News Release
For Immediate Release
April 30, 2008
PREMIER’S INNOVATION AWARDS CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE
McGuinty Government Investing In Research And Innovation To Create Jobs
NEWS
Eliminating the use of harmful chemicals, defining the genetic factors underlying autism spectrum disorder, finding better ways to fight lung cancer. These are among the results behind the innovative research celebrated at the 2008 Premier’s Award for Innovation last night.
Premier Dalton McGuinty and Minister of Research and Innovation John Wilkinson distributed over $7.3 million to the 10 award winners to continue their work producing better healthcare, a cleaner environment and Ontario’s next generation of jobs.
The awards handed out included the Premier’s Catalyst, Discovery and Summit Awards. The Summit Award program is administered by the MaRS Discovery District.
The winners included:
- Best Young Innovator: Cameron Piron, president of Sentinelle Medical Inc., a company that researches and manufactures magnetic resonance imaging technologies
- Company with the Best Innovation: Evertz Microsystems Ltd.,a Burlington company whose cutting-edge MVP® technology is used by broadcasters worldwide.
QUOTES
“These award programs are a key part of Ontario’s strategy to attract and retain our best and brightest and build on our culture of innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Premier Dalton McGuinty. "By supporting world-class talent here at home, we're ensuring Ontario remains the place to be for years to come."
“Ontario has become the economic engine of this country on the creativity and ingenuity of our people,” said Minister of Research and Innovation John Wilkinson. “This year’s winners represent the industries, ideas and people that will shape our future and create our next generation of jobs and prosperity.”
“The extraordinary achievements of this year’s winners stand for remarkable creativity, excellence and a bright future for our province,” said Ilse Treurnicht, CEO of MaRS Discovery District. “Without doubt, by investing in their talents we will make a difference in the world, and we should all be proud that these pioneering research and innovation leaders live and work in Ontario.”
KEY FACTS
The Premier’s Innovation Awards are just one part of Ontario’s Innovation Agenda – a plan that is investing $3 billion over eight years to support research excellence – and ignite growth in the industries that will shape our future and create Ontario’s next generation of jobs. Other initiatives include:
- Investing over $700 million through the Ontario Research Fund to support research and help transform knowledge into products and services that improve people’s lives and create jobs.
- Introducing the $160 million Ideas to Market strategy to grow new start-ups and drive innovative discoveries rapidly from the lab to the marketplace.
- Helping technology companies develop promising discoveries and get them to market with the four-year, $30-million Innovation Demonstration Fund.
- Stimulating economic growth and prosperity in Ontario while helping to create the next generation of jobs and improve environmental sustainability with the Next Generation Jobs Fund, a five-year, $1.15 billion strategy.
LEARN MORE
Details on all of the winners and videos from the award show are available on Ministry of Research and Innovation’s website.
Learn More about Ontario’s Innovation Agenda
See also:
- News Release:
Premier’s Innovation Awards Celebrate Excellence - Backgrounder:
Premier’s Catalyst Awards Celebrate Ontario’s Top Talent - Backgrounder:
Premier’s Catalyst Awards Panel Members - Backgrounder:
Premier’s Discovery Awards Support Ontario’s Top Research Talent - Backgrounder:
Premier’s Discovery Awards Panel Members - Backgrounder:
Premier’s Summit Award In Medical Research - Backgrounder:
Premier’s Summit Award In Medical Research Award Committee Members - Multimedia:
Premier’s Innovation Awards 2008
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