August 20, 2009, Ottawa, Ontario
The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Labour, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today recognized Edmonton-based Quantiam Technologies Inc. as a Canadian Innovation Leader, for linking scientific research to commercialization, jobs and economic growth.
"The Government of Canada believes that investments in science and technology are investments in Canada's future,” said Minister Ambrose. “The ideas, innovation and inventiveness of Canadian companies such as Quantiam Technologies serve as an important foundation for this country's long-term economic competitiveness.”
A Canadian Innovation Leader is a small- or medium-sized enterprise (SME) that demonstrates specific advances in research and development within its industrial sector. The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) created the Canadian Innovation Leader Certificate Program to recognize Canadian firms that have successfully developed and applied innovative technologies.
"Investing in science and technology is critical for developing highly skilled people and improving the long-term competitiveness of Canadian firms," said NRC President Dr. Pierre Coulombe. "That's why the NRC Industrial Research Assistance program is helping innovative Canadian businesses such as Quantiam Technologies grow stronger, faster and larger."
Quantiam Technologies develops and commercializes innovative solutions from the small world of nanoscience and nanotechnology, including advanced materials, catalysts, coatings and surfaces for extreme operating environments for the chemical process industries and the defence and aerospace sectors.
"The National Research Council is playing an important role in the success of our company,” said Dr. Steve Petrone, President of Quantiam Technologies. “Meanwhile the financial support we are receiving from its Industrial Research Assistance Program will assist us in continuing to innovate and commercialize products for global markets.”
About NRC and NRC-IRAP
The NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) provides a range of both technical and business-oriented advisory services along with necessary financial support to qualified innovative Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises.
The program is delivered by a field staff of 240 professionals in more than 100 communities across Canada. NRC-IRAP is committed to working with small- and medium-sized enterprises while they realize their full potential, turning knowledge and innovation into strategic opportunities, jobs and prosperity for all Canadians.
The Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan has provided new resources of $200 million over the next two years to bolster NRC-IRAP support for innovative Canadian firms. To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca .
