Major Investments To Support Innovation In NS
May 23rd, 2012
As part of the Harper Government’s Economic Action Plan 2012, the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, today announced investments to support and promote innovation through research and development in Nova Scotia. This includes funding for projects to enhance Nova Scotia’s reputation in sectors such as medical technology and marine sciences.
“Our Government’s top priority is creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. We recognize that innovation and research and development are crucial to a competitive economy and the creation of new, high-value jobs,” said Minister MacKay, on behalf of Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie. “The variety of projects being funded in Nova Scotia speaks to the diversity of talent and expertise living and working in our province. From reducing radiation exposure in 3-D medical imaging to refueling unmanned surface vehicles at sea, our private and public sector research community is creating game-changing technologies.”
The funding announced today is part of a total investment of close to $49 million being made in 21 innovative research and development (R&D) projects in Atlantic Canada under Competitive Round 2011 of the Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF). In Nova Scotia, the Harper Government is investing over $12 million in six new R&D projects under AIF.
The Request for Letters of Intent and Project Proposals for AIF Competitive Round 2012 is now underway. Private sector enterprises, universities, colleges and research organizations are invited to submit a letter of intent by 2:00 p.m. on June 28, 2012, followed by a project proposal by 2:00 p.m. September 26, 2012, to apply for funding.
The Atlantic Innovation Fund encourages partnerships among private sector firms, universities, colleges and other research institutions to develop new or improved products and services. Hundreds of technologies, products, processes and services developed with the support of the AIF were successfully commercialized, resulting in millions of dollars in incremental sales.
For a complete list of AIF-funded projects, visit www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca.