For immediate release
February 24, 2012
Toronto, Ontario – Corneliu Chisu, Member of Parliament for Pickering – Scarborough East, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, today announced up to $315,000 for Ryerson University to provide graduates and graduate students in the fields of science, engineering, technology, and math (STEM) with entrepreneurial skills.
"Our government is committed to creating jobs and supporting economic growth in southern Ontario," said MP Chisu. "We are proud to partner with institutions like Ryerson University to help southern Ontario's brightest minds gain valuable skills to help them bring their ideas to the marketplace."
The funding is being provided through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario's Scientists and Engineers in Business initiative, designed to assist graduates and graduate students in STEM fields in developing their business skills and drive them toward commercialization their product or service idea.
Ryerson University will use the contribution to award up to 10 fellowships to eligible STEM students and graduates to help them develop their ideas and enable them to start new companies in the future.
"Young people should be the focus of our efforts to build the innovation economy," said Ryerson University President Sheldon Levy. "Ryerson is committed to fostering the entrepreneurial drive of our students and alumni. This generous investment from FedDev Ontario is further support for our students to bring their creative ideas to market, and is a great example of government and universities working together for the future of our economy."
For more information on the Scientists and Engineers in Business initiative, please refer to the website.
Created in 2009, FedDev Ontario supports the southern Ontario economy by building on the region's strengths and creating opportunities for jobs and economic growth. The Agency has launched a number of initiatives to create a Southern Ontario Advantage and place the region in a strong position to compete in the global economy. These initiatives are designed to encourage partnerships and support projects that help the region's businesses and communities become more competitive, innovative and diversified. To learn more, visit www.feddevontario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.
– 30 –
For more information, contact:
Stephanie Thomas
Special Assistant – Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
613-960-7728
Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
519-571-6879
