Ontario Government Invests In Breakthrough Technologies

Investment Update – August 2006
Toronto, Ontario

Ontario Government Invests In Breakthrough Technologies
Programs Help Researchers And Promising Companies Succeed, Create Jobs

Ontario Premier and Minister of Research and Innovation Dalton McGuinty announced new investments to help researchers and companies develop cutting-edge technologies that will fuel the economy and create jobs for Ontario families.

"Bringing exciting new discoveries to market faster creates high-value jobs, attracts investment and ultimately builds a better quality of life for all Ontario families," said Premier McGuinty. "That's why we're supporting the innovative spirit of Ontario researchers and entrepreneurs by investing in their ideas and our economic future."

To help get new discoveries to market, the government has launched a four-year, $46-million Market Readiness Program. It will provide companies with financial support, training and management expertise. The program is part of the Ontario government's $160-million Ideas to Market strategy.

"Ontario entrepreneurs are among the best and brightest in the world," said Small Business and Entrepreneurship Minister Harinder Takhar. "We want to give them the tools they need to turn their innovative ideas into products and services that can change people's lives."

The Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and the MaRS Discovery District will deliver the program across Ontario starting in the fall.

"For almost 20 years, the OCE has helped move great ideas from 'mind to market' through support of research, industrial collaboration and the commercialization of cutting-edge science and technology," said Mark Romoff, President and CEO of the OCE. "The Market Readiness Program will help us expand the work we're doing and lead to even more made-in-Ontario innovation success stories.

"Ontario is making a very clear statement about our commitment to transforming great ideas into thriving global businesses," said Ilse Treurnicht, CEO of the MaRS Discovery District. "This investment is focused on moving innovative technologies closer to market, and connecting entrepreneurs to the resources that will enable their success."

Premier McGuinty also announced funding for 16 projects that will link companies, colleges, universities and research institutions to develop cutting-edge technologies.

The funding will be provided through the government's $31.4-million Ontario Research and Commercialization Program (ORCP). The ORCP is the first program of its kind in Canada and will help Ontario become a global leader in transferring research and development to the private sector.

"Ontario has what it takes to be a global leader in research and innovation," said Premier McGuinty. "We will continue to work with researchers and entrepreneurs to ensure Ontario is the place to invest and innovate for years to come."

Contacts Presse :

IRIS CONSEIL
Christine Arnal
Tél : 00 33 (1) 45 44 04 21
Fax: 00 33 (1) 45 44 18 14
E-mail: c.arnal@iris-conseil.net
& Site: http://www.iris-conseil.net

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