On September 5, Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay Rainy River, announced a FedNor investment of $377,745 in Confederation College. The investment will support their office of Applied Research and Innovation. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay Superior North.
FedNor will help Confederation College create two new three-year positions: manager of business development, applied research; and lead researcher, computer science. These two roles will help the organization build stronger research projects that target the needs of industry. Student researchers will support the two new positions and gain opportunities for learning and experience so they can join the workforce with strong skills.
This project will help provide new and expanded knowledge to Confederation College's office of Applied Research and Innovation in the areas of software development, artificial intelligence (AI), and computer programming, and will help expand the organization's existing connections and abilities in the field of research, commercialization, and development services to meet the growing demand from regional small and medium entreprise (SMEs) in the region.
The investment will support new and improved processes and services for commercial partners in the region, and grow the amount of innovative products and new technologies coming out of Northwestern Ontario. The project will help support Confederation College in facilitating increases in commercialization for SMEs through meaningful collaborations with industry partners, all of which will enrich the regional innovation ecosystem in Northern Ontario.
This investment will help ensure that regional Canadian businesses can be global leaders in technological innovation, and that strong Canadian businesses will remain ready to respond to both local needs and international opportunities.
Quotes
"Northern Ontario grows stronger when local partners bring new ideas and build lasting partnerships. To build on this strength, Canada is investing in projects that spark creativity across industries helping businesses tackle today's challenges while preparing for tomorrow's economy. A resilient Northern Ontario is one that keeps building for the future."
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister Responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay Superior North
"Investments like this in Confederation College will help strengthen today's leading businesses and provide tomorrow's entrepreneurs with the infrastructure and support they need to succeed."
- Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay Rainy River
"Confederation College is proud to contribute to the advancement of research and innovation across Northwestern Ontario. This investment from FedNor strengthens our ability to work closely with industry partners, create hands-on learning opportunities for our students, and support the economic development of our region through applied research."
- Michelle Salo, President, Confederation College
Quick facts
- The investment announced on September 5 is provided through FedNor's Regional Growth Through Innovation Fund (REGI), which supports the growth of Northern Ontario businesses, their expansion into new markets, and their adoption of new technologies and processes.
- Confederation College is a post-secondary institution with eight campuses located across Northwestern Ontario.
- Their office of Applied Research and Innovation fosters impactful collaboration between industry partners, faculty members, and passionate students.
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