Two Rimouski organizations can carry out innovative marine science and technology projects

Government funding of $860,000 for the Interdisciplinary Center for the Development of Ocean Mapping and Laboratoires Iso-BioKem

RIMOUSKI, QC, Oct. 3, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The theme of the 8th BioMarine International Business Convention, in Rimouski, an initiative by the Société de promotion économique de Rimouski (SOPER), is "Grab the opportunities." The Bas-Saint-Laurent region is also being called upon to seize opportunities. The region's businesses have many innovation prospects, including in the development of bioresources or in marine science and technology research and development, to help grow the blue economy.

David Lametti, Member of Parliament for LaSalle?Émard?Verdun and Parliamentary Secretary for the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, participated in this international gathering and took the opportunity to announce a total of $760,000 in financial contributions from CED to the Interdisciplinary Center for the Development of Ocean Mapping (CIDCO) and Laboratoires Iso-BioKem (website under construction).

CED has granted CIDCO a non-repayable contribution of $660,000 to support its applied research, innovation, and technology and process transfer activities. The contribution will help the organization provide guidance for businesses in the marine sector to enhance their performance and improve their capacity for innovation.

In addition, Laboratoires Iso-BioKem, a biotechnology firm that specializes in the production of microalgae enriched with stable isotopes, has received a repayable financial contribution of $100,000 from CED to acquire specialized production equipment and components of an innovative culture system so it can launch its commercial activities. It should be noted that the Government of Quebec has also awarded $100,000 in financial assistance to Laboratoires Iso?BioKem through the ministère de l'Économie, de la Science et de l'Innovation's Programme de soutien à la valorisation et au transfert for this project.

The funding awarded through CED's Quebec Economic Development Program and by the Government of Quebec will help the recipients carry out innovative marine science and technology projects that will contribute to evolving technologies and strengthen Rimouski's position as Quebec's technological maritime cluster.

The assistance reaffirms CED's key role in developing local enterprises and will help it attain its regional innovation, sustainable development and community economic diversification goals.

Quotes

"I am very pleased about the Government of Canada's investment in two bold Bas?St-Laurent organizations. These contributions will allow them to continue to develop and carry out innovative projects and thus develop new technologies that will help drive the region's blue economy."

David Lametti, Member of Parliament for La Salle?Émard?Verdun and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"By helping businesses and organizations invest in equipment and machinery that will enhance their performance and by encouraging projects that require the development and implementation of leading-edge technology, the Government of Canada is standing by its commitment to stimulate economic growth and innovation by Canadian enterprises."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"The Bas?Saint?Laurent region has the resources, energy and desire to position Quebec among the most innovative and dynamic maritime companies in the world. I wish the greatest success to these two organizations, which are strengthening Quebec research and know-how in marine geomatics and marine biotechnology."

Dominique Anglade, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy

"Through the expertise and innovative capacity of businesses and organizations like Laboratoires Iso?BioKem and CIDCO, Bas?Saint?Laurent can explore, operate and responsibly develop the region's resources to ensure sustainable development in maritime Quebec. We are therefore very proud to support these organizations, whose activities are in line with the goals of Quebec's Maritime Strategy."

Jean D'Amour, Minister for Maritime Affairs and Minister responsible for the Bas?Saint?Laurent region

"This financial contribution will help maintain the scientific competencies CIDCO needs to continue to transfer sustainable technologies to businesses and help them become more innovative and competitive."

Jean Laflamme, Director General, CIDCO

"The contributions from Canada Economic Development and the Governement of Quebec are essential to a young SME like Iso-BioKem. They give us the financial means to equip our laboratory and develop our new microalgae production system. These two steps are critical to our commercial activities and the growth of our business."

Bertrand Genard, President, Laboratoires Iso-BioKem

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.

Stay connected
Follow CED on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube
Follow the CIDCO on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube
Follow Iso-BioKem on Facebook

Ministère de l'Économie, de la Science et de l'Innovation on social networks:

• Twitter: twitter.com/economie_quebec
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/EconomieQc
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/362721?trk=tyah&trkInfo=tarId:1415637203135,tas:Minist%C3%A8re%20de%20l'%C3%89conomie,idx:1-1-1
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/MDEIEQuebec

SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions