PROVINCE SUPPORTS SOUTHERN INTERIOR RESEARCH

KAMLOOPS – The Province is nearly doubling support to foster economic development in rural B.C., including an increase in R&D funding for the southern Interior region, Kamloops MLA Claude Richmond and Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger announced today.

“I’m proud to see the Interior region is being acknowledged for its contributions to research and science in the province,” said Richmond. “The Interior Science Innovation Council has done a tremendous job in developing our area as a leader in scientific research and technology.”

“There are exciting things happening in B.C.’s rural areas, with much more to come,” said Krueger. “This significant increase in funding will facilitate the Interior’s drive to show leadership in research and development in the province.”

The Interior Science Innovation Council is receiving $170,000, an increase of $40,000. 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 council continues to develop strong ties between industry and academia to improve the success rate for commercializing new technologies,” said Bill McQuarrie, executive director of the Interior Science Innovation Council. “This enhanced R&D process wouldn't be possible without the strong support and financial commitment of the Ministry of Advanced Education.”

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 Interior Science 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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