Canada funds Additive Manufacturing technology (AAMTECH) prototyping hub as part of $20.8M investment
August 3, 2023
PacifiCan is the Government of Canada’s new economic development agency, dedicated to promoting growth and diversification in British Columbia’s economy. Its mission is to enhance innovation, improve business competitiveness, and promote inclusive growth. As part of this mission, Harjit S Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan) and Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens’ Services, have announced funding of over $20.8 million to seven Burnaby-based businesses and organisations in the life sciences, manufacturing, and technology sectors. This funding looks to help the recipients commercialise new products, acquire advanced technologies and increase sales.
Minister Sajjan shared, “Across British Columbia, organisations and businesses are working hard to propel BC forward. PacifiCan is supporting these innovators to reach their goals to expand to new markets, create jobs, and even access new technologies like 3D printing. PacifiCan is proud to be a partner in helping Burnaby build a thriving, inclusive economy, one that leverages the diverse skills of these talented entrepreneurs and others throughout BC.”
Ministers Sajjan and Beech announced the funding at the Centre for Applied Research and Innovation at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). While at BCIT, the ministers also announced over $1.9 million in support for the establishment of AAMTECH, an advanced Additive Manufacturing prototyping hub. This funding is intended to address the financial barrier faced by many businesses seeking to develop and commercialise new concepts.
The project aims to provide small- and medium-sized enterprises in the local area with access to state-of-the-art technology and expertise. This will enable them to build prototypes using advanced Additive Manufacturing technology, with a wide variety of materials including advanced composites, metals, foods, and bio-manufacturing. The hub will support approximately sixty businesses, help bring ninety products or services to market, and provide training opportunities.
“Today’s announcement furthers the important work of the BCIT Centre for Applied Research and Innovation – creating practical learning opportunities for BCIT students, while providing practical solutions to industry challenges. With the PacifiCan funding for the new Advanced Additive Manufacturing Technology (AAMTECH) 3D Printing Hub, BCIT continues to grow our breadth of support across multiple manufacturing sectors including metals, composites, foods, and bio-manufacturing. Businesses, organisations, and BCIT researchers and students now have a truly state-of-the-art space to build innovation in the 3D printing arena,” added, Dr Jeff Zabudsky, president, BCIT.
This funding is being provided through three PacifiCan programs: the Regional Innovation Ecosystems program, Business Scale-up and Productivity programme, and the Jobs and Growth Fund. These programs support advanced manufacturing, digital technology, clean technology, and business growth.
It is expected that this funding will generate 284 jobs.
www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development.html
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