GARDN II welcomes the launch of the Consortium for Aerospace Research and Innovation in Canada and announces the results from its first round of projects

MONTREAL, April 17, 2014 /CNW/ - The second program of the Green Aviation Research and Development Network (GARDN) welcomes the establishment of the Consortium for Aerospace Research and Innovation in Canada (CARIC).

"The establishment of a national network is excellent news for the aerospace industry. CARIC will cover a wider range of technology readiness levels and diversify the ways the aerospace industry and aerospace engineering universities can collaborate," explains Sylvain Cofsky, Executive Director of GARDN. The initiative will lead to unprecedented pan-Canadian collaboration, perfectly in line with GARDN's mission.

GARDN II also announced the launch of nine R&D projects, representing more than $15 million in funding. Each one, selected from 22 proposals, will act as drivers of sustainable innovation for the aerospace industry. The projects will have a very positive impact on Canadian aerospace products and services, the business success of companies and the training and development of highly qualified personnel.

"All in all, the ideas behind this first round represent an outstanding launch pad for ensuring the success of GARDN II," said Sylvain Cofsky. The second round of projects is expected by the end of 2014.

About GARDN II

Officially launched on January 22, GARDN II provides the perfect backdrop for the collaborative efforts of key players in aerospace, one of Canada's largest industries. Green Aviation Research and Development Network (GARDN) is funded equally by the Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence (BL-NCE) and the Canadian aerospace industry.

GARDN II's mandate is to reduce the environmental footprint of the next generation of Canadian-developed aircraft, engines and avionics systems, increasing the competitiveness of Canada's aerospace industry.

SOURCE: Green Aviation Research and Development Network (GARDN)

Sylvain Cofsky, Executive Director, GARDN, 514-983-2061