📋 Tender Overview
The development and growth of Canadas green technology sector is a priority for the Government of Canada. The diverse network of promising Canadian businesses in southern Ontario has the ability to be a vital contributor to make Canada a global leader in green technology and manufacturing.Today the Honourable Helena Jaczek Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario FedDev Ontario announced a non-repayable contribution of 10 million for Innovation Guelph to lead the delivery of the i.d.e.a. Fund. This southwestern Ontario-focused initiative will help Canadian businesses focused on green technology and clean innovation succeed through access to capital and mentoring to commercialize innovative technologies. By ensuring Canadian green innovators have the necessary support to succeed this investment will create good jobs for Canadians and continue the growth of a greener more innovative Canadian economy.Led by Innovation Guelph in partnership with five southwestern Ontario Regional Innovation Centres RICs Haltech Halton Region Innovate Niagara Innovation Factory Hamilton TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario London and WEtech Alliance Windsor and Chatham-Kent the i.d.e.a. Fund will target companies with a focus on agri-innovation cleantech and advanced manufacturing in urban and rural communities. The project will support 240 businesses create and maintain 840 jobs and result in the commercialization of 135 new products services processes and technologies.To foster a more diverse and inclusive economy the RICs will work together to ensure 50 percent of the businesses are owned or led by women and 30 percent are owned or led by Indigenous peoples persons with disabilities Black communities racialized communities and members of the LGBTQ2 community. Additional details related to the Fund and application process can be found at www.idea-fund.ca. QuotesTodays investment in Innovation Guelph and the i.d.e.a. Fund will provide Canadian entrepreneurs and businesses with the support they need to produce innovative solutions that continue Canadas transition to a green economy. This investment will create good secure jobs for Canadians protect Canadian supply chains and ensure that the Canadian economy is positioned to be a global leader now and into the future. The Honourable Helena Jaczek Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern OntarioThrough this collaboration Innovation Guelph is strengthening our local economy and supporting a resilient southern Ontario as we work towards a green future. This project will build on Guelphs role as a leader in clean technology and will provide resources create opportunities for SMEs to scale-up and support local businesses and entrepreneurs as they forge ahead with new clean growth technologies. Lloyd Longfield Member of Parliament for GuelphSince its inception Innovation Guelph and the provinces Regional Innovation Centres have been fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. This funding is an exciting opportunity to extend our reach and impact with an innovative approach where for the first time RICs are collaboratively delivering support to under-represented communities who will contribute to a green recovery. Alison Crumblehulme CEO Innovation Guelph
