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Boosting Agricultural Innovation

February 24, 2012 -- MP David Sweet, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, announced today an investment of up to $900,000 that will allow Activation Laboratories (Actlabs) to develop an innovative soil testing system that will help growers make better decisions when planting crops.

“This approach will provide growers with an accurate diagnosis of crop disease and pests that cost crop yield and income,” said MP David Sweet. “The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring the agricultural industry remains competitive and productive.”

Actlabs provides scientific and analytical testing services to clients in various industries worldwide. In its new Agriculture Division, Actlabs is refining a DNA-based testing system to identify micro-organisms found in soil. This will allow the company to further develop its screening to detect pesticide residues and nutrients.

Thanks to a contribution of up to $800,000 through FedDev Ontario’s Prosperity Initiative, Actlabs will complete pre-commercialization activities on its new system, including creating a database with information on soil samples from southern Ontario that establishes benchmarks needed for DNA testing. It will also allow the company to independently validate its testing method, and then bring its test to market. This will include a marketing plan targeting the agricultural sector in southern Ontario, and eventually other global markets.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is also investing $99,900 to help Actlabs collect research on soil micro-organisms to populate the database and develop low-cost screening tests for pests and crop disease.

These investments are a good example of collaboration across government helping to foster innovation and boost farm productivity in southern Ontario, and across Canada. Growers will be able to use this test to take earlier action to improve their soil and select suitable plant varieties, which will contribute to increased yields and better returns on their investments. For more information on Actlabs’ Agriculture Division, please visit: www.actlabsag.com.

“Actlabs is collaborating with Dr. Mario Tenuta, Canada Research Chair in Applied Soil Ecology, at the University of Manitoba, to develop rapid and more accurate means of detecting plant pathogens and nematodes in soil,” said Dr. Eric Hoffman, President of Actlabs. “Our goal is to provide farmers with access to information of these soil organisms harmful to crops and to fully understand the plethora of information associated with nutrition and chemical interactions. This will provide farmers in Canada with the ability to make timely decisions and to improve overall management practices.” 

FedDev Ontario’s Prosperity Initiative is designed to encourage businesses, not-for-profit organizations and post-secondary institutions in southern Ontario to undertake projects that will result in a more productive, diversified and competitive economy. 

To learn more about the Prosperity Initiative, please visit www.feddevontario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505. 

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s investment is being made through Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP), a program designed to help the Canadian agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive by investing in new and emerging market opportunities that will help build an even stronger agriculture industry and Canadian economy for the future. 

For more information on Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program, please visit www.agr.gc.ca/caap.
 
Highway 403 Rehabilitation Work

March 15, 2013 -- Motorists using Highway 403, one of Ontario’s busiest highways in the Hamilton area, will benefit from major road and bridge improvements thanks to joint federal-provincial funding announced today.

“Safe and dependable highways are essential for our economy to grow,” said David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale. “Upgrading local transportation infrastructure supports productivity, facilitates trade and promotes economic development in our area.” 

“Our Government is proud to invest in these initiatives that contribute to safer, more efficient travel for local residents and visitors,” added Mike Wallace, Member of Parliament for Burlington. “These projects will create jobs and contribute to our region’s long-term economic prosperity by improving the flow of people and goods along Highway 403 for decades to come.” 

“Highway 403 is one of the most traveled highways in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area, so it is critical that it is safe and efficient,” said Ted McMeekin, Member of Provincial Parliament for Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale. “These substantial road and bridge projects will extend the life of the structures and are part of the government’s strategy to improve Ontario’s transportation network.” 

The Government of Canada is setting aside up to $7.8 million under the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund for rehabilitation and resurfacing work on Highway 403 from one kilometre west of Highway 6 (York Boulevard) to one kilometre west of Aberdeen Avenue. This will provide a safer and more efficient driving surface. The total cost of the project is estimated at $15.6 million with up to $7.8 million funded by the Province. 

Federal funding under the Major Infrastructure Component is conditional upon the completion of a review of the project, the completion of environmental assessments and the signing of a contribution agreement. 

The eastbound and westbound lane overpasses on the Desjardins Canal Bridge and the Highway 6 (Plains Road) underpass at Highway 403 will also be repaired to improve structural integrity and lifespan, contribute to better travel for motorists and reduce future maintenance costs. These two initiatives have been identified for up to $8.2 million in joint funding through the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund. 

The Government of Canada is providing a total of $175 million to 44 initiatives through the fund to strengthen infrastructure in Ontario. Ontario is contributing $173 million toward these initiatives, while other partners, including municipalities, will provide another $54 million. Supported projects include a number of bridge rehabilitations scheduled between spring 2013 and fall 2014 along Highway 403, totalling $41.2 million. 

Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides new opportunities for growth, job creation and long-term prosperity. Strengthening infrastructure across the country is an important part of this plan. Thanks to the Government of Canada’s leadership and our strong economic and financial fundamentals, the Canadian economy has recovered from the global recession better than most other industrialized countries. Canada has been a leader among G-7 countries throughout the recovery with more than 950,000 net new jobs created since July 2009. 

