Lambton leads research network with partner colleges to support Southern Ontario Bio-CleanTech sector
SARNIA, July 28, 2022 - A multi-million dollar investment on behalf of the Government of Canada will help support the country’s transition to a green economy while advancing clean growth innovators
The project was announced yesterday at Lambton College by Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for London North Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). The $9.45-million project includes a $3-million investment from FedDev Ontario for Lambton College, in partnership with Fanshawe College, Mohawk College, and Loyalist College to establish the Canadian Bio-Cleantech Applied Research Network (CBARN).
Lambton College will lead the project with member colleges, Fanshawe, Mohawk and Loyalist.
“Today’s investment reinforces the Government of Canada’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 by supporting projects that pace the way for a cleaner future, contributing to a resilient economy and the generation of good green jobs,” said the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “Through the Canadian Bio-Cleantech Applied Research Network, 65 bio-based SMEs will be able to increase their reach.
FedDev Ontario’s Jobs and Growth Fund provides funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth. The latest funding, delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), helps job creators and the organizations that support them, to future-proof their businesses, build resiliency and prepare for growth by transitioning to a green economy, fostering an inclusive recovery, enhancing competitiveness, and creating jobs throughout the country.
CBARN will be positioned as a unique applied research network in Canada with a goal of providing small- and medium-sized companies the ability to increase their competitiveness, products, customer base, grow their business and increase their workforce. All industry-driven collaborative projects under CBARN will result in increased economic activity, job creation and support Canada’s strategic focus to become a global cleantech leader through development of new or improved products, processes, services and/or technologies.
Lambton College will lead the project with member colleges, Fanshawe, Mohawk and Loyalist. Each College provides different areas of focus and capabilities and infrastructure specific to these areas. This collaborative approach provides companies the opportunity to access a broad range of research and innovation offerings through one convenient channel.
“Through this collaboration, Lambton College, in partnership with Fanshawe, Mohawk and Loyalist colleges are creating a network of opportunity for bio-based SMEs and a perse pool of entrepreneurs to access critical support in the Sarnia, London, Hamilton and Belleville regions,” said Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for London North Centre. “Timely access to specialized experts and equipment through the CBARN network and Ontario’s post-secondary institutions will be a key support for helping these companies fully commercialize their products and bring them to market sooner.”
“As a leading applied research institution in Ontario and Canada, Lambton College is thrilled to have the opportunity to significantly advance the bio-cleantech industry by establishing a collaborative network of institutions and industry partners,” said Rob Kardas, President & CEO, Lambton College. “As the cleantech sector and green economy continues to expand, there is a growing demand to support small and medium-sized enterprises and help them compete with larger corporations entering this space. The creation of the Canadian Bio-Cleantech Applied Research Network will allow for research and advance commercialization of new technologies in the areas of biorefinery, bioenergy, bioproducts, biotechnology, and agriculture.”
Kardas notes the establishment of CBARN will also provide students additional opportunities to gain experience working with industry.
“Lambton College’s number one commitment is to our students. The establishment of CBARN will not only drive economic prosperity in the region and throughout Canada, it will also provide our students the opportunity to work with industry and gain hands-on experience. Being able to participate in research projects enhances our students’ education and sets them up for success as they enter the workforce.”