Ottawa shortlists nine ‘supercluster’ proposals
Wide range of groups looking for a piece of the $950-million pie in national competition
Ottawa has announced a short list of nine socalled supercluster proposals that could qualify for a piece of a $950million federal fund the government hopes will boost the economy and job creation.
The finalists come from different regions of the country and Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains said the proposals focus on fastgrowing areas like artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and clean technology.
The supercluster focused on advanced manufacturing involves the University of Waterloo, Guelph-based auto parts firm Linamar Corp., MaRS Discovery District and Maple Leaf Foods. It wants to drive collaboration between the technology and manufacturing sectors
“This is really about our government’s focus on building the economy of the future,” Bains said of the supercluster program.
“The decision is going to be based on the best proposals — this is about a full-blown competition.”
On Tuesday, Bains was in Halifax to announce that an “oceans supercluster” is among the contenders.
The announcement was the first in a cross-country tour to reveal the short list, following the submission of more than 50 proposals involving over 1,000 firms and 350 participants.
Full applications from the nine finalists are due Nov. 24 and applicants are being encouraged to grow their ranks and, in some cases, partner with other applicants who weren’t shortlisted.
The winners will be announced in early 2018.
The proposed tech hubs are aimed at fostering public-private partnerships in industries across the country.
The contest, a cornerstone of Ottawa’s so-called innovation agenda, aims to lift the economy, promote research and create highquality jobs.
Bains has said he’s looking for ambitious bids that also feature intellectual property strategies designed to keep benefits for Canada.
Other shortlisted proposals are for superclusters focusing on artificial intelligence, mobility systems and technology, protein innovations, agri-food, infrastructure and digital technology.