PrairiesCan allocates $15.6M to 16 Alberta projects for business growth and technological advancement

The Government of Canada, through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) is investing $15.6 million in 16 projects across Alberta to support businesses to innovate, grow and compete globally. According to a PrairiesCan press statement, the funds will allow innovators access to specialized equipment and knowledge to test, refine, and commercialize their advanced products and technologies. Projects are focused on a wide range of key economic sectors, including digital technology, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and clean technology.

The announcement was made by Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, on behalf of the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan.

Examples of projects receiving support include:

• The University of Alberta is receiving more than $1.3 million to establish the Canadian Cluster for Laser and Advanced Manufacturing—an applied research, networking, and information hub that will facilitate the expansion of Alberta laser cladding manufacturers into new industries and international markets.
• Northwestern Polytechnic in Grande Prairie is receiving over $390,000 to develop and provide sugar and botanical testing services at the National Bee Diagnostic Centre in Beaverlodge to support the Canadian beekeeping industry and establish a Canadian honey authentication system to increase sales of Canadian-made honey in national and international markets.
• A100 is receiving $269,927 to inncrease awareness of and funding for existing technology companies in Alberta by enhancing the Start Alberta online platform, which connects tech companies and investors in the province and beyond.
• Lethbridge Polytechnic is receiving $582,391 to increase capacity at the Spatial Technologies Applied Research and Training (START) centre, which provides virtual and augmented reality testing facilities and expertise so that Alberta businesses are equipped to adopt new technologies that will maximize business efficiency
• ELIXR Simulations is receiving more than $1.3 million to deliver training and launch business development tools to accelerate the production and adoption of extended reality technologies, better positioning Alberta businesses to capitalize on rapid growth in the immersive technology sector.

The investments are expected to directly support more than 1,100 jobs and leverage approximately $11 million in additional funding from other orders of government and industry.