Enabling Technologies

Enabling technologies are a key area for investment by Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC), and consist of technologies that have the potential to significantly improve the performance and productivity of a wide range of Canadian industries. TPC investments focus on four kinds of enabling technologies:

1. Advanced materials processes and applications, including innovations in ceramics, plastics, metals and metal alloys used in the design and development of new or improved materials, leading to real cost savings and superior performance;
2. Advanced manufacturing and processing technologies, such as laser applications, vision systems, computer-assisted design and engineering, and other innovative automation systems. These technologies are transforming major industries across Canada;
3. Applications of biotechnology, innovation driver in agriculture and agri-food, aquaculture, mining and energy, forestry, and health care;
4. Applications of selected information technologies, the world's fastest growing sector, accounting for more than a third of Canada's industrial R&D expenditures. These include access technologies, such as telehealth and diagnostic imaging; advanced software technologies, such as electronic commerce and Internet software; microelectronic and optical technologies; and advanced infrastructure technologies, such as broadband network software and advanced wireless technologies.

Within each technology, TPC identifies strategic priorities for investment. Typically, projects in these priority areas have the potential to advance Canada's technological capability and ultimately improve the quality of life of Canadians.