These investments support Building Together, the Province of Ontario’s long-term infrastructure plan to repair, rebuild and renew the province’s roads and highways, bridges, public transit, schools and postsecondary institutions, hospitals and courthouses. Since 2003, Ontario has invested approximately $75 billion in infrastructure. Building modern, efficient infrastructure has created or preserved close to 100,000 jobs each year, on average, making Ontario’s economy more productive and improving quality of life, now and in the future.
 
Protecting Communities from Hate Crime

January 22, 2013 — Today, MP David Sweet, on behalf of the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, announced funding for the Adas Israel Congregation as part of the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program (SIP).
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Supporting McMaster Graduates

February 24, 2012 -- MP David Sweet, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, today announced up to $787,500 in funding that will allow McMaster University to provide graduates and graduate students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) with entrepreneurial skills.

"Our government is committed to creating jobs and supporting economic opportunities in southern Ontario through investing in the ideas of graduates and providing them with the skills necessary to become successful entrepreneurs,” said MP Sweet. “This funding for McMaster University will equip the students with the skills needed to bring their innovative, market-driven ideas to life, contributing to the growth of the southern Ontario economy.”

The funding is being provided through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario’s Scientists and Engineers in Business initiative, designed to assist graduates and graduate students in STEM fields in developing their business skills and launching or expanding their business ventures in southern Ontario.

McMaster University will use the contribution to provide up to 75 fellowships to eligible STEM students and graduates to help them successfully convert their ideas into new companies and create jobs in southern Ontario.

“This investment in student mentorships is critical to stimulate start-up companies by students who have the ideas and drive to start their own high tech ventures,” says David Wilkinson, dean of McMaster's Faculty of Engineering, who expects the funding to assist in the creation of up to 30 companies. “These mentorships are vital components in building the next generation of entrepreneurs and each will give them the fighting chance to succeed.”

For more information on the Scientists and Engineers in Business initiative, please refer to the website.

Created in 2009, FedDev Ontario supports the southern Ontario economy by building on the region’s strengths and creating opportunities for jobs and economic growth. The Agency has launched a number of initiatives to create a Southern Ontario Advantage and place the region in a strong position to compete in the global economy. These initiatives are designed to encourage partnerships and support projects that help the region’s businesses and communities become more competitive, innovative and diversified. To learn more, visit www.feddevontario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.
 
Supporting Innovation in Southern Ontario

Oct. 21, 2011  -- Thanks to new partnerships with Mohawk College, fifteen businesses in southern Ontario will have an opportunity to bring innovative products to market and increase their productivity and competitiveness. Today, David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced the agreements between the college and local small- and medium-sized businesses.

"Our government is investing in innovation to create jobs and help our small businesses grow," said MP Sweet. "The agreements between Mohawk College and small businesses will allow them to work together on projects that will bring new products to the marketplace."

"New and innovative technologies are changing how we access and use information in areas such as health care and mobile technology. These advancements are creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs that didn't exist just a few years ago," said Mohawk President Rob MacIsaac. "This support from our federal government is enabling Mohawk students to put their skills and expertise to work developing innovative solutions that help local small- to medium-sized businesses grow and prosper, and encourages economic development in our city."

Last year, under the Applied Research and Commercialization Initiative, Mohawk College was approved for up to $750,000 from FedDev Ontario to partner with small- and medium-sized businesses on activities such as applied research, engineering design, technology development, product testing, and certification. The support provided will create new economic opportunities, help businesses in southern Ontario grow, and enable them to become even more innovative and competitive.

For more information on the Applied Research and Commercialization Initiative and Mohawk College's partners, please refer to the backgrounder.

Created in 2009, FedDev Ontario supports the southern Ontario economy by building on the region's strengths and creating opportunities for jobs and economic growth. The Agency has launched a number of initiatives to create a Southern Ontario Advantage and place the region in a strong position to compete in the global economy. These initiatives are designed to encourage partnerships and support projects that help the region's businesses and communities become more competitive, innovative and diversified. To learn more, please visit www.feddevontario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.

Backgrounder

Applied Research and Commercialization Initiative

The Applied Research and Commercialization Initiative addresses the unique research and innovation challenges faced by small and medium sized enterprises by helping post-secondary institutions to provide their applied R&D and pre-commercialization expertise to businesses that do not have the internal capacity to undertake those activities.

FedDev Ontario is providing Mohawk College with up to $750,000 to partner with the following 15 small- and medium-sized enterprises on the following projects.

