Minister of State Rickford Praises Innovative Spirit and Talent of Student Researchers at Polytechnics Canada Showcase

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Nov. 14, 2013) - The Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today addressed academics, officials and students at Polytechnics Canada's Student Applied Research Showcase. He outlined the Government of Canada's commitment to science, technology and innovation; commended the research projects presented by the college students; and highlighted the importance of bringing more innovative products and processes to market.

"Our government recognizes the important contributions that polytechnics and colleges make to the country's innovation ecosystem," said Minister of State Rickford. "We share Polytechnics Canada's vision that colleges can work with businesses to drive economic growth and create high-quality jobs by bringing more innovative ideas to market."

The annual showcase, hosted by the SAIT Polytechnic, promotes applied research projects, which are conducted by students at Polytechnics Canada's 11 member institutions, in support of industry innovation.

"Canada's colleges and polytechnics are innovation intermediaries that assist numerous Canadian firms to bridge the commercialization gap," said Polytechnics Canada CEO Nobina Robinson. "These highly skilled students and graduates have been supported by the federal government through the crucially relevant, demand-driven College and Community Innovation program. We are delighted to have the active support of Minister of State Rickford."

Economic Action Plan 2013 is providing an additional $12 million per year to support the College and Community Innovation program. The program's aim is to increase innovation at the community or regional level. The funding allows colleges to increase their capacity to work with local companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. The funding also facilitates commercialization and technology transfer or knowledge transfer activities.

To date, the government has invested $202 million in 510 projects at 83 colleges, polytechnics and cégeps across Canada.

For more information on the College and Community Innovation program, visit the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada website (www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca). For more information of the Government of Canada's science and technology initiatives, visit Science.gc.ca.