July 8, 2015 – Lethbridge, Alberta – Western Economic Diversification Canada
Today, the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced an investment for the University of Lethbridge in support of the establishment of the first synthetic biology maker space (Synbridge) in Alberta. The Synbridge maker space initiative will enhance research capabilities, boost services available for industry partners, increase training capacity for Highly Qualified Personnel, and enable students to explore commercial applications of their research ideas.
Federal funding of $1.1 million, through the Western Diversification Program (WDP), will go towards the purchase of state of the art equipment to support the on campus maker space. This space will enable students at the University to move their research ideas to the proof of principle stage, while also providing western Canadian businesses in the life sciences sectors with enhanced access to the services and expertise they need to commercialize their technologies.
This project builds on the strength of the University of Lethbridge in synthetic biology – a science that applies engineering principles to biological systems and that explores the design and development of new biological devices and systems. The potential of this emerging science has been widely recognized to create transformational enhancements in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, bio-fuels/energy, manufacturing, clean water and bio-remediation.
Nicholas Insley
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification
Telephone: 613-220-6208
Email: nicholas.insley@wd-deo.gc.ca
Trevor Kenney
News & Information Manager
University of Lethbridge
Telephone: 403-329-2710
Cell phone: 403-360-7639
Email: trevor.kenney@uleth.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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