British Columbia is supporting projects to “strengthen food security” within the region while ensuring “more people have the necessary skills to succeed in the growing agri-tech sector.” Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth for the Province, believes it is “critical that two of British Columbia’s greatest strengths—technology and agriculture—come together to ensure British […]
SFU
Genome BC Funds Research as UBC and SFU Study Impacts of Wildfire Smoke Exposure
Genome BC is funding three research projects oriented around genetic-level impacts of wildfire smoke exposure. The not-for-profit organization, which supports genomics innovation in British Columbia, says the projects aim to help vulnerable populations. Suzanne Gill, who serves Genome BC as chief executive officer, says the projects are “specifically designed to uncover what makes our vulnerable […]
New Innovation Hubs at SFU Poised to Advance Canadian Agriculture with $16M Investment
Canada recently revealed $6.6 million in federal support for two new hubs in British Columbia, with over $9M in additional investment from provincial government and business partners. The Climate-Smart Data Collaboration Centre and the Agricultural Genomics in Action Centre will operate out of Simon Fraser University, an institution with a history of advancing agtech. “Genomics […]
DIGITAL Backs Consortium of Canadian Companies Aiming to ‘Revolutionize Healthcare’ with A.I.
WELL Health Technologies and a consortium of partners have been awarded the largest DIGITAL project to date for an ambitious project known as Health Compass II. The publicly traded WELL Health, a Vancouver-based company focused on consolidating and modernizing clinical and digital assets within the healthcare sector, this week announced the approval of a $44M […]
B.C. Universities Garner Capital to Upgrade Supercomputer Systems for Tech Research
The federal and provincial governments this week unveiled major capital toward sustaining the region’s research capacity through some technological upgrading. The B.C. Knowledge Development Fund is providing more than $30 million to enhance high-performance computing infrastructure at Simon Fraser University and the University of Victoria, according to a statement from the Province—two of five national […]
Simon Fraser University Upgrades Capacity for Tech and Science Learning
Simon Fraser University to set to train more students for a technology-sector career, the B.C.-based institution revealed this week. Powered by provincial funding, 500 new student spaces will open up at SFU, according to the school. The government committed $75 million over three years through its “StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan,” which accelerates talent development […]
How SFU is Accelerating Agritech Innovation in BC
The startup ecosystem within British Columbia is renowned for its work in sustainability across sectors. One of the most important areas to manage and optimize resources is agriculture, since everybody will probably always need to eat. BC startups have been taking on a range of issues connected to a mission of innovating food systems for […]
Innovate BC Awards $2.3 Million to B.C. R&D Projects
Last week at an awards ceremony in Vancouver, Innovate BC awarded $2,325,000 to eight B.C. research and development projects that are creating game-changing innovations that are improving lives for British Columbians. Specifically, this year’s funding, through Innovate BC’s Ignite program, is accelerating the commercialization of biotech, cleantech, mining, agriculture, and forestry projects. “Innovation in is […]
Province Invests In Post-secondary Research Innovation For A Stronger B.C.
The B.C. government is investing nearly $25 million to support 34 post-secondary research projects that will drive innovation and economic growth. The projects will also help create jobs, protect biodiversity and the environment, and help keep British Columbians healthy and safe. The funding is awarded through the BC Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF) and gives students […]
Transition into Tech Encourages Women To Explore Tech Careers
Northeastern University in Vancouver is hosting a virtual Transition into Tech event next week in collaboration with Athena Pathways in an effort to encourage more women (and the community in general) to explore a career in tech. The session kicks off with an all-women industry panel, followed by a tech program highlight from B.C. academic institutions including […]