The Western Canadian Innovation Offices Consortium (WCIO), of which Thompson Rivers University is a member, received $1.8 million today from the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.
The announcement was made by the University of Manitoba’s Technology Transfer Office, which will receive the funding on behalf of the WCIO, using it to develop a database that will catalog R&D capabilities, expertise, facilities, equipment and technologies available in WCIO organizations matched to key industry challenges and opportunities on a sector-by-sector basis, initially focusing on the energy sector.
“Creation of this consortium will have many benefits for TRU researchers and students,” said Dr. Lincoln Smith, Director of Research Partnerships and Enterprise Creation at TRU. “When complete, this database will make it easier to find applications for our research, and to locate potential industry partners.”
While many TRU researchers have already developed partnerships with industry and small business in the BC Interior, this database will extend the university’s sphere of influence throughout Western Canada.
“Today’s investments speak to the talent of the faculty and researchers of all project partners and our support will help drive commercial opportunities that will create jobs and growth while bringing new products and services to market,” said Rempel.
The Western Canadian Innovation Consortium is currently made up of the following organizations:
- British Columbia Institute of Technology
- Camosun College
- College of New Caledonia
- Innovate Canada
- Justice Institute of BC
- Langara College
- Lethbridge College
- Mount Royal University
- North Island College
- Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
- Red River College
- SAIT Polytechnic
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic
- Selkirk College, West Kootney & Boundary Region
- TEC Edmonton
- Thompson Rivers University
- University College of the North
- University of British Columbia ILO
- University of Northern British Columbia
- University of Regina
- University of Saskatchewan
- University of Winnipeg
- Vancouver Community College
Media Contact
Dr. Lincoln Smith, Director, Research Partnerships and Enterprise Creation
TRU Office of Research and Graduate Studies
250-574-7294
Darren Fast, Director of Technology Transfer Office
University of Manitoba
204-474-6930
