FedDev Ontario invests in manufacturing innovation
Mohawk and other Golden Horseshoe area colleges to form advanced manufacturing network
Many Canadian small- and medium-sized manufacturers delay adopting new technology, because of the risk of making large, upfront investments without first testing their innovations. By investing in a new advanced manufacturing network in the Golden Horseshoe, the Government of Canada will help Canadian manufacturers address this challenge and speed up technology adoption.
Today, Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario, announced a contribution of up to $7.3 million to Niagara College. This non-repayable contribution, through the Investing in Commercialization Partnerships Initiative, will help Niagara College to create the Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation (SONAMI), in partnership with Mohawk College, Sheridan College and McMaster University.
SONAMI will offer a "single-window" approach to supporting manufacturers' research and development needs, encouraging them to adopt and integrate disruptive advanced manufacturing technologies into their operations with the help of the network.
The project is expected to create or maintain 186 high-quality jobs, result in 170 new prototypes and up to 85 new products being commercialized. It will also provide opportunities for students from the SONAMI partner institutions to prepare for the manufacturing jobs of tomorrow.
The Government's Innovation Agenda aims to make Canada a global centre for innovation – one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This investment is an example of that idea in action.
"Fostering collaboration and strengthening partnerships are a strategic priority for Mohawk. We're proud to join the Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation and we look forward to putting our technology students to work in helping industry partners bring innovative solutions to market."
Fast Facts
- FedDev Ontario's contribution leverages $11.4 million in funding, including $7 million from industry collaborators and $4.4 million from SONAMI partners and regional economic development corporations for total project costs of up to $18.7 million.
- This project builds on previous FedDev Ontario investments in Niagara College through the Graduate Enterprise Internship ($2.2 million), the Applied Research and Commercialization (ARC) initiative ($1.56 million) and the Prosperity Initiative ($900,000).
- Since 2009, FedDev Ontario has committed more than $77 million to 119 projects in the Niagara Region. This support is leveraging almost $180 million in in additional support for businesses, organizations and communities.
For the full version of this media release visit: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=1171469
Mohawk College educates and serves more than 32,500 full-time, part-time, apprenticeship and international students at four main campuses in Hamilton, Ontario and learning hubs across Hamilton through City School by Mohawk, as well as at the Mohawk College Mississauga Campus in partnership with triOS College. Mohawk is committed to upholding an equitable, diverse and inclusive learning, working and engaging environment for students, employees and the community. The college is among the top colleges for applied research in Canada. It has been named one of Hamilton-Niagara’s top employers and one of Canada’s greenest employers, and holds a GOLD STARS rating from AASHE for sustainability achievements. More than 165,000 people have graduated from Mohawk since it was founded.