Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Groundbreaking Canadian nanotechnology partnership lays foundation for big success from tiny tech

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Abstract:
Xerox, Government of Alberta and NRC National Institute for
Nanotechnology invest $4.5 million in nanotechnology research and
development.

Groundbreaking Canadian nanotechnology partnership lays foundation for big success from tiny tech

EDMONTON, ALBERTA, and MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, CANADA | Posted on February 15th, 2007

In Canada's first major public-private nanotechnology research partnership, the Xerox
Research Centre of Canada (XRCC), the National Research Council Canada (NRC),
the National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT) and the Government of Alberta
will provide approximately $4.5 million for research and development of
materials-based nanotechnology over the next three years.
The three partners will invest funds, human resources and available
infrastructures to create a research program and teams focused on developing
commercially successful nanotechnology-based discoveries. Personnel from NINT
and XRCC will collaborate on research projects at NINT in Edmonton, Alberta,
and at XRCC in Mississauga, Ontario.
"Today's announcement is in keeping with the spirit of the objectives
outlined in our recent economic plan, Advantage Canada. It solidifies our
commitment to support research excellence," said the Honourable Maxime
Bernier, Minister of Industry. "This initiative represents the collaboration
and investments of all stakeholders, including Canada's new government.
Partnerships are essential, and it is vital that we continue with this
approach," he added.
The funds will contribute to the hiring of six to 10 scientists who will
investigate materials-based nanotechnologies, including document and
display-related technologies. The research program, co-managed by XRCC and
NINT, will allow access to Xerox's experience in successfully commercializing
technology to facilitate the market application of resulting inventions.
"This level of public and private sector partnership helps fuel the type
of innovation that will keep Alberta, and Canada as a whole, strong and
competitive in an increasingly global, knowledge-based economy," said Doug
Horner, Minister for Advanced Education and Technology, Government of Alberta.
"Researchers will have the opportunity to take scientific ideas through the
full cycle of innovation, from initial concept to commercialization, which
will contribute to building a stronger Alberta."
XRCC was established in 1974 to develop the materials used globally by
Xerox Corporation, and it began nanotechnology-enabled research efforts
several years ago. It has already developed successfully commercial materials,
including 'EA Toner', a unique technology for making more cost-effective and
environmentally efficient toner for printers. XRCC will now be able to expand
its nanotechnology efforts.
"This partnership demonstrates that with the support of government, open
innovation with public and private sector research can combine to achieve
remarkable mutual accomplishments," said Hadi Mahabadi, Vice-President and
Director, Xerox Research Centre of Canada. "The Government of Alberta, Xerox
and NINT are leading the charge in both nanotechnology research and a unique
collaboration model to secure future economic success."
Mr. Mahabadi will co-manage the new nanotechnology collaboration with Dr.
Nils Petersen, Director General, NINT.

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About NINT
NINT is a multi-disciplinary institution involving researchers in
science, engineering, pharmacy, medicine, business and law. Established in
2001 and operated as a collaborative project of the NRC, the University of
Alberta and the Government of Alberta, it conducts advanced research and
fosters innovation in support of a new generation of nanotechnology-based
firms.
"The combination of Xerox's industrial culture and dedication to the
commercialization of invention and NINT's broad research experience and
approach to open innovation provide the focus and skill sets to achieve
innovation that is of value to the marketplace," said NRC Vice-President
Richard Normandin. "This program will also expand NINT's industrial
collaboration capacity, which will be beneficial for many Canadian firms."

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Contacts:
Media Contacts:
Glyn Davies
Xerox Canada,
(416) 733-6216

Lawrence Cummer
Environics Communications for Xerox, (416) 969-2747

Shannon Jones
NRC National Institute for Nanotechnology
(780) 641-1626,
Suzana Krpan, Alberta Advanced Education and
Technology, (780) 427-2237,