Eight new projects have been approved under the Prince Edward Island Research and Development Initiative, a program to assist and encourage research and development in all sectors of the province’s economy.
The successful applicants were recognized today by Development and Technology Minister Richard Brown.
“The Government of Prince Edward Island is pleased to invest in local researchers who are working to commercialize their products and services,” said Minister Brown. “These successful applicants demonstrate the range of research taking place in Prince Edward Island and our commitment to these emerging sectors of our economy.”
The following projects were approved under the Research and Development initiative.
1. Atlantic AgriTech Inc. (Mr. Steve Howatt)
Identification and development of bioactive compounds for crop production.
2. Dr. Franck Berthe & Dr. Gerry Johnson
University of Prince Edward Island; Development of a clam fragility assay: an innovative tool for ecosystem health assessment.
3. Justice Knowledge Network
Holland College; Development of an electronic SIDS awareness course.
4. Neurodyn Inc. (Dr. Denis Kay)
Development and characterization of a GLP-complaint pre-clinical testing platform for the evaluation of potential neuroprotective therapies.
5. Graphic Communications Group Inc. (Mr. Dean Johnston)
Development of a proprietary IT software program for fund-raising.
6. Engineering Technologies Canada Ltd. (Ms. Kelly Galloway)
Development of three technologies; an Intelligent valve monitor for waste water and irrigation systems; a liquid level measuring device using sensor technology for wastewater dispersal trenches; and a wireless product information kiosk.
“By making investments such as these, we believe that our province’s emerging economic sectors can continue to grow and expand and provide even more opportunities for Islanders to pursue new career choices here at home,” Minister Brown said. “This is an area we will continue to aggressively pursue.”
The Research and Development Initiative will be renewed for another round of funding with full details to follow shortly.
BACKGROUNDER
WINNING PROJECTS COMPANY BRIEFS
R&D INITIATIVE 2007
Atlantic AgriTech Inc.
Lead Researcher – Mr. Steve Howatt
Project Title: Identification and Development of Bioactive Compounds for Crop Production
Atlantic AgriTech Inc. is an agricultural and environmental research company based in New Glasgow, PEI, with a second research site in St Marc-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. Areas of expertise include agricultural crop production and the identification and mitigation of potential environmental impacts of crop production practices on the environment. Atlantic AgriTech Inc. has been involved with projects relating to evaluation of synthetic and organic crop protectants and inputs, determination of pesticide residues in crops and soils, and movement of contaminants (pesticides, nitrates) in soil and water. AAtlantic AgriTech Inc. has been providing contract agricultural and environmental research services to clients from across North America since 1991.
UPEI/AVC – Dept. of Pathology and Microbiology – Mollusk Health Laboratory
Lead Researchers – Dr. Gerry Johnson & Dr. Franck Berthe
Project Title: Development of a Clam Fragility Assay: an Innovative Tool for EcoSystem Health Assessment
The Mollusk Health Laboratory is part of the Department of Pathology and Microbiology at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) in the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI). The main focus of the laboratory research is on bivalve mollusc immunity through exploration of host-pathogen relationships.
The soft-shell clam, Mya arenaria, is an important resource to Prince Edward Island, as PEI’s production accounts for a sixth of the total landed value of all clam species in Atlantic Canada. Severe mortalities of clams have occurred in PEI attributed to environmental degradation. The main scope of this project is to develop an innovative tool for ecosystem health assessment based on a clam fragility assay. Our trial will attempt to quantify estuarine health by measuring the resistance of resident clams to a standardized laboratory challenge
Justice Knowledge Network (JKN) – Holland Collage
Lead Researchers – Ms. Nadine Sutcliffe & Ms. Shirley Rice
Project Title: Development of an Electronic SIDS Awareness Course
The Justice Knowledge Network (JKN) is an established consortium of public and private sector organizations with experience in research, development, and delivery of e-learning and technical solutions. Since its inception in 2002, JKN has made great strides in achieving its mandate to increase research and development capacity within Atlantic Canada while demonstrating commercial viability. In parallel, JKN has helped create sustainable economic development opportunities within PEI. JKN’s partners include Holland College, Provinent Corp., Aliant Inc., Université de Moncton (IDITAE), Sheridan College and Aliant Telecom Inc.
Neurydyn Inc.
Lead Researcher: Dr. Denis Kay
Project Title: Development and characterization of a GLP Compliant Pre-clinical Testing platform for the Evaluation of Potential Neuroprotective Therapies
Neurodyn Inc. is a Canadian biotechnology company with R&D facilities located in Charlottetown, PEI at the Industrial Partnership Facility of the NRC-INH and the SPF animal holding facility operated by the Atlantic Centre for BioProducts Valuation at the AVC-UPEI.
The company's first commercial product will be the development of a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) compliant version of its' proprietary animal model of the human neurodegenerative diseases ALS (Lou Gerig's disease), Parkinson's Disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Neurodyn's animal model is unique in that it is the only model permitting the study of neurodegenerative disease as it develops over time. Current animal models are only able to mimic a part of the overall disease, or a catastrophic end state situation.
Graphic Communications Group Inc.
Lead Researcher – Mr. Dean Johnstone
Project Title: Development of a Proprietary IT Software Program for Fund-raising
Graphic Communications Group Inc. is a Charlottetown based company with more than 20 years experience in marketing communications and promotions. It has ten employees and with partner, The Sharp Group, is the largest advertising and marketing agency in Prince Edward Island. The company’s client list is extensive and includes Veterans Affairs Canada, Credit Unions of Prince Edward Island, Service Canada, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, plus a host of other national, regional and local clients.
The most recent addition to the company’s arsenal of services is a full web-based research and development section. This rapidly growing business segment now accounts for almost one-third of the company’s revenue and its most recent project involves the development of proprietary software for online fundraising.
Engineering Technologies Canada Ltd.
Lead Researchers: Ms. Kelly Galloway & Mr. Iain Galloway
Project Titles: Development of an Intelligent Valve Monitor for Waste Water and Irrigation systems; a Liquid Level Measuring Device using Sensor Technology for Wastewater Dispersal Trenches; and a Wireless Product Information Kiosk
Engineering Technologies Canada Ltd. (ETC) is based in Stratford, PEI and presently employs four full time and one part-time staff members. The company has been in business since 1996.
Kelly Galloway, P.Eng. is President and heads up the Environmental Engineering Division. This Division offers services related to the planning, design and management of decentralized (on-site) wastewater systems for rural communities and developments.
Iain Galloway, P.Eng. is Vice-president of ETC and provides technical direction to the Electronics Division. The Division specializes in the design and manufacture of microelectronics and hardware for ETC's own products as well as for third parties. ETC's design solutions utilize low cost embedded microcontrollers, wireless networking and small embedded Linux platforms.