Provincial money is being delivered to Sault Ste. Marie's Algoma University to build a bioscience and technology convergence centre.
Sault MPP David Orazietti announced the $16 million announcement May 29.
The centre will house academic teaching and scientific research activities and provide more space for other organizations dedicated to science and technology research development and commercialization in the region.
The new digs will be a 'green' building of 41,000-square-feet and will be completed by 2011. Within five years, Algoma University said a minimum of 106 knowledge-based job will have been created.
Algoma Univesity president Celia Ross called it an “historic investment in academic infrastructure” to build on the local portfolio of “world class” research and innovation in bioscience and technology sectors.
The money is being drawn from the province's Knowledge Infrastructure Program and the Strategic Capital Infrastructure Fund.
No doubt it's good news and new digs for two Sault research and innovation organizations that now formally merged.
The Science Enterprise Algoma (SEA) and the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre are merging to advance the science and technology-related projects in the city.
The new organization will be known as the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre. The two groups have long had mutual interests.
The Innovation Centre's focus had been information technology. SEA's work has primarily been in the natural resource and life science sector. The groups have often worked together to support companies and collaborate on projects and initiatives in the bioproducts, invasive species and in youth outreach.
Last year, SEA moved from the Great Lakes Forestry Centre to the campus of Algoma University where the Innovation Centre is headquartered in their new and fully wired ICT Centre.
SEA executive director Errol Caldwell called it the “next logical step” to “dovetail our interests and client opportunities.” in working with various partners to secure funding for a bioscience and technology convergence centre.
Innovation Centre executive director Tom Vair said the merger is a “natural fit” and by combining forces they can further business growth, recruit attract highly skilled professionals and develop “strategic markets.”
Sault Innovation Centre chairman Chris Wray called the merger “exciting news” for the Sault and the Algoma district.
“This helps to establish a powerful platform for developing the knowledge-based economy and take advantage of increasing connections between the science and technology sectors.”
.jpeg;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)
