The Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) will be able to develop innovative technologies for commercial application while producing Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) with hands-on experience thanks to federal funding announced today by the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.
“Our Government continues to implement measures that help sharpen Canada’s competitiveness, productivity, and capacity for innovation, while creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity,” said Minister Yelich. “We are proud to support this project, which will bring new products to market through development and commercialization activities.”
The federal investment of $465,478 through the Western Diversification Program (WDP) will go towards the purchase of key instrumentation equipment at the new SIAST Bioscience Applied Research Centre (SBARC).
“Applied research at SIAST leverages faculty expertise to test new ideas. It encourages the commercialization of technology, and it provides contemporary learning opportunities for students,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, SIAST’s president and CEO. “This investment by the Government of Canada supports our efforts to help business and industry find practical solutions to real-world problems.”
The SBARC will support product development activities, including proof of concept, prototyping, product testing, and evaluation and analysis in four different areas: agricultural biotechnology, bioproducts, environment, and biomedicine. SIAST will work directly with small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and partners to develop biotechnologies for commercial application, and will offer students specialized training to become HQP in bioscience research.
The Harper Government remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and their personal financial security.
Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating small and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.
