UNB Collaborates on Software for Global Companies
News release
June 26, 2018– Fredericton, N.B. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Innovation is key to building a strong Atlantic Canadian economy and improving the region’s ability to compete in a global market. That’s why the Government of Canada is committed to investing in research and development and commercialization partnerships among private-sector companies, universities, research institutions and other organizations in Atlantic Canada.
Thanks to investments by the federal government and the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, the University of New Brunswick’s Centre for Advanced Studies - Atlantic, a partnership with IBM, is developing new and augmenting existing runtime software that will be of use to IBM and other global companies.
Matt DeCourcey, Member of Parliament for Fredericton and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), was joined by Cathy Simpson, board member with the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, Dr. Ken Kent, Director of UNB’s IBM Centre for Advanced Studies, and Sanjeev Gill, National Industry Executive for Research with IBM, to make the announcement today.
This project builds on UNB’s past collaborations with IBM to develop state-of-the-art runtime systems, which control a computer’s workflow and functionality. The system being developed constitutes the core platform for all five of IBM's major software brands and is the base software implementation platform for thousands of companies using IBM's or other managed runtimes. The project is expected to create up to 25 new research and development positions, strengthen the region’s growing information and communications technology (ICT) sector, and create a pool of highly skilled and sought after professionals.
The Government of Canada is providing a non-repayable contribution of $2,998,054 to this initiative under ACOA’s Atlantic Innovation Fund. The New Brunswick Innovation Foundation is also contributing $75,000, while IBM contributed $2,656,000.
This project builds on the federal and provincial governments’ commitment to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which prioritizes innovation. ACOA’s Atlantic Innovation Fund also delivers on the Government of Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan, which is designed to spark growth and help Canada realize its potential as a global leader in innovation.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting initiatives that help build resilient Atlantic Canadian communities, attract investment and talent from around the world, create more jobs, bring greater prosperity to Canada’s middle class and those seeking to join it, and ensure inclusive growth. The technology being developed at UNB’s Centre for Advanced Studies will help to position the region as a leader in the development of innovative software and technology, fostering further collaboration with IBM and other global companies.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The work being done by UNB and IBM through the Centre for Advanced Studies – Atlantic stands to benefit our entire region, strengthening our partnerships with global companies and cultivating a spirit of innovation. The skills being developed are highly specialized and sought after, and will help us to grow New Brunswick’s information and communications technology sector, which has been identified as critical to the growth of our economy. Having a pool of highly qualified professionals working in our region will help us to position New Brunswick as a leader in emerging and innovative technologies.”
- Matt DeCourcey, Member of Parliament for Fredericton and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
“We’re thrilled to be making this investment because we know it will contribute significantly to industry-wide advancements, and equip New Brunswick institutions like UNB to better compete on a global scale when it comes attracting world class talent for cutting edge research.”
- Cathy Simpson, Board Chair, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation
“Computers are now everywhere from smartphones to watches and automobiles. A huge part of the utility of these devices comes from their connections to each other and to the cloud. Working with IBM we are developing next generation tools and ideas to help build software systems with more functionality, better security, and lower cost.”
- Dr. Ken Kent, Centre for Advanced Studies-Atlantic
“Together with the University of New Brunswick, a long time and valued collaborator of IBM, we believe it important to demonstrate our commitment to drive innovation in Canada that is making a real difference and positioning Canada to succeed. With UNB and IBM coming together on this and other related projects, we are confident that together we can drive significant outcomes such as high-quality software prototypes, architectures, patents, position papers, and assessments, not to mention engage and develop important skills, that directly influence Canada's and New Brunswick's influence and impact in the global marketplace."
- Regan Watts, Head of Innovation, Citizenship and Government Affairs
Contacts
Jennifer Houle
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-261-5534
Hannah Classen
Communications Officer
University of New Brunswick
506-443-3917
Vanessa Matthews
Communications
New Brunswick Innovation Foundation
506-452-8598
Lorraine Baldwin
Communications
IBM Canada
778-327-7271