An Innovation Hub to launch in Yukon thanks to Government Support

A $1,500,000 funding commitment from the federal government helps boost innovation in the North.

WHITEHORSE, YT, March 14, 2018 /CNW/ - A new innovation hub will open its doors later this year in Whitehorse, Yukon. With support from the Government of Canada, the Government of Yukon, YuKonstruct Makerspace Society (YuKonstruct), the Yukon College and private partners, the innovation hub will offer a dynamic space that promotes an entrepreneurial culture of innovation and commercialization. The hub will continue to build Whitehorse as a leading centre of innovation in the North.

The funding was announced today by Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CanNor and the Honourable Ranj Pillai, Deputy Premier, Minister of Economic Development.

Merging the existing collaboration centres managed by YuKonstruct, the hub will bring entrepreneurs, business advisory and support services as well as Yukon College together under one roof. By doing so, the hub will offer a unique collaborative space where people come to exchange, network, learn and share access to various services, tools and technologies (such as 3D printers and laser cutters), allowing dynamic and innovative entrepreneurs in Yukon to seize opportunities that spur economic diversification and growth.

Quotes

"Through this partnership with YuKonstruct, the new innovation hub will bring together talented entrepreneurs, leaders in new technologies, and Yukon's forward-looking business community. I am happy to see the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon supporting YuKonstruct to provide a gathering space that will set the stage to accelerate economic diversification and foster long-term sustainable growth in the North."

Larry Bagnell 
Member of Parliament for Yukon

"An innovation hub in Yukon will help diversify our economy and enhance our knowledge-based industries. We expect the streamlined supports available in one location to attract more start-ups and entrepreneurs and help our businesses to grow. The hub presents an excellent opportunity to bring our innovators together and strengthen our local entrepreneurial ecosystem. We look forward to seeing YuKonstruct Makerspace Society and their founding partner, Yukon College, bring this project to life."

Ranj Pillai 
Minister of Economic Development, Government of Yukon

"When YuKonstruct launched in 2014, we had no idea how many would benefit from a place to collaborate and develop their ideas. We have had exponential growth in the last 4 years and have realized the incredible value of providing a location where people can come together and experiment, create, and innovate. With the support of Canada and Yukon governments and private sponsors, we are excited to bring together key partners and the territory's leading entrepreneurs and makers in one location to better leverage the synergies and creativity of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and encourage the innovation culture in the Yukon. "

Jaret Slipp
Executive Director, YuKonstruct Makerspace Society

"The Yukon Innovation Hub will be an exciting catalyst for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and entrepreneurial problem solving. As a founding partner, Yukon College looks forward to collaborating with YuKonstruct Makerspace Society and, through our community, national and international networks, supporting ways the Hub can encourage economic development opportunities across the entire territory."

Dr. Karen Barnes 
President and Vice Chancellor, Yukon College

Quick Facts

• In addition to CanNor's funding commitment of $1,500,000, the Government of Yukon has committed in its 2018 Budget to invest $1,900,000 this year alone towards the innovation hub. Private sector and YuKonstruct have also made significant cash and in-kind contributions.
• The Yukon Innovation Hub will merge together the YuKonstruct Makerspace, which provides access to manufacturing equipment and offers educational workshops to potential innovators, and the (co)space, which provides a shared-workspace and collaborative environment for Yukon's entrepreneurs and innovators.
• CanNor's contribution was delivered through the Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development program, supporting projects that increase northern economic growth and diversification, foster innovation and capacity development, and create jobs for Northerners.

For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca

SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)