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,…
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…
Every year, an average of 130,000 new Canadian small businesses are established. But despite this entrepreneurial drive, only 35% survive their first five years. While startups are critical to Canada’s innovation and overall business competitiveness, they face extreme pressure to maintain tight cash flow and survive streamlined operations. It can be tough, but entrepreneurs aren’t…
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…
Technology firms are among the largest and fastest growing companies in Canada. In 2015 alone, Canada’s advanced technology industry consisted of over 71,000 firms who contributed over $117 billion in economic output. This is largely based on their willingness to take risks and invest in research and development activities. There are, however, some regions in…
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…
Eagle Graphite Inc. is a producer and processor of high-carbon flake graphite. The company’s graphite mine, located in British Columbia, provides high-quality flake graphite, which is commonly used to create advanced composite materials. Graphite has uses such as aerospace and automotive parts, sports equipment, and alternative-energy fuel cells. The ability to manipulate this material in…