27 July 2010
Fredericton, New Brunswick
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of ACOA and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced that the Government of Canada, through ACOA, is investing in LearnSphere Canada Inc. as it implements a program that will help Atlantic Canada-based organizations commercialize their innovative products, technologies and processes.
“The Government of Canada is supporting an environment where businesses can thrive and grow,” said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of ACOA and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “Our Government, through ACOA’s Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF), is investing over $1.7 million to support Atlantic organizations in commercializing their research to help create long-term economic growth opportunities for this region.”
"As an organization committed to improving business performance in Canada and abroad, LearnSphere is thrilled to help organizations commercialize their R&D efforts with training and consulting activities supported through ACOA's AIF,” said Annette Comeau, President and CEO at LearnSphere Canada Inc.“LearnSphere is proud to have been involved in different activities in support of SMEs since 1996."
In 2008, LearnSphere developed and is now implementing the Commercialization Consulting and Mentoring (CCM) Program, which gives small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), universities, research institutions and other organizations access to financial resources and technical expertise to assist in the final steps toward the commercial launch of new products, technologies and processes.
“ACOA focuses on innovation because it gets more of the region’s cutting edge R&D into the marketplace, boosts business productivity and bottom lines, increases exports, and creates good-paying jobs and overall economic growth,” said Minister Ashfield. “It’s about good science, smart business and a great investment in the future of Atlantic Canada.”
LearnSphere is a one-stop shop that brings together all of the content, services and technology required to fulfill an organization’s training and development needs. Its product and service lines include small business training and skills development, international development and IT training, proven technologies from leading e-learning companies and highly qualified training and development consultants.
Since April 1, 2009, LearnSphere has supported 31 project applications. Organizations can still apply for funding as the program is not scheduled to end until March 31, 2011.
Complementing existing programs available through the federal and provincial governments, the CCM program aims to improve an organization’s knowledge of and skills for the commercialization process, and supports market-ready products, technologies or processes. It also helps develop and maintain partnerships, technology transfers and licensing agreements.
The Government of Canada invested $1,747,500 in this project through ACOA’s Atlantic Innovation Fund. The AIF plays an important role in enhancing Atlantic Canada’s ability to carry out leading- edge R&D and in bringing new knowledge, jobs and business opportunities to Atlantic Canada. The fund has been an important catalyst for many Atlantic Canadian businesses, universities and research institutions, creating more than 680 partnerships to help commercialize innovative ideas, products and services. The commercialization of this home grown research helps grow our economy, builds institutional and private sector capacity, supports the development of emerging industry clusters and increases trade and investment.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
LearnSphere has developed and is implementing a commercialization program for Atlantic Canada-based organizations thanks to a $1.7 million investment from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
The funding announcement was made today by the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of ACOA and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway.
LearnSphere’s program is called the Commercialization Consulting and Mentoring Program. It gives small and medium- sized enterprises, universities, research institutions and other organizations access to financial resources and technical expertise needed for the commercial launch of new products, technologies and processes. The program is scheduled to end on March 31, 2011.
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INFORMATION:
Paul LeBlanc
Senior Communications Officer
ACOA NB
506-452-3310
Annette Comeau
President & CEO
Learnsphere Canada Inc.
506-452-0387
