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KELOWNA – The Province is nearly doubling support to fast-track innovative ideas and support economic development in rural B.C., including an increase in research and development funding for the Okanagan region, Kelowna-Mission MLA Sindi Hawkins announced today.
“I am pleased to see the Okanagan is being recognized for its dedication and contributions to research and technology,” said Hawkins. “The Okanagan Science and Technology Council has performed outstanding work to deliver innovative ideas that have benefited our region and the entire province.”
The
Okanagan Science and Technology Council is receiving $170,000, an increase of
$40,000. 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.
“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 is very grateful for the additional funding it has received
from the Ministry of Advanced Education,” said Diana Groffen, executive
director of the Okanagan Science and Technology Council. “It provides the organization with seed
funding to launch initiatives that our members have been requesting for some
time.”
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 Okanagan Science and Technology Council 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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