Nanotechnology sector in Western Canada gets $3.3M boost from Ottawa
by Canadian Manufacturing Staff
Funding to be used by ACAMP for specialized advanced manufacturing, product development equipment
EDMONTON—The federal government is investing $3.3 million to help fund the purchase of advanced manufacturing equipment for an Alberta-based not-for-profit to train small and medium-sized firms in the West commercialize micro- and nanotechnology.
Announced by Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification Michelle Rempel, Ottawa’s investment, along with an $800,000 investment from Alberta Innovates Technology Futures, will help the Alberta Centre for Advanced Micro Nano Technology Products (ACAMP) buy specialized advanced manufacturing and product development equipment for small and medium-sized enterprises to access prototype manufacturing that is currently unavailable in western Canada.
“Our government is proud to support small and medium-sized enterprises by investing in micro and nanotechnology product development and commercialization,” Rempel said in a statement.
“Through technology advancements, we are helping to increase Western Canada’s competitive advantage, demonstrating our commitment to supporting jobs, growth and long-term prosperity.”
Approximately 80 Alberta firms will access the initiative, which is expected to result in the development of new product prototypes, the creation of new jobs in the field, as well as connections between western Canadian firms and multi-national companies.
ACAMP has collaborated with over 175 companies in a variety of sectors including energy, clean technology, health and medical, as well as agriculture and forestry, since 2008.
According to Western Economic Diversification Canada, 10 companies have generated more than $70 million in annual revenue and trained more than 3,400 workers through ACAMP.
“By investing in ACAMP, we’re growing the province’s entrepreneurial expertise in micro and nano technology,” Alberta deputy premier Dave Hancock said.
“Our support of centres for research and commercialization like ACAMP is another way we’re helping foster technology development, advancing product commercialization and supporting economic diversification in Alberta.”
