[HALIFAX, NS] – The federal government has pre-qualified 5 innovations that it may buy and test as part of the second round of the Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program (CICP). Through this pilot program, the Government of Canada is helping Canadian businesses get their innovative products and services from the lab to the marketplace.
As part of the second round of CICP 5 regional innovations have pre-qualified: Akoostix Inc. of Nova Scotia, Truview RPA (Rapid Processing and Analysis) Sonar Processor; Instrument Concepts, icListen; Pro-Oceanus Systems Inc., Mini-Pro CO2-CCS; Resolution Optics, Submersible Imaging System; Scotia Weather Services Inc., AutoTAF Service.
The CICP is a $40-million pilot program launched as part of the Economic Action Plan. Successful companies may see their pre-commercial products and services tested within government operations, and will be given relevant feedback from participating departments.
"Supporting Canada's economy is our number one priority, and today's announcement is great news for the region," says Peter MacKay, minister of National Defence. "Our Government is putting its support behind their innovation designed right here and bringing them one step closer in moving their innovations into domestic and international markets."
Rona Ambrose, minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, says, "Our government is focused on creating conditions to promote jobs and economic growth. That's why we're committed to supporting Canadian entrepreneurs who help to keep the Canadian economy moving."
In total, 27 innovations from Canadian companies pre-qualified for funding under the CICP's first round and 36 innovations under the second round.
The CICP is managed by PWGSC's Office of Small and Medium Enterprises, whose mandate is to improve accessibility to government procurement opportunities for small and medium enterprises. Launched as part of the Government of Canada's Budget 2010, the CICP is a new initiative to promote Canada's economic growth.
To date 12 first round innovators have been awarded contracts, including: Breviro Caviar Inc., Pennfield, New Brunswick; Inversa Systems, Fredericton, New Brunswick; LED Roadway Lighting Ltd., Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Virtual Marine Technology Inc., St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.
There are now 35 pre-qualified Canadian innovators that form a part of the CICP's second round, including: Akoostix Inc. of Nova Scotia, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia; Desiree Stockermans, Great Village, Nova Scotia; Pro-Oceanus Systems Incorporated, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia; Resolution Optics, Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Scotia Weather Services Incorporated, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
