The federal government is providing $2.47 million to Cambrian College to allow the school to buy some high-tech research equipment.
The money from FedNor will boost applied research at the college, giving businesses access to applied research equipment, as well as giving students a chance to get some real-world business research experience.
Sudbury MP Paul Lefebvre and Nickel MP Marc Serré made the announcement this morning on behalf of Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains, minister responsible for FedNor.
The money will be used to purchase equipment, including a five-axis computer numerical control cutting machine, metal and plastic 3D printers and several types of chemical analysis machines.
“This is expected to create more than 20 full-time high-skilled jobs, if not more,” Lefebvre said at a news conference at Cambrian's eDome on Friday. “We are focusing our efforts on technology and innovation to drive our economy forward.”
It will also help up to 60 businesses in Northern Ontario to innovate and expand through the introduction of new products, processes, services or technologies, a FedNor release said.
The new equipment will be available to help local tech companies do research to solve issues or develop new products using state-of-the-art applied research tools they couldn't afford to buy on their own.
Cambrian students will help business with the research, allowing them not only to work on the best equipment, but giving them real-world experience while still in school.
“I'm actually more jazzed about the fact that I'm looking at an employer, I'm looking at a faculty member and I'm looking at a student all engaged in applied research,” Best said. “It means that our students are more prepared than others.
“At Cambrian College, we just don’t teach our students about the value of innovation and research, we have them take part in it ... Our growing involvement in applied research keeps our faculty ahead of the game, and makes our students that much more attractive to employers.”
Cambrian is one of Canada's top 50 research colleges, Best said, adding he expects them to move up significantly in the national rankings in the near future.
“I believe the next time we talk, we'll find some tremendous progress nationally.”
The funds are part of the fed's Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario, which is focused on three economic development areas: supporting innovation; growing companies; and building stronger communities. The $2.5 million is from FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development and innovation.
“It's really exciting time for our faculty and our students and our industry partners,” said Mike Commito, Cambrian's newly appointed director of applied research.
Cambrian is currently working on 15 active applied research projects valued at more than $1 million, Commito, ranging from testing of concrete durability and underground mining to increasing potato yields.
