Colleges Ontario

(TORONTO, April 15, 2009) – The Ontario government’s 2009 budget investment into applied research marks an important commitment to innovation that will create new economic opportunities, the Colleges Ontario Network for Industry Innovation (CONII) said today.

“The government is to be applauded for recognizing and supporting the value of applied research,” said Katharine Janzen, chair of the CONII Steering Committee and vice-president, research and innovation, at Seneca College in Toronto. “The budget investment will help colleges and businesses to continue developing research that can be commercialized, getting products to market faster and helping businesses grow while providing value-added learning experiences for college students.”

The recent 2009 Ontario Budget announced an investment of $10 million over three years to CONII to assist small- and medium-sized enterprises with hands-on applied research, technology transfer and commercialization.

CONII is a network of 10 colleges – planning to expand to 16 colleges this year – that conduct applied research and collaborate with industry to provide quick responses to market opportunities and challenges. During the past two years, and with Ontario government support, it has established 415 new innovation partnerships and 143 industry-led applied research projects.

The research ranges from developing specialized software for 3D game developers to designing and building innovative optical components or developing more efficient light sources. It has led to innovations in alternative energy, environmental technologies, health and life sciences, and much more.

The province’s investment into applied research is particularly important to small businesses that cannot easily conduct research and development without help.

“New innovations that help these businesses to grow are important, particularly in this difficult economy,” Janzen said. “The provincial funding will help businesses and colleges to quickly turn innovative ideas into the creation of new jobs.”

- 30 -

For more information:

Dr. Katharine Janzen
Chair, Colleges Ontario Network for Industry Innovation (CONII)
Associate Vice-President Research and Innovation, Seneca College
(416) 491-5050, ext. 7901
katharine.janzen@senecac.on.ca