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TERRACE – The Province is more than doubling research and development support to fast-track innovative ideas and support economic development in northwestern B.C., 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. “More
than doubling our contribution to the Northwest Science and Innovation
Society is an example of government’s commitment to research and innovation in
every region of B.C.”
The society
is receiving $170,000, an increase of $95,000. The association 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.
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.”
“We welcome and appreciate the provincial government’s commitment to the
development of science, technology and innovation in the regions outside the
Lower Mainland,” said Christine Slanz Ignas, executive director of the
Northwest Science and Innovation Society. “The additional funds received from the Ministry of Advanced Education
will enable the society to continue to support the growth and development of
innovative businesses in our region.”
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 Northwest Science and Innovations Society 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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