Government of Canada supports Ontario start-up through Build in Canada Innovation Program

OTTAWA, Oct. 27, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to growing the economy, strengthening the middle class, and helping those working hard to join it. Through the Build in Canada Innovation Program, the Government of Canada is investing in Canadian innovations to create inclusive and sustainable economic growth for communities across Canada.

Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Vanier, on behalf of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, today announced that the Government of Canada is investing in a made-in-Canada innovation that will make solar spectral measurements simple, accurate and cost-effective.  

Spectrafy Inc. of Ottawa, Ontario, received a $674,890 contract for the development and deployment of Natural Resources Canada's CanSIM network, a network of 7 measurement stations across the nation that will enable new insight into Canada's climate and solar resource potential. At the heart of the network are Spectrafy's innovative SolarSIM sensors: a combination of rugged hardware and advanced software that provide an unprecedented level of functionality, accuracy, stability and affordability. By leveraging the SolarSIM sensors, the CanSIM network becomes the world's first national solar spectral network, providing users with data in real time, over the Internet.

This investment was made through the Build in Canada Innovation Program, which helps Canadian innovators land their first sale and get their innovations tested by the Government of Canada. This program is just one of the many ways the Government of Canada supports innovation and small and medium-sized businesses across Canada.

Canadian innovators can submit their proposals on the Build in Canada Innovation Program's website.

Quotes

"To realize Canada's potential as a global leader in innovation it's essential to support the continued growth of emerging companies. Through the Build in Canada Innovation Program, the government is helping companies like Spectrafy Inc. move their products from the lab to the marketplace – which enables them to grow while addressing global challenges like climate change."

The Honourable Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

"We can be proud of having local businesses with cutting-edge technologies such as Spectrafy Inc., which are leveraging the Build in Canada Innovation Program to create economic opportunities and quality jobs for the middle class here in Ottawa."

Mona Fortier
Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Vanier

"CanSIM is part of Natural Resources Canada's mandate to create a sustainable resource advantage for Canadians. The data that will be derived from this advanced network is important in helping Canada optimize its solar energy generation potential."

Yves Poissant
Research Project Manager, CanmetENERGY Research Centre, Natural Resources Canada

"Spectrafy is proud to have participated in the development and deployment of the world's first national solar spectral network, which was made possible by Canadian technology. With the successful deployment of the CanSIM network, Canada continues its rich history of being at the forefront of environmental monitoring. Understanding our climate has never been more important and the breadth and quality of data provided by CanSIM represents a powerful new tool for a whole range of industries."

Richard Beal
Chief Executive Officer, Spectrafy Inc.

Quick facts

• The sensor developed by Spectrafy measures the sun's spectrum, aerosols, water vapour and ozone. Additionally, the device provides information on major atmospheric processes, such as greenhouse gas emission levels and solar radiation.
• Spectrafy Inc. is an Ottawa-based start-up that was founded in 2012 and currently has 5 employees.
• A total of 103 contracts have been awarded to Ontario companies, for a total value of more than $43 million.
• More than 260 contracts have been awarded under the Build in Canada Innovation Program, bringing Canadian companies one step closer to selling to domestic and international markets.
• More than $115 million has been awarded in contracts since the Build in Canada Innovation Program began in 2010.

Associated links

Build in Canada Innovation Program

Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Facebook

SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada

For further information: Ashley Michnowski, Office of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, 819-997-5421; Media Relations, Public Services and Procurement Canada, 819-420-5501, [e-mail]

Related Links

www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca