NSCC receives federal investment of $3 million

Nova Scotia Community College’s Applied Geomatics Research Group has received $3 million from the Atlantic Innovation Fund to head up a project team of researchers and private sector partners to develop and commercialize technology products, processes and services for the environmental assessment and management of watershed quality.

The college is one of eight recipients in Nova Scotia of the federal investment program, through which research and development projects across Atlantic Canada are funded up to $63 million in total. In Nova Scotia alone, the government is investing up to $17.4 million in this fifth round of funding.

The projects chosen unite colleges, universities, businesses and research institutions conducting world-class research, which, once commercialized, has the potential to grow Atlantic Canada’s economy.

“Harnessing an economic advantage from innovation is important for the economic future of Atlantic Canada,” said Peter MacKay, minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and of National Defense when announcing the investment early last week. “The Atlantic Innovation Fund is a catalyst for increased trade, investment and productivity and helps Atlantic Canada attract and retain a highly skilled workforce.”

With a total estimated project cost of $5 million, the AGRG is receiving the $3 million in federal funding over a five-year period. The aim of the project is to enhance the region’s applied research capacity and expertise, as well as to attract national and international business and private investment to Annapolis County.

“This funding will help strengthen the relationship NSCC has with private partners and is a great example of how we work outside the college to improve the economy and quality of life in Nova Scotia,” says David Woolnough, director of Applied Research at NSCC. “We thank our funders for their support.”