Government of Canada invests in virtual reality rescue hoist simulator through Build in Canada Innovation Program Français
Fostering Canadian innovations from the lab to the marketplace
HALIFAX, Feb. 14, 2018 /CNW/ - Through the Build in Canada Innovation Program, the Government of Canada is connecting Canadian innovators with their vital first customer and helping generate sustainable economic growth in communities across the country.
The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, today announced the Government of Canada is investing in a made-in-Canada innovation. Bluedrop Training and Simulation Inc., of Halifax, Nova Scotia, received a $1.1-million contract for its virtual reality Rescue Hoist Simulator. This stand-alone unit allows users to safely practice rescue missions in a variety of true-to-life settings such as ocean, coastal regions and mountains. The innovation will be tested by National Defence.
Through its flagship Build in Canada Innovation Program, Public Services and Procurement Canada bridges federal departments that have an operational need with innovative businesses that can fill the gap. The purchasing departments test the innovations in real-life settings and provide feedback, as well as that critical first sale. Since 2010, Build in Canada Innovation Program contract awards have helped create 1,684 full-time jobs across the country, generating significant benefits for Canadians. This is just one of the many ways the Government of Canada supports innovators, including small and medium-sized businesses, across Canada.
To find out how the program can help launch your innovation, visit the Build in Canada Innovation Program website.
Quote
"As the single largest purchaser of Canadian goods, our government is supporting and inspiring Canada's next generation of innovators. By partnering with home-grown companies, the Build in Canada Innovation Program is helping propel Canadian innovations into the marketplace."
The Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Public Services and Procurement
"Bluedrop is extremely happy that the Build in Canada Innovation Program recognizes and supports the innovative capabilities of our company. This state-of-the-art virtual reality Rescue Hoist Simulator is a transformative addition to the training continuum and will significantly improve training efficiency while reducing cost."
Jean-Claude Siew
Vice President, Technology & Simulation
Quick facts
- This innovation combines the latest in virtual reality with a mechanical "endless loop" hoist cable that interacts with the virtual world, instead of the usual static mechanical setups that are attached to scaffolding.
- This technology reduces the need to use helicopters in initial and advanced training contexts, which makes training safer and more environmentally friendly.
- The Build in Canada Innovation Program has supported 26 companies in Nova Scotia with contracts valued at more than $12 million.
- More than 285 contracts, valued at over $126 million, have been awarded since the Build in Canada Innovation Program began in 2010.
- As many as 80% of firms who benefited from the Build in Canada Innovation Program have successfully commercialized their products.
- With the support of this program, 50 made-in-Canada innovations have been exported to 44 countries.
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SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada
Ashley Michnowski, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, 819-997-5421; Media Relations, Public Services and Procurement Canada, 819-420-5501, [email protected]
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