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Proud to encourage innovation
To this end, Prime Minister Stephen Harper today participated in activities marking the 25th anniversary of the opening of the National Optics Institute (INO).
What is INO?
The National Optics Institute is a leader in the development and application of optics in
INO boasts extensive knowledge in about 15 disciplines of optics and photonics, including specialty optical fibres, lasers, infrared modules and vision systems. Its vast field of expertise has enabled innovation in a number of industrial sectors, including telecommunications, aeronautics, the environment and biomedicine.
INO actively supports business start-ups across the country and subcontracts nearly 200 research contracts a year. It produces the prototypes and short-run units that precede competitive commercial production. The INO offers a range of innovation services, including consulting, design, module, product and system development, process development, prototyping, preproduction and short-runs.
INO’s accomplishments
Since INO’s founding in 1985, its activities have launched nearly 30 innovative Canadian companies and facilitated the transfer of technologies for commercial applications to over 50 active firms in
Government of
The Government of Canada has helped fund the National Optics Institute to the tune of $189 million. This funding is drawn from various Government of Canada programs aimed at supporting innovative Canadian businesses, and was used to pay the costs of facilities and the bulk of research and development.
Other measures taken by the government to promote technology
Our Government remains committed to supporting science, technology and innovation in Québec and the rest of
