Canadian Gov’t Launches Technology Demonstration Program

James Moore, Canada’s Minister of Industry, announced last week the launch of the new Technology Demonstration Program, as part of the Economic Action Plan 2013 commitment. This program will fund large-scale technology demonstration projects that typically require the integration of several different technologies and the coordination of activities of many partners.

 

"Canada's aerospace and defense industries make important contributions to our economy, support high-skilled jobs across the country, and are leading investors in research and development," says Moore. "Our government is proud to launch this new program that will support large-scale technology demonstration projects with strong commercialization potential and that will promote cross-industry collaboration."

 

Demonstration activities involve moving new technologies out of the laboratory and testing them in real-world settings to ensure they fulfill their intended use in a safe and efficient manner. Companies often find it difficult to finance this step in the technology development process, limiting the speed and scale with which innovation is advanced.

 

The announcement kicks off the initial call for project proposals, with statements of interest for the first intake into this new program due by Dec. 6, 2013. Approved projects will be announced by fall 2014. There will be yearly calls for applications.

 

Projects must be led by an original equipment manufacturer or a Tier 1 integrator. Lead companies will bring together small- and medium-sized Canadian-based companies to promote the development of supply chains as well as accredited Canadian universities and colleges or their affiliated research institutes to promote knowledge transfer.

 

The Technology Demonstration Program will cover up to 50% of eligible project costs, including equipment broadly accessible in order to fuel innovation.