Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
April 17, 2015
The following is being distributed at the request of the Research & Development Corporation:
Invigorating the Economy Through Innovation in Research
RDC to Invest up $15 Million in Support of Arctic and Sensor Technology
The Research & Development Corporation (RDC) is pleased to announce two funding programs to help businesses further their technology development and assist academic researchers with research and development (R&D) opportunities:
- SensorTECH � a new program in support of sensor-related research, development and demonstration in Newfoundland and Labrador. Sensor-related technologies include radar, acoustics, optics, sonar, and related signal processing technologies. RDC will invest up to $5 million in eligible R&D projects over three years.
- ArcticTECH �a renewed program in support of Arctic, cold ocean or harsh environment R&D. Arctic-related technologies apply to subsea processing, pipeline design, remote operations, ice management, oil-spill response, safety and environmental protection, and other challenges. RDC will invest up to $10 million in eligible R&D projects over the next five years.
�The global market for Arctic and remote sensing technologies is growing rapidly. ArcticTECH builds on our province�s strength as a globally-competitive cold ocean research laboratory. SensorTECH focuses on supporting our R&D capabilities in an area of critical importance to our offshore, mining, ocean industries and environment sectors.�
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
Both the ArcticTECH and SensorTECH programs provide up to $750,000 for business-led R&D projects with industry investment. ArcticTECH provides up to $250,000 for academic-led R&D projects where academic researchers collaborate with local or global technology providers. SensorTECH will provide funding to academic-led R&D projects through a competitive call for proposals which will close on November 19, 2015.
�RDC�s goal is to enable technology commercialization and resource development, and to leverage local, national and international collaboration that drives research, development and deployment. These programs will support the R&D that enables companies to pursue new market opportunities.�
- Glenn Janes, Chief Executive Officer, Research & Development Corporation
Through the first ArcticTECH program launched in 2012, RDC has committed or invested $7 million over three years, and leveraged an additional $13.2 million investment from the private sector, Federal Government, and other sources. Through all investments related to energy, ocean technology and mining R&D, RDC has committed or invested $55 million since 2010, and leveraged an additional $173 million from other sources.
Research and development carried out under these programs contributes to long-term economic benefits by initiating new products and services, lowering operational costs, improving environmental monitoring, and enhancing safety and security. For detailed program information, visit rdc.org/funding/index.htm.
QUICK FACTS
- RDC is investing $5 million over three years in support of sensor-related R&D and $10 million over five years in support of Arctic, cold ocean or harsh environment R&D.
- Sensor-related technologies include radar, acoustics, optics, sonar and related signal processing technologies. Arctic-related technologies support subsea processing, pipeline design, remote operations, ice management, oil-spill response, safety and environmental protection, and other challenges.
- The programs will help solve local technical challenges and contribute to the development of products and services that can be exported around the world.
- Additional information about RDC can be found at: www.rdc.org.
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Media contacts:
|
Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca |
Chris Flanagan Director, Marketing & Communications Research & Development Corporation 709-758-1021, 691-1009 chrisflanagan@rdc.org |