NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) — Ontario is investing C$190 million (US$173 million) in new research programs and infrastructure that will enable institutions in the province to buy new technologies, retain researchers, and pursue science projects.
The Ontario Research Fund, which includes investments from government and the Canada Foundation for Innovation, said today it will provide C$125 million through its Research Infrastructure program and C$65 million through the Research Excellence program.
The Research Infrastructure fund provides funding for universities and institutions to buy facilities and equipment, and the Research Excellence awards support operational costs for large-scale research programs that are of strategic value to Ontario.
Since 2003, the Research Excellence initiative has supported over 23,000 opportunities for researchers, and has resulted in 64 spin-off companies. Also over that 10-year period, the infrastructure program has supported research projects that have trained over 20,000 people, created 86 spinoffs, and helped to create over 5,000 jobs, according to ORF.
The infrastructure program helps support large and small programs to cover the costs of building and renovating research facilities, and buying new equipment, samples, software, and databases.