Harper Government Supports Market-Leading Canadian SME

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 26, 2013) - The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, today announced a repayable contribution of $9.5 million to NGRAIN (Canada) Corporation. This funding, through the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI), will support the Vancouver-based company's research and development in advanced 3D technologies that provide training and performance support on complex equipment to aerospace and defence personnel.

"Our government is committed to creating jobs and promoting economic growth and prosperity across the country," said Minister Paradis. "It is world-leading projects like this one that led us to provide stable funding of close to $1 billion over five years to the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative through Economic Action Plan 2013. We will continue working with innovative firms across the country, fostering partnerships between sectors to ensure Canada remains a global leader in aerospace and defence."

NGRAIN is one of the first companies to apply 3D simulations to interactive worker training and on-the-job support. This new software will be used to guide workers through repair jobs, even in the field, and will help reduce equipment maintenance time.

The company will collaborate with research institutes at Canadian universities in carrying out this project. The technology developed could be adapted for use in other fields, such as automotive production, civil aviation, nuclear power, oil and gas, and medicine.

SADI supports industrial research and pre-competitive development projects in the aerospace, defence, space and security industries. The Harper Government has contributed more than $890 million in research and development through SADI. These commitments are expected to leverage an additional $1.7 billion from other sources. For more information on the program, please visit the SADI website (www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ito-oti.nsf/eng/h_00022.html).

Background on the project

Through this investment, NGRAIN will develop interactive 3D simulation software that will assist in technical training and operational support by providing the most true-to-life virtual hands-on experience to users.

NGRAIN's software enables programmers to easily migrate from 2D to 3D software programming, creating a competitive advantage for Canadian providers of 3D graphic solutions. This advantage provides growth opportunities for the Canadian high-tech industry. The software will enable firms to boost their level of technology development and create new knowledge-based jobs across diverse industry segments.

Many of the 3D modelling and training technologies developed during this project could easily be adapted for other industries, allowing users to increase productivity, reduce costs and become more competitive.

Background on the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative

SADI is a government repayable contribution program that supports a robust Canadian aerospace and defence sector. It provides repayable financial support for industrial research and pre-competitive development in the aerospace, defence, space and security industries.

Canada's aerospace and defence industries are among the world's best. They are drivers of new technology, wealth and high-paying jobs for Canadians. As in all industries, research and development (R&D) is critical for Canada's aerospace and defence industries to continue to build on their strengths and to remain at the leading edge of innovative products and services.

The benefits of SADI include leveraging private sector investment in R&D, attracting international investment to Canada, helping to advance technology transfer and innovation, and developing a highly skilled workforce.

Funding through SADI is in the form of repayable contributions rather than loans. Companies are required to make repayments on these contributions starting after the completion of R&D activities.