A new bioproducts processing and conversion centre to open in Saguenay

News release

The Government of Canada awards $4,000,000 in financial assistance to the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi’s Centre d’entrepreneuriat et d’essaimage (CEE-UQAC) to implement one-of-a-kind infrastructure

April 15, 2019 – Saguenay, QuebecCanada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Innovations in biosourced products, bioprocesses and other by-products offer tremendous potential by encouraging the adoption of clean technologies that will be used to design and manufacture innovative products in new and different ways.

Opting for a collaborative approach with industry, the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi's Centre d’entrepreneuriat et d’essaimage (CEE-UQAC) will receive $4,000,000 in financial assistance from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions to develop its new bioproducts processing and conversion centre (CTVB) in Saguenay.

The funding was announced today by Richard Hébert, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Jean and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion. The Government of Canada’s assistance will help this non-profit organization implement advanced technological and industrial infrastructure that will benefit companies and organizations.

With investments of over $5.2 million, the CTVB will contribute, through its technology transfer capabilities, to diversifying and strengthening entrepreneurship in the clean technology, natural products, forestry, agri‑food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and nutraceutical industries.

Active for more than 20 years, CEE-UQAC’s goal is to promote entrepreneurship and support business creation in the university and college communities of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. In addition to its primary mission, it also aims to contribute to the emergence of innovative projects through its four specialized centres: two in the aluminum sector, one in video and computer game technology development, and, most recently, one in bioproducts.

The Government of Canada is committed to stimulating innovation to increase the productivity and long‑term competitiveness of Canadian businesses. Breakthroughs in the development of new manufacturing processes and clean technologies are catalysts for progress and generate growth that benefits businesses and communities.

Quotes

“Thanks to the new bioproducts processing and conversion centre, SMEs and organizations will have access to cutting-edge technological infrastructure in a field where remarkable progress continues to be made. This initiative is reflective of the region’s drive and innovation, and it is one that we are thrilled to support.”

Richard Hébert, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Jean and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion

“In order to increase the quality and impact of our innovation support programs, it is essential for the Government of Canada to support applied research and entrepreneurship. The funding announced today reflects our commitment to support innovative projects that go hand in hand with economic growth and sustainable development.”

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

“CED’s unwavering support for CEE-UQAC is key to our role as an accelerator in the development of cutting-edge technologies and new-generation products, which is one of the most promising niches. The contribution announced today will without a doubt allow for the launch of new initiatives in close synergy with innovative businesses that design and manufacture high value-added bioproducts and by-products.”

Gilles Déry, President, CEE-UQAC

Quick facts

  • Today’s announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for the Innovation, Science and Economic Development portfolio, which is made up of 17 federal departments and agencies, including CED and the other five regional development agencies.

  • The funding was awarded under CED’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program. For more information on CED and its priorities, consult the 2018-2019 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

  • The Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program targets entrepreneurs who leverage innovation to grow their businesses and make them more competitive, and regional economic stakeholders who help create an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation and inclusive growth in all regions.

  • For 50 years now, the Government of Canada has been actively participating in regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action dedicated to the development of the regions and local businesses.

Contacts

Media Relations
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Tel.: 514-283-7443
Email: dec.media.ced@canada.ca

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