Government of Canada supports Newfoundland and Labrador firm through Build in Canada Innovation Program

ST. JOHN'S, NL, Nov. 1, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to growing the economy, strengthening the middle class and helping those working hard to join it. Through the Build in Canada Innovation Program, the Government of Canada is investing in Canadian innovations to create inclusive and sustainable economic growth for communities across Canada.

Today, Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John's East, on behalf of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, announced that the Government of Canada is investing in a virtual technology device for ships that will assist in training deck crews in ice management techniques.

Virtual Marine Technology Inc. received a $559,447 contract for its embedded ice management simulator. This innovation simulates real-time ice management activities, including forecasting sea ice and icebergs, evaluating the threat of ice, and strategically breaking or moving ice. It is being tested by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

This investment was made through the Build in Canada Innovation Program, which helps Canadian innovators land their first sale and have their innovations tested by the Government of Canada. This program is just one of the many ways the Government of Canada supports innovation and small and medium-sized businesses across Canada.

Canadian innovators can submit their proposals on the Build in Canada Innovation Program website.

Quotes

"Through the Build in Canada Innovation Program, our government is supporting companies like Virtual Marine Technology Inc. by matching their innovative products with government needs. Innovations such as the embedded ice management simulator are useful equipment to train our women and men who navigate and carry out operations in ice-covered waters on behalf of us all."

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Public Services and Procurement

"We are proud of local businesses with cutting-edge technologies such as Virtual Marine Technology Inc., which are leveraging the Build in Canada Innovation Program to create economic opportunities and quality jobs for the middle class here in Newfoundland and Labrador."

Nick Whalen
Member of Parliament for St. John's East

"The embedded ice management simulator will advance the training needs of the Canadian Coast Guard operating in the Arctic and in ice-covered waters, as it will be tested by users who understand ice and the need to properly prepare for safe operations in those conditions year round. The Build in Canada Innovation Program offers timely funding support for innovative small and medium enterprises, like Virtual Marine, as it helps us test our unique Canadian product and advance its global market penetration."

Captain Anthony Patterson
President and Chief Executive Officer, Virtual Marine Technology Inc.

Quick facts

• Over the past 13 years, Virtual Marine Technologies Inc. has demonstrated its expertise in vessel components and simulation technology.
• This innovation can provide ice management training with lower cost and less time than other training methods, as it accurately simulates ice conditions, allowing for both better training and reducing risk in the field.
• More than 260 contracts have been awarded under the Build in Canada Innovation Program.
• A total of 13 contracts have been awarded to Newfoundland and Labrador companies, for a total value of more than $8.4 million.
• More than $113 million has been awarded in contracts since the Build in Canada Innovation Program began in 2010.

Associated links

Build in Canada Innovation Program

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SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada