Call for Local Projects in Anticipation of Loyalist’s Successful Application to FedDev for Southern Ontario’s Applied Research and Commercialization (ARC) Extension Initiative
Belleville, Ontario, May 24, 2012 – Committed to driving economic development in the Quinte region, Loyalist College has applied for funding from the Applied Research and Commercialization (ARC) Extension Initiative, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). If successful, the College will disseminate the funding to local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for eligible projects, selected from an internal competitive application process. As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, this initiative addresses the research and innovation challenges SMEs encounter, by encouraging collaboration between them and post-secondary institutions such as Loyalist.
“We are looking for the community’s help to identify businesses which are eligible to participate in a second round of funding,” said Loyalist President Maureen Piercy. “Our goal is to help companies succeed and expand by providing the support they need to conduct research, develop new technologies, and bring their ideas to market. As enterprises grow and become increasingly competitive, they need more skilled workers, who in turn contribute to economic growth and development in the Quinte region.”
General details and criteria are:
• Project is in partnership with Ontario-based SME (defined as a company with less than 1,000 employees; same as in the previous round).
• Project must finish by 30 March 2013.
• The SME partner cannot have participated in FedDev ARC program in the first round, with Loyalist or any other College/University.
• The maximum FedDev funding is $100K.
• The collaborating SME will be expected to contribute a minimum of 50% of total project costs in the form of cash and/or in-kind contributions to the College, up to $100K.
• A maximum of one project per SME can be conducted under the initiative.
• No projects requiring an Environmental assessment will be accepted.
• Contract negotiation requirements will apply before project initiation.
• Additional criteria for project selection may apply. Details will be forwarded as they are available. Backgrounder: http://www.feddevontario.gc.ca/eic/site/723.nsf/eng/00264.html
In anticipation of a successful application and to meet the subsequent tight timeline for the initiative, Loyalist is looking to identify potential projects quickly and proactively. If you are an SME that is faced with a practical problem which meets the criteria above, Loyalist would like to hear from you. For more information and access to an application form, please contact Ross Danaher, Director, Library and Research Services, at: rdanaher@loyalistc.on.ca or 613-969-1913 ext. 2339 by Friday, June 15th. Please be advised that the projects will be selected by a committee on a competitive basis.
“Given that the College has an estimated economic impact of $240 million in the economy of the region annually, the institution is clearly a vital part of the region, and its interface with industry is vital for further economic growth,” said Graeme McRae, Chairman, President & CEO of Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., a Belleville-based biopharmaceutical company. Bioniche was one of three SMEs that participated in the first round of funding for this program in 2010. The collaboration involved conducting pre-commercialization activities with a view to getting a new Bioniche product market-ready.
Loyalist also worked with Turtle Island Recycling Corporation, Ontario’s largest multi-material recycling company, helping to conduct product and process research, technology development, product testing, product piloting, and demonstration. In addition, Loyalist helped N2 Towers Incorporated, manufacturers of 100% environmentally-friendly, nitrogen generating, clean agent fire/explosion suppression systems to undertake product testing, UL and ULC certification, proof of concept, and piloting and demonstration.
Loyalist College prepares students for a rewarding career by combining rigorous academic standards with hands-on training from industry experts. Programs range from apprenticeships and certificates to diplomas and post-graduate studies. Loyalist offers more than 60 full-time programs and 77 university transfer agreements around the world. The best testament to the College’s value is from students, 97 percent of whom say they would recommend Loyalist to a friend. Loyalist is committed to helping students find great jobs, as well as supporting and enhancing the economic and social development of all individuals in its communities.
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Media Contact:
Kerry Lorimer
Media Relations Specialist
Loyalist College
613-969-1913 ext. 2536