30 September 2013
Quebec City, Quebec
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today participated in activities marking the 25th anniversary of the opening of the National Optics Institute (INO). The Prime Minister was accompanied by Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Québec.
“It gives me great pleasure to mark the 25th anniversary of the National Optics Institute, which has become a mainstay of Canadian research in technological innovation and industrial development in the optics and photonics fields,” said the Prime Minister. “We are proud to have partnered with this Canadian pioneer from day one, whose dynamism and commitment to the business community are continuing to create jobs for Québecers and Canadians and drive economic growth.”
Currently undergoing a wholesale expansion, INO is Canada’s leading centre of expertise in optics and photonics and is among North America’s largest as well. The Institute conducts research with a view of developing cutting edge technologies, as well as processes and products that contribute to the growth and competitiveness of Canadian businesses.
Since INO’s founding in 1985, its activities have launched nearly 30 innovative Canadian companies and facilitated the transfer of technologies for commercial applications to over 50 active firms in Canada. The Institute’s contribution to the Canadian industry generates recurring annual benefits estimated at roughly 700 jobs with its Canadian clients and partners, including innovative companies like TeraXion, FISO Technologies and Optel Vision. These spin-off jobs are on top of the 200 direct jobs at the Institute itself.
