Fostering innovation and clean-tech to develop new products, services and processes
News release
FedNor helps accelerate research and development by investing in cutting-edge equipment for Sault College
November 13, 2018 – Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor
Businesses, entrepreneurs and post-secondary students in Sault Ste. Marie and globally will benefit from access to advanced equipment to develop innovative products and services thanks to a $1 million investment from the Government of Canada. The FedNor funding will be used to purchase and install
state-of-the-art equipment for Sault College's Institute for Environment, Education and Entrepreneurship (iE3).
Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor.
Designed to increase college and industry collaboration on applied research and development projects, IE3 will support businesses and entrepreneurs in their efforts to create clean technologies and commercialize new products, services and processes. Specifically, this investment will be used to purchase specialized equipment including drones and accessories, geographic positioning systems, smart grid technologies, lab tables and chairs, workstations, 3D printers, digital signage, security systems, and data servers and storage for geographic information systems.
"The Government of Canada is proud to support strategic initiatives that encourage innovation, accelerate growth and create high-quality, middle-class jobs in Northern Ontario. By investing in Sault College's Institute for Environment, Education and Entrepreneurship, we are helping to establish an innovation ecosystem that will fuel the economy and position the region for social and economic success."
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor
"Our government is pleased to invest in Sault College to help meet the research, development and technology needs of students, businesses and industry throughout the region. I am thrilled to be part of a government that is investing to develop and strengthen skills training, innovation and job creation right here at home in Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding areas."
Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie
"At Sault College, we don't just teach our students about the value of innovation and research, we empower them to think and learn in progressive and innovative ways. iE3 will allow us to foster entrepreneurship within our student body and provide a state-of-the-art training ground that will prepare the next generation of highly skilled professionals to work in prominent sectors such as renewable energy, forestry, water and wildlife resource management, and agriculture."
Dr. Ron Common, Sault College President
Quick facts
The Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario outlines the Government of Canada's approach to ensure the region can fully benefit from the national Innovation and Skills Plan. It is focused on three key economic development areas: supporting innovation; growing companies; and building stronger communities.
The funding announced today is provided through FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
In October 2016, the Government of Canada invested $5 million, through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, to establish iE3 at Sault College. Once complete the facility will be a centre of excellence in forestry and clean tech, while helping increase college and industry collaboration on applied R&D projects, resulting in the creation of new technologies, products and processes.
