October 14, 2014 – Kelowna, British Columbia – Western Economic Diversification Canada
Corresponding Document : Photo Gallery
Today, the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification announced funding of $3,801,000 for the University of British Columbia – Okanagan (UBCO) to support the establishment of the Survive and Thrive Applied Research Facility (STAR).
The STAR facility will focus on human protection and survivability, as well as performance, in extreme or remote conditions. STAR will also expand UBCO’s capacity to work with industry to support technology development and commercialization of advanced technologies in the defence and security sector.
At the facility, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will have access to a suite of sophisticated equipment to aid in engineering, destructive testing, and rapid prototyping. STAR will focus on improvements in areas such as personal protective equipment, vehicle armour, secure communications as well as unmanned aerial vehicle technology and its related commercial applications.
Additionally, STAR will expand its capacity and technology to apply research and development in direct collaboration with businesses and communities that are concerned with human protection and survivability, as well as commercial applications in other sectors including manufacturing, natural resources, and healthcare.
Emily Goucher
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification
Telephone: 613-954-8097
Email: emily.goucher@wd-deo.gc.ca
Bud Mortenson
Director, University Relations
Telephone: 250-807-9255
Cell: 250-864-3385
Email: bud.mortenson@ubc.ca
WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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