FedDev Ontario invests in UOIT research

Oshawa, ON - Industry-focused research efforts at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) have received a significant boost with the approval for $739,000 in funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) under the agency's Applied Research and Commercialization Initiative (ARC). The funding will assist UOIT to partner with Durham and Northumberland regions' small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to solve research-based questions and have an immediate, positive impact on these businesses.

"We are extremely pleased to be a recipient of this funding and on behalf of UOIT, I would like to thank the Government of Canada and Minister Goodyear for their commitment to the university," said Dr. Michael Owen, associate provost, Research. "This funding will directly benefit local SME partners, drive innovation and contribute to the economic recovery of the region and Canada. These funds will enable our SME partners to access the problem-solving capacity of our outstanding researchers and students."

Part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, ARC is a $15-million pilot initiative designed to address the gap between research and commercialization in southern Ontario. The goals of the initiative are to accelerate innovation and improve productivity and competitiveness in companies of less than 1,000 employees located in southern Ontario, as well as encourage additional private sector investment in innovation. UOIT will use the funding for industry-driven projects.

The funding will be awarded on a project-by-project basis and will be cost shared with two-thirds from UOIT and one-third in cash or in-kind support from the small business partner. All agreements with SMEs must be established and funding committed by March 31, 2011 and all projects completed by March 31, 2012. Companies interested learning more about this opportunity should contact the UOIT Office Technology Transfer and Commercialization office at 905.721.8668 ext. 2699.

"This funding allows UOIT to broaden our industry outreach programs by adding to the ways we can partner with local SME's to produce relevant results," said Dr. Ann Dulhanty, manager, Office of Technology Transfer and Commercialization.

In seven years, UOIT has gained a solid reputation as a research-intensive university; establishing its first spin-off company, filing more than 30 patents in various jurisdictions and receiving six prestigious Canada Research Chairs and five Industrial Research Chairs. UOIT research is focused on five primary research themes, all of which emphasize a multidisciplinary approach: Applied Bioscience; Automotive, Materials and Manufacturing; Community and Social Wellness; Information and Communication; and Sustainable Energy. With these themes closely aligned with both federal and provincial research and innovation priorities in the context of Advantage Canada's Federal Science and Technology Strategy and the Ontario Innovation Agenda, UOIT is well-positioned to positively impact the Canadian economy and our social well-being.

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
Melissa Levy
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2513
289.928.0268
melissa.levy@uoit.ca