Support for the development of unique bio-based product expertise in the Mauricie region

The Government of Canada awards $1,500,000 to the UQTR and the Cégep de Trois-Rivières to support collaborative projects

TROIS-RIVIÈRES, QC, May 23, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Bio-based product innovations hold great potential in terms of fostering the adoption of clean technologies that will be used to design and manufacture innovative products differently.

Adopting a collaborative approach, the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières (UQTR), its Innovations Institute in Ecomaterials, Ecoproducts and Ecoenergies – Biomass Based (I2E3), and Innofibre – Centre d'innovation des produits cellulosiques at the Cégep de Trois-Rivières, will each receive a $750,000 non-repayable contribution from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions to strengthen their innovative and technology transfer capacities, which in turn benefit the businesses and organizations they serve.

The funding was announced today by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Member of Parliament for Saint‑Maurice–Champlain and Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. The Government of Canada assistance will enable the UQTR and Innofibre to jointly acquire a set of equipment that will enhance their capacity to develop clean technologies in the bio-based product sector. The development of knowledge in this field will allow the two organizations to support businesses in this sector through the transfer of green technologies, and to implement innovative solutions.

The Government of Canada is committed to fostering innovation in order to increase the long-term productivity and competitiveness of Canadian businesses. Advances in the development of new manufacturing processes and clean technologies are important drivers of progress and generate growth that benefits businesses and communities.

Quotes

"Innovation is key to the prosperity of our regions. That's why we're proud to support the UQTR and Innofibre, two organizations that focus on collaborative research and play a leading role in the development of innovative processes and products. Through this investment, we aim to provide tangible support for the capacity of these specialized research centres to contribute to the greatest breakthroughs in green technologies and bio-products. These innovative sectors hold incredible potential for the Mauricie region. More than ever, we have ambition for our regions!"

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice–Champlain and Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"To improve the quality and impact of our innovation support programs, it is essential that the Government of Canada sustains applied research and entrepreneurship. The funding announced today reflects our desire to support innovative projects that go hand-in-hand with economic growth and sustainable development."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"CED's unwavering support for the UQTR is key to our role as an accelerator in the development of technologies of the future and new-generation products, a niche that holds great promise. Without a doubt, the contribution announced today will allow for the launch of new initiatives through close synergy with innovative companies in the design and manufacture of high value-added bio-products and by-products."

Daniel McMahon, Rector, UQTR

"The funding awarded to Innofibre unequivocally demonstrates CED's confidence in our ability to innovate and generate significant benefits—not only in the Mauricie region, but also in communities across Canada—through the development of innovative bio-based products and the creation of good‑quality jobs. The Innofibre team will work with private and institutional partners to fast forward the development of clean technologies in the cellulosic products field."

Louis Gendron, Director General, Cégep de Trois-Rivières

Quick facts

TheInnovations Institute in Ecomaterials, Ecoproducts and Ecoenergies – Bio-Based (I2E3) is a research unit dedicated to the study of the fundamental scientific issues of both the composite and lignocellulosic materials industry and the pulp and paper industry, with a view to contributing to the increased efficiency of the development of this industry in Quebec. I2E3 collaborates with the UQTR on its research projects.

Innofibre – Centre d'innovation des produits cellulosiques, is a college centre for technology transfer (CCTT) affiliated with the Cégep de Trois-Rivières that works out of the UQTR's offices. Innofibre is a world-class research centre whose mission is to contribute to the technological positioning and sustainable development of the paper and bio-refinery industry in Quebec by supporting innovation and the diversification of biomass products and by adapting paper technologies.

Today's announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for the Innovation, Science and Economic Development portfolio, which is made up of 17 federal departments and agencies, including CED and the other five regional development agencies.

The funding was provided under CED's Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. To find out more about CED and its priorities, see the 2019–2020 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

The Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program targets entrepreneurs who leverage innovation to grow their businesses and make them more competitive, and regional economic stakeholders who help create an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation and inclusive growth in all regions.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions