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Six hubs may expand to eight

Canada is racing to pull the country’s disparate nanotech hubs together in a unified whole to catch up with the world’s leading nanotechnology nations. NanoCanada — officially launched earlier this year and currently applying for not-for-profit status — is positioning itself to be that unifying vehicle by emphasizing industry commercialization and connections between nanotechnology hubs across Canada and the globe.

Two $10-million funds launched

Quebec research-intensive information and communications technology (ICT) companies have access to two new funds that will provide them with refundable R&D tax credits far sooner than previously possible and at rates comparable to traditional financing sources.

CMC Microsystems has established a new network to help public and private sector researchers leverage equipment and expertise in academic micro- and nano-fabrication laboratories across the country. The FACT Services for R&D network aims to facilitate access to more than 35 open access labs to external users by emphasizing solid management structure, skilled technical staff and clarity around intellectual property.

The Science Integrity Project (SIP) has released a statement of principles for the use of sound science-backed decision-making in the midst of the federal election. While its backers say the timing is coincidental, the non-partisan group hopes they will prove beneficial in stimulating public debate on the importance of using science when developing sound policy and ultimately legislation.

Liberal, NDP support for LSVCCs a head scratcher

With the federal vote just days away, all of Canada’s four recognized national parties have released full campaign platforms with science, research and innovation being given at least lip service but never approaching status as a top priority issue.

Not-for-profit funding remains strong

R&D spending is set to decline in Canada for the third year in a row. Statistics Canada estimates that total R&D expenditures in 2015 will decline $221 million or 0.

Parties rolling out S&T election pledges

Canada’s main political parties are rolling out a series of science and technology pledges even though their policy platforms have yet to be released. From clean tech and space (Liberals) to space and automotive (New Democrats) and manufacturing and cancer research (Conservatives), the announcements are an indication that S&T is finding space on party election platforms as part of larger efforts to grow and diversify the economy.

The federal program for bilateral industry-led R&D is being taken in-house. The Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) quietly announced in late August that the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) will be launched later this fall, less than six months after the closure of International Science and Technology Partnerships Canada (ISTP Canada) (R$, February 10/15 & April 16/15).

Canadian firms seeking expertise and investment in Boston now have an enhanced menu of services and mentors with the expansion of that city’s Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA). The Canadian Mentoring Service (CMS) and active affiliation with the non-profit Canadian Entrepreneurs in New England (CENE) organization are the newest tools in CTA Boston’s arsenal.

A boost to Toronto life sciences research

Johnson & Johnson is aiming to tap in to life sciences research in the Toronto region and beyond with the creation of a new incubator in the MaRS complex, aided by $19.