The Short Report – June 15, 2022: CREATE program receives new NSERC funding, feds provide up to $100M to Saskatchewan potash mine, Alberta invests in quantum hub, $24M for research on life-saving organ transplant technology, and more.
Organization: City of Calgary
New advanced research agency high on federal innovation minister’s lengthy to do list
Innovation, Science and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne is facing a very busy year, with a mandate letter from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that includes more than 30 assigned tasks. They include establishing a new advanced research projects agency, launching a Canadian critical minerals strategy and a national quantum strategy and creating a global centre of excellence for eliminating methane gas emissions.
Q&A: Entrepreneur Mark Blackwell on building a strong innovation ecosystem in Calgary
At 32, Mark Blackwell is a seasoned entrepreneur, venture capitalist and board chair of the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund. Research Money spoke to Blackwell about his experience in Silicon Valley, what success means to him and strengthening the innovation ecosystem in Calgary and Canada.
MaRS innovation hub hits pause on plan to expand to Calgary
The Toronto-based MaRS Discovery District innovation hub has hit the “pause button” on expanding to Calgary after more than a year of discussions with the University of Calgary and other players in Calgary’s innovation ecosystem. However, MaRS says it will continue working with and supporting Alberta companies during the scale-up stage from its Toronto base.
Calgary wants MaRS to complement its innovation ecosystem, not add competition
Toronto-based MaRS Discovery District has proposed expanding some of its innovation components to Calgary. However, key players involved in exploratory talks say the $60-million “MaRS West” initiative will need to complement, not compete with, Calgary’s existing innovation entities and ecosystem.
University of Calgary innovation hub receives $8.5M from city’s investment fund
A new Life Sciences Innovation Hub at the University of Calgary has received $8.5 million to support specialized programming for entrepreneurs and companies.
Drones help drive diversification of Alberta’s economy
Calgary and Alberta are leading the country in developing and deploying drones, as a strategy to diversify the province’s economy, but the industry says more federal support is needed.