SUDBURY – NICKEL BELT – Colleges play a critical role in Canada’s innovation ecosystem by working with local and regional partners to develop innovative solutions to community challenges that will have direct and tangible benefits for Canadians.

Today, Member of Parliament for Sudbury Viviane Lapointe, accompanied by Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages, announced a $350,000 Applied Research and Technology Partnership grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) towards Cambrian R&D, Cambrian College’s Applied Research Department.

Within the Heavy Industrial Technology Adoption (HITACC) portfolio at Cambrian College, this will allow local businesses and industry partners to leverage funding for projects that address the challenge of integrating advanced technology in sectors like mining, forestry, and construction. Further, the collaborative projects supported by the Applied Research and Technology Partnership grant will also provide Cambrian College students the opportunity to work with organizations in their field of study, to receive training on specialized equipment and to develop skills that will make them more competitive as they enter the workforce. 

Building on the track record of the Centre for Smart Mining, and expertise in mechanical engineering and fabrication, this grant will provide additional funding and support for the Cambrian College R&D team to undertake collaborative and innovative projects aimed at technology adoption within heavy industry.

Quotes

“Science and innovation lead to a stronger and more resilient economy. As a government we will always be there to support small and medium-sized businesses as they adopt new technologies, and our college sector plays a crucial role in supporting these businesses. Today’s announcement will see strong partnerships that will foster innovation and support the next big idea all while providing top notch training to Canada’s future generation of skilled workers.” – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“This investment in Cambrian R&D has tangible benefits for both students and industry partners. This funding will help advance the adoption of emerging technologies within our mining, forestry, and construction sectors. It provides hands-on experience to students, while helping partners address the challenges of integrating new technologies. I would like to commend the Cambrian R&D team for their continued exceptional leadership in applied research.” – Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament Sudbury

“Cambrian College continues to take a leadership role in research and development. Students are at a strong advantage as they incorporate cutting edge research practices into their learning and create lasting partnerships with industry. This builds our community’s skill set and positions us to keep driving economic development and growth in our robust mining, forestry and construction sectors.” - Marc G. Serré, MP Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages

“This funding recognizes the national leadership Cambrian College is demonstrating, through Cambrian R&D, to help companies adopt the emerging technologies that are transforming heavy industries like mining, forestry, and construction. It’s good for industry, our local economy, and especially our staff, faculty and students who get to be at the front end of this technological revolution.” – Bill Best, Cambrian College CEO

Quick facts

• The Tri-agency CCI program is one of the largest vehicles for funding applied research at colleges, polytechnics and CÉGEPs across Canada. In 2021 alone, participants reported that 350 applied research projects involved more than 950 students and over 250 new products developed for partner organizations.
• Budget 2021 also provided an investment of $5.7 million over two years, to provide more businesses with access to the National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program’s Interactive Visits, where firms can access equipment, facilities, and expertise at college-affiliated Technology Access Centres.

• For ten years in a row, Cambrian College has made the list of Canada’s Top 50 research colleges. In the latest rankings, Cambrian achieved its highest level ever, reaching 18^th in Canada.

Associated links

• Applied Research and Technology Partnership grants funding opportunity
• Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience

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Media Contacts:

Kaylie Dudgeon
Special Assistant
Marc G. Serré, MP Nickel Belt
705-507-2416    
[email protected]