Support for research and innovation in clean technologies in Sherbrooke and Granby

Government of Canada awards $600,000 to two Université de Sherbrooke research and technology transfer centres

SHERBROOKE, QC and GRANBY, QC, Jan. 25, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Government of Canada is committed to stimulating innovation to increase the productivity and long-term competitiveness of Canadian businesses. Breakthroughs in the development of new industrial processes and clean technologies are catalysts for progress and generate growth that benefits businesses and communities.

Thanks to $600,000 in financial support, two Université de Sherbrooke centres, the Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation - 3IT in Sherbrooke and the Carrefour d'innovation en technologies écologiques (CITÉ) [website in French only] in Granby, will be able to increase their support for SMEs in various industry sectors to develop and improve clean technologies that will contribute to sustainable development.

The non-repayable contribution was announced today in Sherbrooke and Granby simultaneously by the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Member of Parliament for Compton-Stanstead and Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, and Pierre Breton, Member of Parliament for Shefford, acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED.

With new leading-edge equipment and a team of specialized researchers, these two research centres plan to play a leadership role in innovation and the transfer of clean technologies, notably in solar energy, microelectronics (energy recovery, detection of pollutants or biological agents, etc.), eco-materials and mechanics/aeronautics dedicated to clean transportation.

The funding awarded by the Government of Canada through CED's Quebec Economic Development Program will help with the acquisition and installation of sophisticated laboratory equipment to which SMEs will have access, in addition to the expertise of researchers, thus maximizing technology transfer opportunities.

Quotes

"This investment in clean technologies developed at 3IT and CITÉ will help them acquire and install leading-edge laboratory equipment that will benefit some 50 innovative SMEs. I salute the leadership role of these two centres and commend the vitality of SMEs in growth areas, and I encourage them to continue along this path."

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Member of Parliament for Compton-Stanstead and Minister of International Development and La Francophonie

"The Carrefour d'innovation en technologies écologiques de Granby (CITÉ) provides an environment based on collaborative research with industry. It is making an undeniable contribution to the vitality of sustainable innovative businesses, and I am proud of the financial support granted by CED in pursuing its mandate."

Pierre Breton, Member of Parliament for Shefford

"We have to build on our competitiveness and maximize our industrial and commercial knowledge by supporting innovation. Being among the first to adopt clean technologies and the resulting solutions will make our industries more competitive and generate economic growth."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"With its new state-of-the-art equipment, 3IT and CITÉ will have high performance technological platforms for use by SMEs, thus contributing to the development of a highly skilled workforce. This financial contribution confirms the position of Université de Sherbrooke as a leader in applied research that meets the needs of industry, thanks to our partnership approach with enterprises."

Jean-Pierre Perreault, Vice-President, Research and Graduate Studies, Université de Sherbrooke

"CED's vote of confidence in 3IT and CITÉ will help research professors in the Engineering faculty continue to work closely with local industry on their research and therefore contribute to Canada's economic development."

Patrik Doucet, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke

Quick facts

• CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
• For more information on CED's key directions until 2021, consult Strategic Plan 2021 or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions