The governments of Ontario and Alberta jointly announced on April 9 a new project that will encourage research into new technology, with energy storage being one of the prime areas of interest. Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) is partnering with Alberta Innovates Technology Futures (AITF) to establish the “Alberta Ontario Innovation Program.” The initiative is intended to bring industry and academia together to develop research projects with a strong economic focus.
“Our government recognizes that Ontario’s capacity to compete in the global knowledge-based economy and to create the jobs of tomorrow depends on our research strengths,” said Reza Moridi, Ontario’s Minister of Research and Innovation. “That is why we welcome this strategic partnership with Alberta. Connecting industry and research leaders in Ontario and Alberta will help both provinces become more innovative, productive and competitive.”
The two-year program will fund projects that focus on strengthening global competitiveness. It will draw on academic expertise to address challenges faced by industry. Projects eligible for funding include those focused on developing new products and services in areas such as energy storage, biogas, pipeline coatings and the remediation of contaminated water. These may span multiple sectors, including energy, manufacturing, advanced materials, clean technology and ICT.
Ontario and Alberta will provide up to $4 million to the program to be matched up to $4 million by industry partners in both provinces. Additional matching funds of up to $4 million are available through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).