Helping innovative companies in Alberta grow and compete
News release
More than 570 well-paying jobs will be created through the Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative
November 14, 2018 – Calgary, Alberta – Western Economic Diversification Canada
The world economy is rapidly changing. Innovations in artificial intelligence, clean technology, advanced agriculture and manufacturing, among others, are redefining the nature of global competitiveness.
Today, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Mill Woods, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, together with Kent Hehr, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre, announced close to $21 million to help 16 innovative businesses get their products to market faster. The Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative announcement took place in Calgary at QuirkLogicTM.
In Canada’s growing market for technology developers, Western Canada has the potential to help Canadian innovators grow and position the country as a global centre of excellence by leveraging regional strengths. To seize such opportunities for economic growth, the federal government and industry are working hard to help western Canadian entrepreneurs overcome the challenges of bringing game-changing innovation to market.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is working hard to help Albertan entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving businesses and create good middle class jobs. Through the Innovation and Skills Plan and funding programs such as Western Innovation (WINN) initiative, we are helping to propel innovative entrepreneurs and businesses from start-ups into global success.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada
“Many middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow are created within strong innovation and competitiveness ecosystems. By making the smart and responsible investments, the Government of Canada is positioning Alberta to generate meaningful business investments, and high-quality jobs, across all sectors of the economy.”
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Mill Woods
“I am proud that the Government of Canada is supporting Alberta’s small-and medium-sized enterprises to scale up and bring innovative technologies and ideas to market. These companies are helping to establish Canada as a world-leading economy and a worthy contender in the global innovation race.”
Kent Hehr, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre
“QuirkLogicTM is thrilled to be one of the recipients from the Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative. Our product, QuillaTM, is a digital writing solution that enables individuals and teams to capture their creative intellectual assets in real-time. This investment allows us to accelerate our product innovation and drive significant company growth as we expand our global technology footprint.”
Nashir Samanani, Co-Founder & CEO, QuirkLogic Inc.
Quick facts
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Western Canada accounts for 38% of Canada’s economy.
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Per capita GDP is 18% higher in the West than across the country.
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Clean technology and advanced agriculture and food production are major growth industries in the West.
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Western Canada’s 427,000 SMEs employ over 3.4 million people.
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Five of the top 15 Canadian research universities are in Western Canada.
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The West attracts about half the venture capital of Ontario or Quebec.
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Associated links
Contacts
Narmin Hassam-Clark
A/Regional Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
780-495-4165
narmin.hassam-clark@canada.ca
Geoff Martin, Director of Marketing
QuirkLogic Inc.
587-349-8321
geoffmartin@quirklogic.com
Stay Connected
Follow the department on Twitter: @WD_Canada, @ISED_CA
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