The Alberta government has reinforced its commitment to the Alberta Innovation Network to support start-up businesses.
The province announced it will invest $18.7 million over the next three years in the eight regional innovation networks (RIN) to foster and support high-potential startups and entrepreneurs, help diversify the economy and create jobs.
“Alberta has some of the most ambitious and industrious entrepreneurs anywhere. We want to ensure they can get connected with regional innovation networks where they can draw on world-renowned business and technical experts to accelerate the growth of their businesses, diversify the economy and create jobs,” said Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Innovation.
Established in 2008 the Alberta Innovation Network has helped 7,000 innovators, entrepreneurs, and companies, leading to 354 new innovations to date, states a press release. Originally beginning with three RIN, they now have eight.
While these RINs have no geographical boundaries, the closest one to serve the Drumheller region is the Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network. It was granted $1,638,000.
“We are trying very hard as regional Innovation networks to work as a cohesive system,” said Alicia Cafferata, co-chair of the Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network and applied research specialist at Red Deer Polytechnique. “What we do is help technology and knowledge-based companies move through their innovation and business cycle. A lot of what the Central Alberta Region on Innovation does is really support the early-stage entrepreneurship education. Because we have two highly connected post-secondary education institutes, Red Deer Polytechnique and Olds College, we work a lot on also advancing the technology through the technology readiness levels.”
She said Olds College has resources to support agriculture-focused innovation, while Red Deer Polytechnique can support manufacturing and energy innovation.
She notes Alberta Innovate does not provide funds, but rather helps to connect to other organizations or institutions for support.
“It is about networking and training and access to resources,” she said.
For more information go to www.ca-rin-ca
