Recipients of Joint $4 Million Innovation and Commercialization Strategic Development Program Announced
Media Release | May 22, 2008
BRITISH COLUMBIA - The British Columbia Innovation Council (BCIC) is pleased to announce the thirteen collaborative projects selected to receive support under the Innovation and Commercialization Strategic Development (ICSD) Program.
The ICSD Program is a $4 million joint program developed by the BCIC and the People's Republic of China's Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST). It is one of the first initiatives under the Memorandum of Understanding signed between BCIC and MOST in 2006 to further develop opportunities in research and technology for the shared economic benefit of British Columbia and China.
"The ICSD Program provides the tangible support that is crucial for British Columbia to expand its technology commercialization opportunities in collaboration with our Chinese partners," said Cindy Lum, Chair of the ICSD Program.
Chosen through a rigorous review process, the projects represent a broad cross section of technology areas, including life sciences, information and communications, clean technology and natural resources. These areas are identified in the BC Research and Innovation Strategy where British Columbia is a leader.
"The Council is pleased to be partnering with B.C. and Chinese researchers to support and develop world-class research across our two borders," said Soren Harbel, VP, Innovation Development of BCIC. "We look forward to the economic opportunities that will flow from these supported projects as we continue with the Council's mandate to develop our technology talent and encourage industry collaboration."
The successful projects were announced by the Premier of British Columbia, the Honourable Gordon Campbell and the People's Republic of China's Minister of Science and Technology, Minister Wan Gang, at a celebratory function held today at the British Columbia-Canada Pavilion in Beijing. They were joined by Government of Canada representatives led by the Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics.
1 backgrounder attached.
- 30 -
Media Contact:
Stephanie Leung Communications Coordinator
British Columbia Innovation Council
604.602.5249 | 1.800.665.7222
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Program Contact:
Sam Nakai
ICSD Program
British Columbia Innovation Council
778.238.0064
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
About BCIC
The British Columbia Innovation Council (BCIC) advances innovation and commercialization of applied science and technology in partnership with government, industry and academia. By supporting all levels of education, BCIC is focused on developing talented British Columbians. Building a strong future for the knowledge economy is essential to the success of B.C.'s economy. BCIC is a Crown agency of the Province of British Columbia.
For more information about BCIC, visit www.bcic.ca.
