EAST KOOTENAY RESEARCH GETS BOOST FROM PROVINCE

CRANBROOK – The Province is funding a new East Kootenay science and technology council as part of nearly doubling research and development support to encourage economic development throughout the region, East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett announced today.

“Research and development is happening everywhere, including our schools and small businesses,” said Bennett. “Organizations such as the Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council work hard to increase the profile and use of scientific research and innovative technology in all corners of the province.”

The Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council is receiving $170,000 in new funding. The council is part of the B.C. Regional Science and Technology Network, a not-for-profit society whose members work within their regions to enhance the application of scientific research and technology to aid the growth of innovative businesses in regional B.C. Through the B.C. Innovation Council, government has increased funding to support the network by more than $820,000 this year, to $1.7 million.

“As economies become increasingly knowledge-based, linking rural B.C. to science and technology development is becoming more important to our province’s competitiveness,” said Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell. “Nearly doubling our contribution to the B.C. Regional Science and Technology Network is an example of government’s commitment to research and innovation in every region of B.C.”

Part of the funding will be used to expand two provincewide pilot projects: MentorLinx and IdeaLinx. MentorLinx brings regional technology chief executive officers together with experienced mentors in their field to help save new companies time and money. IdeaLinx is a networking program that brings together industry, post-secondary researchers and government representatives at workshops to connect ideas and research with available capital.

“The link between economic development in our region and connections with science and technology grows increasingly important,” said Marilyn Petersen, chair of the Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council. “Our hope is that our council can be the bridge that establishes connections with the technology sector for business and our communities and in education. I would also like to thank Minister Bennett for his hard work and dedication that led to us receiving this funding.”

Innovation is a major driving force in economic growth and social development. Since 2001, British Columbia has invested over $1.5 billion in research and innovation initiatives across the province.

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A photograph of Advanced Education Minister Coell with the executive of the Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council and David Dolphin, CEO, BCIC, is available at:

www.mediaroom.gov.bc.ca//DisplayEventDetails.aspx?eventId=340


Media contact:	Jennifer McCrea Communications Director 250 952-6508 250 888-0023 (cell)

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