March 22, 2010 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Senator Fabian Manning, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today announced a contribution of $474,000 to Bluedrop Performance Learning from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP).
The funding will support Bluedrop in developing its new and innovative learning management networks, which will address the needs and shortcomings of the current e-learning marketplace.
"Our government is investing in science and technology to create jobs, strengthen the economy and improve Canadians' quality of life," said Senator Manning. "This government is supporting Canadian firms that successfully develop and apply innovative technologies linking scientific research to commercialization, to jobs of the future and economic growth."
During the event, Senator Manning also presented a Canadian Innovation Leader Certificate to Bluedrop Performance Learning to highlight its success as an innovative Canadian firm that has successfully linked scientific research to commercialization, jobs and economic growth.
"Investing in science and technology is critical for developing highly skilled people and improving the long-term competitiveness of Canadian firms," said NRC Acting President Daniel Gosselin. "That's why NRC-IRAP is helping innovative Canadian businesses like Bluedrop grow stronger, faster and bigger."
Founded in 1992, Bluedrop Performance Learning Inc. is an award-winning IT consulting and development firm. Now consisting of more than 50 employees, Bluedrop Performance Learning provides e-learning expertise to global industry leaders in seven different industries ranging from defence and aerospace to publishing.
With offices in St. John's, Halifax, Fredericton, Toronto, Ottawa, and Washington DC, Bluedrop Performance Learning provides customized content development to clients that consists of ground-breaking e-learning, blended learning, advanced simulation and gaming, and instructor-led training. The company is currently developing a new generation of learning management called Learning Management Networks.
"We are pleased that NRC has acknowledged and supported the work we are doing to bring corporate e-learning to the next level. Our research and past experience with global companies demonstrate that there is a serious gap in this area," said Emad Rizkalla, President of Bluedrop. "Our CoursePark product is perhaps the easiest and most intuitive one-stop learning management solution in the world for corporations. It will help companies of all sizes to train their employees, customers and partners through affordable, convenient and effective Learning Networks."
The National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program 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. The Council 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 the NRC's support for innovative Canadian firms.
