"We thank NSERC for this significant investment in advanced manufacturing innovation and cannabis production research at Niagara College. Our regional collaborative innovation model continues to achieve great success, providing industry partners access to advanced technologies, services and expertise, and has had a strong impact on manufacturers in the Niagara region."
– Dr. Dan Patterson, President, Niagara College
"We are grateful for NSERC's significant investment in research and innovation at Niagara College, which enables us to further enhance the work we have been doing since the inception of the Technology Access Centre in 2014. Our centre has established itself as a go-to place for technical services and applied research projects for manufacturers in Niagara, and its continuation is key to the economic development of our region."
– Dr. Marc Nantel, Vice-President, Research, Innovation and Strategic Initiatives, Niagara College
Quick facts
- The College and Community Innovation (CCI) Program is led by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Funding support for infrastructure is provided by the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
- The CCI Program is one of the largest vehicles for funding applied research at colleges, polytechnics and cégeps across Canada. Since its launch in 2008, the CCI Program has invested more than $553 million in 3,158 projects at post-secondary institutions across Canada.
- The Government of Canada recently launched Dimensions: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Canada. This pilot program, which is inspired by the United Kingdom's internationally recognized Athena SWAN Charter, will address systemic barriers in research, particularly those experienced by members of under-represented or disadvantaged groups.
Associated links
- Government of Canada announces historic investments in research collaborations between colleges and entrepreneurs
- Complete list of recipients—College and Community Innovation Program
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Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA
SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Contacts: Daniele Medlej, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Science and Sport, 343-291-4204, [email protected]; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]
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