Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
June 16, 2017

Local Companies Receive More Than $5.7 Million to Support Innovative Projects

Two companies in Newfoundland and Labrador are bringing technology to the sea and sky to create new jobs and economic opportunities. Fugro Geosurveys is adapting and demonstrating sensor technology for use with Autonomous Underwater Vehicles while Solace Power Inc. is focused on wireless charging technology for small electric unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, through the Research & Development Corporation, is contributing $244,648 towards the project with Solace Power Inc, and the Government of Canada is contributing more than $5.5 million through ACOA for the projects with Fugro Geosurveys and Solace Power Inc.

Provincial Government funding was announced today by the Honourable Cathy Bennett, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation. The federal funding was announced by Seamus O�Regan, Member of Parliament for St. John�s South-Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

Quotes
�Innovation plays a critical role in advancing a stronger, more diversified economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Provincial Government is pleased to support Solace Power as they endeavour to develop a new, disruptive technology in wireless power transfer for the global aerospace and defence market.�
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister Responsible for the Research & Development Corporation

�Through our Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government of Canada is working with local companies to help bring Canadian innovations to market. Initiatives like the ones announced today support advances in technology that will enable these businesses to compete internationally, strengthen and grow the middle class and create jobs.�
Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

�The Government of Canada recognizes this is a nation of innovators and we are committed to supporting new and developing technologies that bring ideas from conception to commercialization. These projects will have a positive impact on residents and contribute to a dynamic, thriving and competitive technology industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.�
Seamus O�Regan
Member of Parliament, St. John�s South-Mount Pearl

�We are very excited to have this opportunity to expand and build on our expertise in marine mapping, data acquisition and interpretation. Together with our partners at MUN, Faculty of Engineering and Marine Institute, we have a unique opportunity for the development of new technology and skill in the marine mapping sectors.�
Mike Cole
President, Fugro Canada Corp

�We are excited to accelerate the research and development of our wireless power technology, which has the potential to transform multiple industries with real-world applications. Thanks to the support from the Governments of Canada, and of Newfoundland and Labrador, we will be building a state-of-the art power electronics lab in St. John's, which will put us at the forefront of wireless power development. This advanced testing facility will be one of very few of its kind in Canada and will enable us to accelerate and advance the testing of our innovative wireless technology.�
Kris McNeil
President and CEO, Solace Power Inc.

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Learn More
Fugro Geosurveys - www.fugro.com external link

Solace Power - www.solace.ca external link

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL external link, @TCII_GovNL  external link and @RDCNL external link

Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

Ashley Russell
Research & Development Corporation
709-758-0308, 730-4079
ashleyrussell@rdc.org

Paul McGrath
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca

Mike Cole
Fugro Canada Corp
(709) 726-4252 extension 224
mike.cole@fugro.com

Libby Carew
Solace Power Inc
709-725-7627
libby.carew@solace.ca

2017 06 16                              2:55 p.m.