Government of Canada Hails Official Opening of Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation (3IT)

SHERBROOKE, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - July 16, 2012) - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, took the opportunity of today's official inauguration of the Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation (3IT) to note that the Government of Canada provided $6.6 million in funding for the establishment of this university and industrial research centre.

Minister Lebel, who was unable to be present for the ceremony, applauded the vision of the researchers and administrators involved in this leading project for knowledge transfer to enterprises. "By funding this Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation project, the Government of Canada is underscoring its commitment to investing in key sectors of Quebec's knowledge economy," he commented.

This world-class institute carries out collaborative research with industry, notably in the medical technology, information and communication technology, manufacturing, transportation, energy, defence and security sectors. Located in the Université de Sherbrooke's Innovation Park, 3IT hosts partner enterprises in its state-of-the-art facility and offers a continuum of interdisciplinary research activities through the contribution of researchers, students and research professionals from various faculties.

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The $6.6 million in non-repayable funding, announced at the time of the project launch in 2007, was awarded through Canada Economic Development's Regional Strategic Initiatives program.

For further information on 3IT, visit www.3IT.ca

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