Over 350 people gathered at the site of the Bayview Yards Innovation Center Wednesday for the unveiling of an $8 Million dollar injection from the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario.) The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development delivered the announcement and was joined by representatives from all levels of government.
“The Government of Canada is focused on supporting businesses to obtain the tools they need to succeed. We are doing this by investing in smart, collaborative partnerships that fuel growth. This project will open doors for a number of small and medium-sized businesses in high-growth sectors, and will lead to the development of innovative products and technologies here in our Nation’s capital.”
Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development
Come fall 2016, the site will be the new home for Invest Ottawa and will act as an entrepreneurial hub for the Ottawa region. It is expected to engage over 1200 businesses within the city, assisting them to grow and develop their products, as well as create over 280 jobs within the capital region.
Centres like the @IC_BayviewYards are important inspiring entrepreneurs in our community #ICBYFedDev #cleantech pic.twitter.com/Zmhl877jjy
— Catherine McKenna (@cathmckenna) June 15, 2016
The funding from Government will specifically help increase the technical and business capabilities available within our new home, as well as develop key programs to provide support to startups.
These will include the Global Cybersecurity Program, delivered by Carleton University in partnership with Venus Cybersecurity; which will provide businesses access to expertise and support, the ability to create world-class solutions, and make connections, all in the cybersecurity sector. As well as the Digital Media and Design Lab, managed by prototypeD, which will provide access to tools, equipment, and technology to design, develop, and test digital media and advanced manufacturing prototypes.
These resources will be available to startups across every sector and will bolster innovation and capabilities of entrepreneurs in Ottawa.“I sincerely believe this Innovation Centre is going to really fill that gap that exists in making sure that Ontario and Ottawa is front and centre globally,” says, The Honourable Yasir Naqvi, Attorney General.
The Innovation Centre is scheduled to open later this fall. For more information, please go here.