Anoven Inc. (Hamilton)

Anoven is a life sciences start-up company developing a technology that uses DNA-based tests to diagnose and detect infectious diseases. Compared to conventional diagnostic methods such as microscopy, culture, and immunoassays, DNA-based tests are faster, more sensitive and more specific. Anoven's technology, which allows large numbers of samples to be analyzed quickly and without manual intervention, uses a disposable device that is made from several small components. The aim of the collaboration between iDeaWORKS at Mohawk College and Anoven is to help find a way of assembling this disposable device precisely, consistently, inexpensively and in large quantities. Students and faculty in the Mohawk-McMaster Bachelor of Technology, Process Automation Technology Program are developing a robotic workstation, which includes building end-effectors and programming the motion of a robotic arm, to automate the assembly of the disposable devices. As a result of this project, Anoven will soon secure the production of higher volumes of devices, which they will be able to supply to health science partners. http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/ideaworks/case-studies/applied-anoven.html

Basadur Applied Creativity (Burlington)

Basadur Applied Creativity (BAC) helps organizations around the globe use applied creativity to solve problems and create innovative growth opportunities. As part of this process, BAC uses an interactive online tool to help clients learn about their problem-solving styles. Mohawk College's iDeaWORKS is helping BAC to upgrade this online tool's functionality, usability, and security. The aim of this project is to enable the company to handle a higher volume of clients by improving elements of the tool, such as its registration process, account management, design, reporting features and translation into other languages. For more information, visit: http://www.basadur.com/

ecGroup Inc. (Ancaster)

ecGroup, an eHealth consulting company, has partnered with iDeaWORKS at Mohawk College to develop an innovative new mobile eHealth (mHealth) technology. The cloud-based service sits as a façade in front of an electronic health records system (EHRS) and translates inbound and outbound text messages into standards-based eHealth transactions (HL7v3). This technology has the potential to have a huge impact on the developing world, where PCs are rare but the use of mobile phones is growing rapidly. In remote settings, such technology may be employed to help community-based workers, many of whom have little clinical training, follow the WHO/UNICEF care guidelines regarding maternal, newborn and child health (the MNCH guidelines). Based on the success of the project and its demonstrable benefits in both developing and developed world settings, ecGroup has filed for provisional patent protection of this innovative new technology.
For more information, visit: http://ecgroupinc.com/index.htm

Fluid Media Inc. (Hamilton)

Fluid Media Inc. (FMi), an emerging company that creates software products for mobile devices, recently launched the iPad Coffeetablet, an application that turns the iPad into a virtual coffee table book. For this project, FMi partnered with iDeaWORKS to create an Android tablet port of the Coffeetablet, resulting in an Android application that includes many of the features of the iPad version. Users can select and arrange photos and videos, then customize these elements with titles and themes. Books are automatically saved and accessible from the main screen, and creations can be viewed on a tablet, then shared via DropBox over the web. With this Android application, FMi will gain entry into the Android market while becoming more diverse in the platforms for which they develop.
For more information, visit: http://fluidmedia.com/

Hydromantis Environmental Software Solutions, Inc. (Hamilton)

Founded in 1985, Hydromantis Environmental Software Solutions is the leading global provider of water and wastewater simulation software and consulting services. Hydromantis plans to develop a comprehensive analytical software framework for estimating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from water and wastewater treatment facilities. Once the framework has been developed, the company will integrate it with its widely used process-efficiency analysis software (GPS-X™, CapdetWorks™). The integrated product will help decision-makers estimate the effect of different processes and operational strategies on GHG emissions. Through iDeaWORKS, Mohawk students are facilitating this innovation by researching current methods and models for calculating the carbon footprint of wastewater treatment processes and integrating the selected models into the framework. Ultimately this integrated work will be released as part of the next major revision of the GPS-X™ product.
For more information, visit: http://www.hydromantis.com/

Innovention Concepts Inc. /Kanu Inc. (Hamilton)

Kanu Inc. is an emerging marketing company that offers clients promotional, loyalty and licensing services. The goal of this collaboration is to develop software for an online version of Outsmart, a trivia game developed by Innovention Concepts, where each question has more than one correct answer. The online version of the game will be launched on Facebook and Twitter – platforms that will help increase game's market reach and revenues. The board game version of Outsmart will be available this Fall and is being distributed in Canada by Kroeger. For more information, please visit: http://www.kanuinc.com/

PlayLab (Hamilton)

PlayLab is an educational enrichment program for children with fun, play, and teamwork at its core. Workshops are designed by educators to develop 21st century skills such as creativity, problem-solving, innovative thinking, communication and leadership. Through the application of core learning (concepts from science, arts, social studies, math and literacy) children piece together information from a variety of disciplines and work with their peers to solve real world problems, gaining confidence and developing skills necessary for success in our ever-changing world. The collaboration between Mohawk's iDeaWORKS and PlayLab will aim to increase PlayLab's web presence by making program content more accessible to parents. By expanding its online offerings, PlayLab anticipates reaching more clients, increasing their involvement with PlayLab's programs and ultimately growing their business. For more information, visit: http://www.playlab.ca

Weever Apps (Hamilton)

Weever Apps is the brainchild of Canadian inventors Andrew J. Holden and Robert Porter – two 'green web developers' who were frustrated with the app-store 'hoops' and high-costs of the growing mobile web. What they developed is a new service that turns almost any site into a true web app for iPhone, Blackberry Touch, Android and iPad instantly and affordably. Mohawk students are working in partnership with Weever Apps to produce API Connections (social media, photo, video feeds etc.) for cross-platform mobile apps. Additionally, students will work with basic HTML and CSS to create new app styles and visual designs. In this capacity, students receive robust experience in cutting-edge mobile application development and increase their specific programming skills in PHP, Javascript/jQuery, HTML, and CSS among other formats. For more information, visit: http://www.weever.ca
 
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