The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre is receiving $522,588 in research and development money from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund as it prepares to move into a new building next year.
Sault Ste. Marie MPP David Orazietti made the announcement April 23.
Innovation Centre executive director Tom Vair said the funding support provides big opportunities and exciting potential for new Bio-Sciences and Technology Convergence Centre, now under construction.
"The activities that will take place in this facility have great prospects of creating more jobs and attracting highly skilled professionals to Sault Ste. Marie."
The money will pay for three contract staff positions to drive a pipeline of new research projects and attract private sector participation.
Helen Gillespie, the newly hired director of development for the Convergence Centre will lead a team that includes Dr. Paula Antunes, a new development officer for science, and Mike McGonigal, a development officer for technology.
The new centre is said to serve the needs of local researchers, entrepreneurs and businesses as well as establish a platform to showcase "globally relevant" activities taking place in the Sault.
The new centre will feature expanded business incubation space on the Queen Street campus for science and technology start-ups.
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