Funding will help UNB develop tools to transform conventional electric power systems and increase expertise

“I am proud of our government’s support for UNB’s cutting-edge work in digital grid technologies. This investment will help increase business activity in Atlantic Canada’s cleantech sector and will put the region on the map as a leader in energy distribution, minimizing the economic and environmental costs of operations, and providing long-term rate stability for customers. All of this will boost economic growth and help to build a sustainable economy for future generations.”

-       The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The University of New Brunswick and the SGIN have been playing a leading role in the field of smart grids for several years. Our government’s investments in their growth will enable them to build on their momentum, collaborate with other leaders, and identify exciting new opportunities in this pivotal sector. We are very fortunate to have so much expertise brought together here in New Brunswick, working on important and innovative technologies that will support clean growth and a strong economy in our region.”

-       Matt DeCourcey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for Fredericton

“New Brunswick is well positioned as a leader in energy innovation. By investing in the growing SGIN network, we are supporting the businesses here at home who are developing innovative energy products and services. This will attract new investment, help energize the private sector and drive economic growth.”

-       The Honourable Mary E. Wilson, Minister of Economic Development and Small Business and Minister responsible for Opportunities NB

“The emerging field of smart grid technology has the potential to transform the world’s power systems, and the University of New Brunswick is at the forefront of these innovations. The Atlantic Digital Grid project will join the Smart Grid Innovation Network and the Emera & NB Power Research Centre for Smart Grid Technologies to expand the innovation hub in our region, driving research and discovery and fuelling growth in the Atlantic Canadian economy.”

-     Dr. Paul Mazerolle, President, University of New Brunswick

• ACOA is contributing $6,686,010 towards UNB’s Atlantic Digital Grid project through the Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF).

• ACOA is also contributing $879,910 towards the SGIN project to hire expertise through the Regional Innovation Ecosystems stream of the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, while the province of New Brunswick is contributing $200,000.

• The Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) encourages partnerships among private sector firms, universities, colleges and other research institutions to develop and commercialize new or improved products and services.

• The Regional Innovation Ecosystems stream of the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program supports the creation and growth of inclusive regional ecosystems that support business needs and fosters an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation, growth and competitiveness.

• The AIF and REGI both build on the objectives of the Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it.

Danielle Keenan
Press Secretary 
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
613-301-8276

Ann Kenney
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-452-3687

Kelsey Pye
Communications Officer
University of New Brunswick
506-453-4508

Mary-Anne Hurley-Corbyn
Director of Communications
Province of New Brunswick
506-429-2624