Two Rimouski-area organizations in the marine science and technology sector will receive more than $2.4 million for research, innovation and technology transfer activities

Government of Canada supports the projects of the Marine Biotechnology Research Centre and the Interdisciplinary Centre for the Development of Ocean Mapping

RIMOUSKI, QC, Nov. 22, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Marine Biotechnology Research Centre (CRBM) and the Interdisciplinary Centre for the Development of Ocean Mapping (CIDCO), two non-profit organizations, will be in a better position to continue their technology transfer activities through non-repayable contributions totalling $2,439,600 from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

Through $2.1 million in financial assistance, the CRBM will, over the next three years, be able to carry out activities in applied research, innovation and technology transfer to SMEs in the marine biotechnology sector. The recipient companies will be able to develop innovative expertise and derive competitive advantages from it.

The $339,600 contribution to the CIDCO project will enable the organization to strengthen its innovation and technology transfer capabilities. The CIDCO has purchased state-of-the-art equipment and will develop tools to help companies in the marine technology sector that are seeking to improve their environmental performance.

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice–Champlain and Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, announced that funding today. The funding was awarded by the Government of Canada under CED's Quebec Economic Development Program. Carrying out these projects will generate total investments of over $9.4 million, in addition to helping create two jobs at the CIDCO and retain 33 others at the CRBM.

The CRBM began operations in 2004. Its mission is to support growth in the marine biotechnology industry through research, scientific development and industrial transfer activities, particularly in the life sciences sectors. The organization meets the needs of SMEs by giving them access to specialized laboratories and equipment.

Founded in 2002, the CIDCO is Canada's only centre for applied research and transfer in hydrography. Its mission is to modernize hydrography through research, development, training and technology transfer and to promote the results with a sustainable approach through its partnerships and leading-edge expertise.

The Government of Canada is committed to establishing close partnerships with Quebec businesses and the organizations that support them in order to drive innovation, increase productivity and competitiveness, and contribute to the economic vitality of the regions, the creation of good-quality jobs and a better quality of life for citizens.

Quotes

"I'm proud to see the breadth of knowledge and expertise being developed here in Rimouski. The Lower St. Lawrence has become a global centre in the marine science and technology industry. The CRBM and the CIDCO are major contributors, and the Government of Canada is enthusiastically funding their new projects that will enable companies to adopt clean technologies and become more innovative and competitive."

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice–Champlain and Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"In order to improve the quality and impact of our programs that support innovation, it is crucial for the Government of Canada to support scientific research and entrepreneurship. By supporting these two leading organizations in the marine science and technology sector of the Lower St. Lawrence, CED is achieving those objectives while contributing to innovative projects that promote sustainable development."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"The unfailing and vital support from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions to the CRBM, a recognized benchmark in marine biotechnology, is an essential basis of the CRBM's mission of conducting activities in applied research, innovation and technology transfer to SMEs in order to sustain and support their innovation efforts."

Dr. Georges Levesque, President of the Marine Biotechnology Research Centre

"The CIDCO is working intensively to deploy artificial intelligence in hydrographic data acquisition systems. CED's funding is crucial to our strategy, which will ultimately enable better environmental control of our maritime areas through clean technologies."

Jean Laflamme, General Manager of the CIDCO

Quick facts

• Today's announcement is made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for the Innovation, Science and Economic Development portfolio, which is made up of 17 federal departments and agencies, including CED and the other five regional development agencies.
• For more information about CED and its priorities, read the 2018-2019 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.
• This year marks the 50th anniversary of federal regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete actions devoted to the development of the regions and local businesses.

Stay connected

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• Follow the CRBM on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn
• Follow the CIDCO on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube

SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, 514-283-7443, [email protected]