Activities will showcase innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador
May 2, 2014 – St. John’s, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries (NATI), in partnership with other industry groups, is hosting the province’s first Innovation Week from May 5-9, 2014 in St. John’s with support from the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), and the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, today announced funding totaling $62,800 to help NATI host the week-long event that will shine a spotlight on innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Innovation Week will bring together entrepreneurs, innovative businesses, industry groups, academia, youth and other stakeholders to highlight innovation advances in the province. In addition, activities during the week will provide participants with valuable networking opportunities and an interactive forum to learn best practices that drive innovation and develop strategic partnerships.
Quick Facts:
- Innovation Week will include a number of activities taking place throughout the week and feature guest speakers and presenters from a variety of sectors (www.innovationweek.ca).
- The week-long event is expected to attract over 1,000 participants from around the province.
- The technology sector in Newfoundland and Labrador boasts 165 companies and employs close to 4,000 people. Its value to the province’s economy is $1.6 billion.
- NATI is the voice of the technology sector in Newfoundland and Labrador, representing members who are involved in all aspects of advanced technologies.
- The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, is providing $32,287 to support Innovation Week. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investing $30,513.
Quotes:
“Our Government is committed to investing in initiatives that help promote and strengthen innovation in Atlantic Canada, which fuels economic growth. Activities during Innovation Week will showcase and celebrate innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador and provide an exciting opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and learn new ways to advance their business growth.”
- The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“Innovation Week provides a great opportunity to celebrate business and innovation, showcase startup communities and technology, and promote new opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador. We recognize the tremendous influence of innovation in our province’s social and economic development, and I am delighted we have partnered to support Innovation Week and recognize the rich culture of innovation that exists here in the province.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
“Innovation Week is new and exciting. It’s a week of empowering activities and conferences to demonstrate and spread the word about the innovative work that is taking place across Newfoundland and Labrador. NATI is proud to be part of this initiative and we thank ACOA and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for supporting the spirit of innovation, which is thriving in our province.”
- Ron Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, NATI
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Associated Links
Contacts
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Julie Afonso
Acting Director, Public Affairs
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
709-729-4570
Dyanna McCarthy
Marketing and Business Development Coordinator
NATI
709-757-3251
