More than $13.9 million in provincial funding through the BC Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF) will allow Simon Fraser University (SFU) to conduct cutting-edge research in the areas of health and life sciences.

This brings the Province’s latest round of BCKDF investments to more than $39.7 million for public post-secondary institutions to undertake 32 research infrastructure projects.                            

Five SFU projects are receiving funding that will be applied to the use of new technologies to advance the understanding of biological processes relevant to human health, to enhance medical-imaging equipment leading to improved medical diagnoses, and the purchase of equipment that may be used to discover new bioactive compounds to fight cancer.

BCKDF investments are aimed at attracting and retaining world-class research and innovation talent in British Columbia and creating profitable collaborations with industry. Successful proposals have the potential to spur technology commercialization, talent development and job creation.

BCKDF funding is part of the #BCTECH Strategy, a key component of the BC Jobs Plan to support the growth of B.C.’s vibrant technology sector and strengthen British Columbia’s diverse knowledge-based economy. The 10-year strategy includes a $100-million BC Tech Fund and initiatives to increase talent development and market access for tech companies that will drive innovation and productivity across the province. Increasing  commercialization potential through funding to post-secondary institutions is a commitment under the #BCTECH Strategy.

Quotes:

Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Amrik Virk –

“As part of our #BCTECH Strategy, the BCKDF provides investments in research and innovation that will explore new frontiers in life sciences and astrophysics among many other technology sectors. As one of the top three fastest private-sector job creators over the last decade, B.C.’s tech sector is driving our economy and generating desirable jobs for highly-skilled and creative British Columbians.”

Minister of Advanced Education Andrew Wilkinson –

“Research universities in British Columbia have a strong tradition of innovation. The funding awarded today will allow SFU to build upon that tradition through the development and commercialization of new technology in rapidly advancing fields of health and life sciences.”

Simon Fraser University president and vice-chancellor Andrew Petter –

“This BCKDF funding will enable our researchers to be even better equipped for big data research and more productive in their efforts to translate research to fight disease and improve health outcomes for British Columbians.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, government has invested more than $595 million in research and innovation in B.C.

• The government has leveraged an additional $1.05 billion in research funding from other sources.

• That’s more than $1.6 billion for research and innovation.   

Learn More:

BCKDF: http://www.gov.bc.ca/citz/technologyandinnovation/Funding/BCKDF/

BC Technology Strategy: http://bctechstrategy.gov.bc.ca/

Simon Fraser University: http://www.sfu.ca/

A backgrounder follows.