Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
June 15, 2016
The following is being distributed at the request of the Research & Development Corporation:
Strengthening the Economy Through Investments in R&D
RDC Investing $2.2 Million to Support Sensor Technology Advancements
The Research & Development Corporation (RDC) is investing over $2.2 million in five commercial projects to support sensor-related research, technology development and demonstration in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development and Minister Responsible for the Research & Development Corporation, made the announcement today at RDC in St. John�s.
�I am proud of the progress we�re making in strengthening the focus, quantity, quality, and relevance of research and development in Newfoundland and Labrador. Supporting highly-qualified people, world class infrastructure and cutting-edge research is key to innovation and opening up new areas of opportunity. Growing a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation presents tremendous economic potential for our province and diversifying the economy is a priority for our government. By supporting R&D, we are enabling businesses to strengthen technical capacity, be innovative and pursue commercialization and market opportunities that will elevate the province�s position as a global leader in sensor technology.�
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development and Minister Responsible for the Research & Development Corporation
The total cost of these R&D projects is approximately $7.5 million, including funding from the private sector, RDC and other funding agencies. Projects will help solve local technical challenges and contribute to the development of new or improved products and services with sensor-related technologies such as radar, acoustics, optics, sonar and signal processing that can be exported around the world. A complete list of projects and project descriptions can be found in the backgrounder below.
�Investing in R&D is vital to innovation and represents a strategic investment in Newfoundland and Labrador�s long-term economic development. The SensorTECH program is building R&D capacity, enabling technology commercialization and resource development, solving logistical and environmental challenges, and leveraging local, national and international collaboration. As a result, these businesses are advancing the foundation of sensor technology and strengthening their global competitive position.�
- Mark Ploughman, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Research & Development Corporation
Leveraging funding from business and other sources, the SensorTECH program provides up to $750,000 per project in support of business R&D across a range of sectors, including ocean technology, offshore petroleum, aerospace and defense, fisheries and environment industries. Research and development conducted under this program strengthens business competitiveness through the development of new products and services, lowering operational costs, improving environmental monitoring, and enhancing safety and security.
Detailed program information can be found by visiting: //rdc.org/funding/ 
QUICK FACTS
- RDC is investing over $2.2 million in five commercial projects to support sensor-related R&D.
- Total cost of the projects is over $7.5 million and leverages funding from private sector and other funding agencies.
- Sensor-related technologies include radar, acoustics, optics, sonar and other signal processing technologies.
- R&D conducted under the SensorTECH program supports the development of new products and services, lowers operational costs, improves environmental monitoring, and enhances safety and security.
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Media contact:
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Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca |
Ashley Russell Marketing & Communications Specialist Research & Development Corporation 709-758-0308, 730-4079 ashleyrussell@rdc.org |
BACKGROUNDER
The following commercial projects are funded under RDC�s SensorTECH program:
Enhanced Asset Integrity Assessment through Live 3D Reconstruction, Inspection and Simulation: Whitecap Scientific Corporation
Whitecap Scientific Corporation is developing technology that will have the ability to generate video and/or photo-textured 3D models of underwater assets live in the field that can be incorporated into a simulator for further situational analysis, intervention planning and training. This project, co-funded by Petroleum Research Newfoundland and Labrador, will enable Whitecap and GRi Simulations Inc. (GRi) to collaboratively develop technology that will import ROV3D-Surveyor field inspection model data into GRi�s Virtual Remotely Operated Vehicle simulation environment, to visualize and aid the assessment of an asset�s true condition, and changes to it over time. The system will also be designed to assist with planning of follow-up intervention activities, as required, enabling end-users to rehearse asset repair procedures using GRi�s full-featured, industry-leading simulation environment in preparation for the actual intervention. RDC�s investment is $199,000, with total project costs of $599,875.
KATFISH: Development of Kraken Active Tow Fish for Ultra-High Resolution Seabed Survey: Kraken Sonar Systems Inc.
Kraken Sonar Systems Inc. is developing an actively controlled, high-speed, towed platform for deploying its high resolution Synthetic Aperture Sonar underwater seabed imaging technology. This platform, commonly referred to as a �towfish�, will be a complete solution with the sensing technology integrated onboard and may be deployed from either manned or unmanned surface vessels. It will be used for survey work in high end commercial or military and defense operations. RDC�s investment is $749,451, with total project costs of $3,695,385.
Remote and Controls for Controllable Trawl Doors: Notus Electronics
In cooperation with an Icelandic firm, Notus Electronics is developing remote controllable trawl doors for the commercial fishing industry. Controllable trawl doors will allow a ship captain to manipulate the position of a trawl by changing the angles of vents in the trawl doors. This would allow them to position the trawl in the most advantageous position to maximize their catch. Notus is developing wireless remote controls and acoustic receivers to adjust the vents of the trawl doors in real-time. This technology will compliment Notus� existing net monitoring systems to increase the total capabilities of their full suite of products. The goal of this product is to reduce fuel consumption, increase catch efficiency, and reduce the environmental impact of trawl doors on the ocean floor. RDC�s investment is $727,884, with total project costs of $2,317,838.
Integrated Remote Sensing for Mapping, Monitoring and Inspection: Approach Geomatics (RIS)
Approach Geomatics (RIS) is expanding their R&D into the use of unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) technology as an additional data acquisition tool for mapping, monitoring and inspecting infrastructure and the natural environment. The primary objective of this project is to design and develop an integrated remote sensing service for mapping, monitoring and inspection. These unique services will target a large potential market, with commercial applications in offshore oil and gas, communications, coastal erosion, and government asset management. RDC investment is $208,840, with total project costs of $313,680.
Vegetation Clearing Quality Control Using Unmanned Aerial Systems: Sikumiut Environmental Management Ltd.
Sikumiut Environmental Management Ltd. is developing a full package unmanned aerial system and related applications, custom designed to improve the manner in which right-of-way vegetation clearing activities are quality controlled. The prototype development project aims to demonstrate improvements in efficiency, accuracy and safety gained through the implementation of this technology compared to the traditional approach. Once proven, this suite of technology can be applied to a variety of applications in the oil and gas, mining, utilities and environmental sectors. RDC investment is $326,011, with total project costs of $598,970.
2016 06 15 9:15 a.m.