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VICTORIA – Provincial funding
for science and technology networks in B.C.’s rural areas has almost doubled to
fast-track innovative ideas and support economic development throughout the
province, Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell announced today.
“As economies become
increasingly knowledge-based, linking rural B.C. to science and technology
development is becoming more important to our province’s competitiveness,”
Coell said. “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.”
Government has increased funding to support
the network through the B.C. Innovation Council by more than $820,000 this
year, to $1.7 million. The B.C. Regional Science and Technology Network is a
not-for-profit society whose members work within their regions to enhance the
application of science and technology so innovative businesses can develop.
Some of the extra funding will go to two pilot projects operating around the province. MentorLinx brings regional technology chief executive officers together with experienced mentors in their field. IdeaLinx is a networking program that hosts workshops to bring together industry, post-secondary researchers and government representatives.
“With this
added funding, we’re helping to expand two pilot projects that are already
moving regional research agendas forward quickly,” Coell said. “New companies
are saving time and money through MentorLinx, and ideas and research are being
connected with available capital through IdeaLinx, giving R&D a head start
in B.C.’s rural areas.”
Since the network was formed in 2001, members have helped build the
technology sector outside the Lower Mainland, and represent over 30 per cent of
technology companies in B.C. They provide services to the private sector,
community agencies and post-secondary institutions.
“The nine organizations that make up our
network greatly appreciate the support of the Province,” said Dan Gunn, B.C.
Regional Science and Technology Network chair. “All funding will be used to
grow B.C.’s technology sector and ensure that all corners of B.C. are accessing
the province’s brilliant innovators. We applaud the provincial government for
its ongoing vision and recognition that innovation is everywhere and not just
in major cities.”
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 Dan Gunn, executive director of VIATeC in his role as BCRSTN president and David Dolphin, CEO, BCIC is available at:
www.mediaroom.gov.bc.ca//DisplayEventDetails.aspx?eventId=340
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Communications Director 250 952-6508 250 888-0023 (cell) |
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