January 19, 2010 – Ottawa, Ontario
Mr. Russ Hiebert, Member of Parliament for South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today announced a contribution of $484,488 to NxtGen Emission Controls Inc. (NxtGen) from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP).
"Our government, through the Economic Action Plan, is investing in science and technology to create jobs, strengthen the economy and improve Canadians' quality of life," said Mr. Hiebert. "This project will be good for the environment while helping to stimulate the local economy."
NxtGen is a cleantech company that developments and manufactures syngas systems. Syngas is a hydrogen-rich gas (H2 and CO) that is beneficial in the process of engine combustion and exhaust emissions aftertreatment. NxtGen uses syngas to aid systems that remove diesel particulate matter and nitrogen oxide from engine exhaust. This reduces environmental impact and improves fuel economy in medium duty diesel engines and can also be applied to light duty and heavy duty applications.
This $484,488 contribution will support the Richmond-based company in expanding their aftertreatment system to more compact applications – light duty vehicles, off-road vehicles and commercial diesel engine generators. This will involve the miniaturization of their current technology and allow for far wider applications.
"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 NRC-IRAP is helping innovative Canadian businesses like NxtGen Emission Controls grow stronger, faster and bigger."
"Global demand for diesel power continues to increase while emission regulations become more stringent. We believe that, with the help of NRC-IRAP, NxtGen is well-positioned to help deliver clean diesel solutions and contribute to the economy," explained Erik Johannes, Vice-President of Product Engineering at NxtGen.
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 to NRC-IRAP over the next two years to support innovative Canadian firms. To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
