Invigorating the Economy Through Innovation in Research
RDC to Invest up to $15 Million in Support of Arctic and Sensor Technology
ST. JOHN'S, NL, April 17, 2015 /CNW/ - The Research & Development Corporation (RDC) is pleased to announce two funding programs to help businesses further their technology development and assist academic researchers in the pursuit of collaborative research and development (R&D) opportunities:
- SensorTECH – a new program in support of sensor-related research, development and demonstration in Newfoundland and Labrador. Sensor-related technologies include radar, acoustics, optics, sonar, and related signal processing technologies. RDC will invest up to $5 million in eligible R&D projects over three years.
- ArcticTECH –a renewed program in support of Arctic, cold ocean or harsh environment R&D. Arctic-related technologies apply to subsea processing, pipeline design, remote operations, ice management, oil-spill response, safety and environmental protection, and other challenges. RDC will invest up to $10 million in eligible R&D projects over the next five years.
"The global market for Arctic and remote sensing technologies is growing rapidly. ArcticTECH builds on our province's strength as a globally competitive cold ocean research laboratory. SensorTECH focuses on supporting our R&D capabilities in an area of critical importance to our offshore, mining, ocean industries and environment sectors."
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
Both the ArcticTECH and SensorTECH programs provide up to $750,000 for business-led R&D projects with industry investment. ArcticTECH provides up to $250,000 for academic-led R&D projects where academic researchers collaborate with local or global technology providers. SensorTECH will provide funding to academic-led R&D projects through a competitive call for proposals which will close on November 19, 2015.
"RDC's goal is to enable technology commercialization and resource development, and to leverage local, national and international collaboration that drives research, development and deployment. These programs will support the R&D that enables companies to pursue new market opportunities."
- Glenn Janes, Chief Executive Officer, Research & Development Corporation
Through the first ArcticTECH program launched in 2012, RDC has committed or invested $7 million over three years, and leveraged an additional $13.2 million investment from the private sector, federal government, and other sources. Through all investments related to energy, ocean technology and mining R&D, RDC has committed or invested $55 million since 2010, and leveraged an additional $173 million from other sources.
Research and development carried out under these programs contributes to long term economic benefit by initiating new products and services, lowering operational costs, improving environmental monitoring, and enhancing safety and security. For detailed program information, visit http://rdc.org/funding/index.htm.
QUICK FACTS
- RDC is investing $5 million over three years in support of sensor-related R&D and $10 million over five years in support of Arctic, cold ocean or harsh environment R&D.
- Sensor-related technologies include radar, acoustics, optics, sonar and related signal processing technologies. Arctic-related technologies support subsea processing, pipeline design, remote operations, ice management, oil-spill response, safety and environmental protection, and other challenges.
- The programs will help solve local technical challenges and contribute to the development of products and services that can be exported around the world.
- Additional information about RDC can be found at: www.rdc.org.
SOURCE Research & Development Corporation
Media contacts: Tansy Mundon, Director of Communications, Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, 709-729-4570, 693-1865, [email protected]; Chris Flanagan, Director, Marketing & Communications, Research & Development Corporation, 709-758-1021, 691-1009, [email protected]
Share this article