University of Northern British Columbia receives multi-million dollar grants to foster innovation

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — Researchers at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) have been given access to new federal funding and entrepreneurial skills training initiatives to help foster the next generation of Canadian innovators. 

According to a January 20th announcement, UNBC is a co-applicant among two national networks receiving a five-year grant totalling $5.49 million.

The funding will reportedly empower collaborative efforts involving post-secondary institutions, industries, and partners nationwide.

The university will lead the National Invention to Innovation Network’s (i2I) North Strategy in collaboration with Lakehead and Yukon Universities to develop commercialization and entrepreneurship training across Canada’s North and engage with Indigenous communities.

Empowering these networks is said to foster entrepreneurial skills development, deliver innovative training, and drive real-world impact.

Dr. Geoff Payne, president of UNBC, says the students and faculty are researching society’s biggest challenges and generating local solutions for global impact.

“Initiatives from the Lab to Market grants will equip UNBC researchers with the entrepreneurial skills and mentorship needed to leverage their academic research into innovations ready to make a difference in all sectors,” says Payne.

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada administers the grants in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

UNBC is reportedly playing “an important role” in the grant awarded to a collective led by Simon Fraser University.

“Working with our partner institutions, UNBC is uniquely positioned to develop a strategy that meets the specific and unique needs of researchers in the North,” says UNBC Vice-President of Research and Innovation Dr. Paula Wood-Adams.

“In addition to providing incredible resources to build capacity for students and faculty working to advance their research outcomes, this project is another opportunity for the University to listen, learn and strengthen community connections,” said Adams.