Government of Canada investment strengthens commercialization opportunities in Alberta’s nanotechnology sector

May 20, 2009

Edmonton, Alberta –The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Labour, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, today announced a $3.5 million investment towards ACAMP, the Alberta Centre for Advanced Microsystems and Nanotechnology Products, for acquiring specialized equipment that will better enable Alberta’s nanotechnology sector to bring their ideas and products to market.

“Our Government is committed to investing in initiatives that drive innovation, increase productivity and put Canadians at the forefront of the technology sector,” said Minister Ambrose. “Today’s support will ensure that we help create the high-tech jobs and economic benefits needed for a stronger and more diversified economy."

Under the project, ACAMP will acquire the first low temperature ceramic packaging equipment in Canada that is able to support sensing and monitoring systems in oil and gas, bio-medical, environmental, agricultural and forestry applications. Equipment such as this will allow ACAMP to promote technology commercialization in promising areas within micro and nano technology and assist companies in getting products to markets.

“With WD’s support, small and medium-sized companies in Alberta will now have the capability to compete worldwide in the area of complex integrated systems,” said Ken Brizel, CEO of ACAMP. “Entrepreneurs and innovators will be able to use the cutting-edge equipment acquired under this project to develop new technologies and applications across a range of sectors.”

The investment from Western Economic Diversification, made through its Western Diversification Program, will contribute towards this project’s total cost of more than $4 million. Today’s investment builds upon WD’s 2008 contribution of $3.5 million for specialized equipment, bringing total federal funding towards ACAMP to $7 million.

These combined investments align with the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan for investing in science and technology to stimulate long-term growth and strengthen Canada’s competitiveness.

ACAMP is currently working with over 25 local companies in application areas including energy, health & medical, agriculture, forestry and environmental. These companies have developed advanced technologies that will address global market niches and are contributing to growing Alberta’s technological and economic impact on the world stage.

Western Economic Diversification works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.