Charlottetown, PEI — Strengthening research, innovation, and skill development for future prosperity, and supporting Prince Edward Island youth are essential for the province to advance through and beyond COVID-19. In light of the current pandemic, driving innovation has become increasingly important to stimulate economic recovery. Innovation PEI has committed to furthering this agenda for the next two years by doubling its agreement with Mitacs — a not-for-profit organization that fosters growth and innovation in Canada by solving business challenges with solutions from academic institutions.
The renewed agreement includes a 200 percent increase in the provincial contribution to $240,000 over two years. The Innovation PEI-Mitacs partnership enables connections between private sector companies to top research talent at PSE institutions for innovation and commercialization. The agreement helps develop domestic researchers and supports the infusion of research talent from other provinces and countries. And the partnership contributes to key economic sectors for the province, such as oceans and biosciences, agri-tech, seafood, and energy.
For example, one Mitacs-funded research project currently underway brings together Nautilus Biosciences Croda with researchers at the University of Prince Edward Island. They are conducting research in natural product chemistry — using ocean-based bacteria and fungi — to develop new bioactive natural ingredients. The three-year research project supports the training and career development of a postdoctoral fellow and two PhD students.
Quotes:
Brad Haltli, Research and Technology Manager, Nautilus Biosciences Croda
“Our partnership with Mitacs enables us to advance Nautilus Biosciences’ research and development in a cost-effective manner. By connecting with the University of PEI, we support local talent and tap into cutting-edge research fresh from the laboratory and validated with academic findings. The partnership is an excellent way to mitigate the risks involved with research and development.”
Tyson Bradley, CEO, Innovation PEI
“Innovation PEI is pleased to partner with Mitacs to provide internships and career opportunities for students while supporting our industry partners for private sector innovation and commercialization. With consistent, positive feedback from both our interns and business partners, we are proud to connect private sector companies with top research talent from Canada’s post-secondary institutions.”
Honourable Matthew MacKay, Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture, PEI
“Over the past years, Prince Edward Island has seen a steady growth of Mitacs projects in the province, engaged researchers, and outstanding potential to work with businesses to drive innovation. The partnership with Mitacs enables PEI to develop domestic talent, and also attract and retain highly skilled talent from other provinces and countries. This partnership advances key economic sectors for the province including oceans and biosciences, agri-tech, seafood, and energy.”
John Hepburn, CEO and Scientific Director, Mitacs
“Mitacs is delighted to partner with Innovation PEI to advance and accelerate innovation in Prince Edward Island. Over the past years, we have seen a steady growth of Mitacs programs in the province, an engaged university, and important potential to work with more businesses. Moreover, interns and industry partners report high levels of satisfaction in our programs. By deploying researchers to work with businesses and organizations across PEI, we are proud to support the provincial economy with this talent resource. Together we will drive innovation and advance economic recovery through and beyond COVID-19.”
About Mitacs:
- Mitacs is a not-for-profit organization that fosters growth and innovation in Canada by solving business challenges with research solutions from academic institutions.
- Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada along with the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.
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