Alberta Innovates is a provincially-funded catalyst for innovative research and development. The corporation administers Alberta government funding programs to small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) and operates two applied research subsidiaries to help businesses execute their innovative projects. On November 1, 2016, Alberta Innovates consolidated its four previous corporations – Bio Solutions, Energy and Environment Solutions,…
2016 wasn’t a great year for Canadian exports destined for the United States. In fact, Canadian exports decreased by 7.7%, despite a relatively low dollar value that should have increased competitiveness. Canadian exports to the U.S. have suffered a decline since early in 2015 while other top American trade partners (China, Mexico) have remained much…
The Government of Canada is investing in agricultural technologies that increase farming productivity. As recently announced by the Canadian federal government, up to $425,000 in repayable government funding has been committed through the Western Innovation Initiative (WINN). This funding will assist a British Columbian technology developer to create a system that will help farmers reduce…
Canada’s leading advanced technology businesses continue to thrive because of constant investments into innovative R&D. In 2015 alone, the Canadian technology industry contributed more than $9.1 million towards innovative research and development initiatives. This is a calculated approach to growth, since research typically leads to innovation and to international competitiveness. As one of the world’s…
In order for Canadian businesses to develop innovative products and processes, a generation of skilled researchers and labourers must be raised. But despite the clear connection between research, engineering, and success in globally-competitive industries, 35% of Canadian manufacturers and exporters are unable to find and retain skilled labour. This disconnect is limiting growth potential and…
To stay competitive in the automotive industry, manufacturers must find innovative solutions to differentiate themselves and their products. Investing in new research and technology developments can enable both small and large manufacturing businesses to achieve higher profits, and become more competitive. In support of this ideology, Magna International Inc. has invested in the development of…
Every day, Canadian hospitals create environmental and health and safety hazards by expelling destructive greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. Surgical operations requiring the use of halogenated anaesthetic drugs release alarmingly high amounts of carbon dioxide emissions. With approximately 54,000 operating facilities in Canada, GHGs produced could soon exceed amounts comparable to two million vehicles….
Kraken Sonar Systems Inc. is an engineer and manufacturer of advanced sonar and acoustic velocity sensors for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles. The technologies developed and commercialized by Kraken Sonar are widely used among military and commercial applications. On November 10, 2016, Kraken Sonar was announced as recipients of up to $485,000 in Canadian government grants from…
Canada’s second largest wheat and flour milling operation, Parrish and Heimbecker, Ltd., was recently awarded a federal funding investment of $10M to build a new grain processing plant in Hamilton, Ontario. Canadian government funding provided through Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (AAFC) will allow the company to increase its production capacity and market exports. Parrish and…
The Province of Ontario is positioning itself to be a leader in the development of clean technologies, commonly referred to as “cleantech”. Funds generated from the Ontario provincial cap and trade program will be reinvested into ‘green economy’ businesses, or those exploring new ways to reduce carbon emissions. This is a contributing factor in the…