Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative Helps Get Innovative Ideas from the Test Bench to Market
Calgary, Alberta – Over its 5-year span WINN will provide up to $100 million in repayable assistance to western small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Under WINN, SMEs can apply for funding for a variety of tasks that are essential in taking a product from the research and development stage to the market, such as: product testing and technology demonstrations, equipment purchases and installation, regulatory approval, marketing, and intellectual property protection.
Federal funds will support the University of Alberta with the purchase of an ultra-high resolution scanning tunneling microscope, which will enable researchers and scientists in western Canada and abroad to analyze electron dynamics and nanostructures at an atomic level. The first of its kind in North America, the microscope has the potential to significantly transform the semiconductor industry, as research findings aid in the prototype development and technology commercialization of new ultra low-power and low-temperature computing devices and industrial applications.
“I am proud to support programs such as the Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative, which will assist small- and medium-sized enterprises in Western Canada in bringing their ideas into the global marketplace. Through WINN we are filling a funding gap identified by Canadian business, and re-affirming our government’s commitment to providing opportunities for jobs and growth.”
~ The Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification
Quick Facts
- By funding over $21 million to help companies bring their cutting edge products, processes, technologies and services to market, the Government of Canada through WD is making good on its commitment to help innovators in western Canada prosper, generating jobs and economic growth in the region.
- Support is being provided through the initial competitive round of WINNand will be distributed as follows:
- 12 projects totaling $8.45 million in British Columbia.
- 11 projects totaling $6.81 million in Alberta.
- 1 project totaling $3.50 million in Saskatchewan.
- 3 projects totaling $2.58 million in Manitoba.
- Through WINN these projects have leveraged additional private sector support of nearly $24 million, more than doubling total project contributions.
- The next WINN intake period is planned for Fall 2014.