Build in Canada Innovation Program Supports Energy Efficient Marine Tech
In September 2017, the Government of Canada announced it would be supporting innovative Naval LED Lighting Solution fixtures designed for navy vessels. Marine Industrial Lighting Systems Ltd. has been awarded a $1M contract to replace traditional fluorescent lights on combat navy vessels with new LED fixtures. The investment will help make marine vessels conserve more energy and eliminate hazardous waste produced by less efficient lighting.
The federal government will support the project through the Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP), which to help innovators test and sell pre-revenue technologies to the Government of Canada. BCIP is a competitive first purchase program that provides up to $500,000 for standard innovations and up to $1,000,000 for military innovations. The program helps Canadian companies move their products from the testing phase to the marketplace.
Marine Industrial Lighting Systems will replace traditional fluorescent lights on combat navy vessels to reduce energy consumption and create a safer working environments. In addition, this project will help create new economic opportunities and quality jobs for the across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Marine Industrial Lighting Systems Awarded Build in Canada Innovation Program Contract
Marine Industrial Lighting Systems Ltd. (MILS) is a Newfoundland-based manufacturer that specializes in marine and harsh environment lighting. The company was established in 2000 and has a total of 7 employees.
The Build in Canada Innovation Program has awarded a contract worth more than $1,000,000 to help the company test its innovation with the National Defence on Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Toronto. In September 2017, it had been reported that the initial installation was already 90% complete.
MILS’ LED solutions will reduce vessel lighting systems’ energy consumption by approximately 50%. In addition, vessel crews will not be responsible for disposing of hazardous waste produced by traditional non-LED bulbs. These upgrades will use significantly less fuel power, which ultimately reduces operating costs and environmental impacts.
Build in Canada Innovation Program: Government Contracts
The Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP) helps Canadian businesses obtain their initial sale in addition to testing their technologies with the Government of Canada. The program helps businesses secure a government department as their first buyer of innovative technologies. By partnering with government and broader public sector departments, technology developers can collect revenue on a pre-market technology and/or work with a partner to test, refine, and receive feedback.
Through a BCIP contact, eligible applicants can secure up to $500,000 for standard innovations or up to $1,000,000 for military innovations.
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