UOIT receives major new commercialization grant from Ontario Research Commercialization Program
August 4, 2006
University to play key role in transfer of knowledge and technology to the private sector
OSHAWA, Ont. - UOIT has recently been awarded a $1.6 million dollar commercialization grant from the Ontario Research Commercialization Program (ORCP) as part of the Ontario Partnership for Innovation and Commercialization (OPIC). This grant comes as part of a recent announcement by Ontario Premier and Minister of Research and Innovation Dalton McGuinty awarding significant new provincial investments to help researchers and companies develop cutting-edge technologies.
UOIT is a key partner in OPIC which is a network of seven universities from across the province with similar and complementary technology transfer goals and capabilities. The funding will be used to develop a province-wide technology transfer network that links technology research, knowledge and discoveries to Ontario companies, investors, and entrepreneurs who can commercialize new university breakthroughs.
Technology transfer refers to the movement of technology or scientific discovery from public universities and research institutions to the private sector where business knowledge and skills are used to develop it into a product or service.
"We are grateful to Premier Dalton McGuinty for his continued support of Ontario's researchers and entrepreneurs," said Michael Szarka, manager of Technology Transfer & Commercialization at UOIT. "With this funding, members of the OPIC network will be able to overcome many of the barriers currently affecting the commercialization of research. Better services will be provided to researchers at each institution and new product collaboration between researchers and local companies will be increased - fueling the economy and creating jobs for Ontarians across the province."
Announced in June 2005, ORCP is part of the McGuinty government's strategy to help business innovators take their products to market. With funding totalling $31.4 million dollars being awarded to public research institutions and not-for-profit organizations over the next three years, OCRP helps identify promising research and shapes ideas into innovative products or services by helping Ontario's world-class researchers and entrepreneurs combine their skills, expertise and resources to help commercialize their innovations.
As one of the networks recently awarded funding, OPIC is mandated to add value to and accelerate the movement of publicly funded technology from its member institutions into commercial businesses. The network is led by Ryerson University and in addition to UOIT its partners include Brock University, Lakehead University, Laurentian University, Nipissing University, and Trent University.
"We are delighted to be part of the team of Ontario universities receiving generous financial support of the ORCP and the McGuinty government," said Dr. Kamiel Gabriel, associate provost of Research at UOIT. "UOIT and its partner universities will have an opportunity to increase the professional capability of their technology transfer offices, establish shared expertise and technology resources, and effectively promote projects with a strong potential for commercialization."
About UOIT
As the province's newest university, UOIT provides a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research, and hands-on skills. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, UOIT offers career-focused undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business and information technology, sciences, engineering, nursing, social science, and education. The university is committed to research excellence and has attracted significant research grants and awards including Canada Research Chairs. Sharing facilities and selected services with Durham College, UOIT has attracted over 3,000 students since its inception in 2003. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.
OSHAWA, Ont. - UOIT has recently been awarded a $1.6 million dollar commercialization grant from the Ontario Research Commercialization Program (ORCP) as part of the Ontario Partnership for Innovation and Commercialization (OPIC). This grant comes as part of a recent announcement by Ontario Premier and Minister of Research and Innovation Dalton McGuinty awarding significant new provincial investments to help researchers and companies develop cutting-edge technologies.
UOIT is a key partner in OPIC which is a network of seven universities from across the province with similar and complementary technology transfer goals and capabilities. The funding will be used to develop a province-wide technology transfer network that links technology research, knowledge and discoveries to Ontario companies, investors, and entrepreneurs who can commercialize new university breakthroughs.
Technology transfer refers to the movement of technology or scientific discovery from public universities and research institutions to the private sector where business knowledge and skills are used to develop it into a product or service.
"We are grateful to Premier Dalton McGuinty for his continued support of Ontario's researchers and entrepreneurs," said Michael Szarka, manager of Technology Transfer & Commercialization at UOIT. "With this funding, members of the OPIC network will be able to overcome many of the barriers currently affecting the commercialization of research. Better services will be provided to researchers at each institution and new product collaboration between researchers and local companies will be increased - fueling the economy and creating jobs for Ontarians across the province."
Announced in June 2005, ORCP is part of the McGuinty government's strategy to help business innovators take their products to market. With funding totalling $31.4 million dollars being awarded to public research institutions and not-for-profit organizations over the next three years, OCRP helps identify promising research and shapes ideas into innovative products or services by helping Ontario's world-class researchers and entrepreneurs combine their skills, expertise and resources to help commercialize their innovations.
As one of the networks recently awarded funding, OPIC is mandated to add value to and accelerate the movement of publicly funded technology from its member institutions into commercial businesses. The network is led by Ryerson University and in addition to UOIT its partners include Brock University, Lakehead University, Laurentian University, Nipissing University, and Trent University.
"We are delighted to be part of the team of Ontario universities receiving generous financial support of the ORCP and the McGuinty government," said Dr. Kamiel Gabriel, associate provost of Research at UOIT. "UOIT and its partner universities will have an opportunity to increase the professional capability of their technology transfer offices, establish shared expertise and technology resources, and effectively promote projects with a strong potential for commercialization."
About UOIT
As the province's newest university, UOIT provides a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research, and hands-on skills. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, UOIT offers career-focused undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business and information technology, sciences, engineering, nursing, social science, and education. The university is committed to research excellence and has attracted significant research grants and awards including Canada Research Chairs. Sharing facilities and selected services with Durham College, UOIT has attracted over 3,000 students since its inception in 2003. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.
About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.
Media contact
Heather Middleton
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.731.3111 ext. 2197
Heather.middleton@dc-uoit.ca
