The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, today announced contributions of $285,268 to Sonoro Energy Limited and $257,000 to IntelligentNano Incorporated from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP).
The funding supports innovative research and development projects that will assist both firms in developing high-tech solutions for global markets.
"Our government is investing in science and technology to create good jobs, strengthen the economy and improve the quality of life of Canadians," said Minister Clement. "This government is supporting Canadian firms that successfully develop and apply innovative technologies. Canada's Economic Action Plan is bolstering scientific research and commercialization, while creating good jobs and economic growth."
Edmonton boasts Canada's largest and most technologically advanced nanotechnology research infrastructure, centred around the National Institute of Nanotechnology (NINT). NINT is a joint initiative between the National Research Council of Canada, the University of Alberta, and the Government of Alberta.
The Government of Canada recently announced $135 million to support community-based technology clusters across Canada, including $23.4 million for NINT over the next two years. Clusters are community-driven and focused on market opportunities. With the support from broad networks and committed local champions, they encourage technological progress and economic growth that reaps benefits nationwide.
"Investing in science and technology is critical for developing highly skilled people and improving the long-term competitiveness of Canadian firms," said National Research Council President John McDougall. "That's why NRC is helping innovative Canadian businesses grow stronger, faster and bigger."
Both Sonoro Energy and IntelligentNano are tenants of the NINT Innovation Centre, an industrial partnership facility within the cluster dedicated to providing laboratory and office space to up to 15 companies. Innovative firms often develop around a government research institution or a university that attracts highly skilled researchers, and the NINT Innovation Centre allows fledgling companies and industrial collaborators to locate near NINT and University of Alberta facilities and expertise.
The Government of Canada's 2009 Economic Action Plan provided new resources of $200 million to Industrial Research Assistance Program over two years to support innovative Canadian firms.
Source: http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/