Today, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, announced more than $335,000 in provincial support for three projects with a research and development focus led by tech companies in Newfoundland and Labrador.
These projects illustrate a focus on research and development as a driver of economic diversification and underscore the importance of smart investments to develop critical areas of the economy. Investments announced today include:
- $148,314 for a research and development project led by Pioneer Enterprises Limited for an automated water treatment system for rural communities that may face challenges in securing clean drinking water. This funding will assist Pioneer in developing a simplified water treatment system using ozone, ultraviolet (UV), and media filtration for treatment instead of chlorine. The company also plans to offer real time monitoring and direct support as a service to towns using their product.
- $138,000 for Solace Power Inc., an innovative, high growth firm that provides advanced wireless power solutions to a variety of industries including automotive, telecommunications, medical, aerospace and defense. Solace will hire a Ph.D graduate in computer engineering to research and develop technical improvements for their wireless power communications interface and improve manufacturing efficiencies.
- $49,520 for a research and development project led by Technip FMC Canada Ltd. to analyze interactions between icebergs, flowlines and the seabed. The company will also study and analyze the iceberg, pipe and soil interactions to help with the design of future subsea assets.
The province’s tech sector is estimated at a value of $1.6 billion in Newfoundland and Labrador, with approximately 165 companies and 4,000 employees. Demand for new tech jobs is expected to exceed 2,000 over the next three years.
Quotes
“Investments in research and development help drive growth in our economy and these projects are a testament to this. Projects by Pioneer Enterprises, Solace and Technip FMC are all smart investments that show our focus on sector diversification and growth. By working together we will drive innovation in our province.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“This support from the Provincial Government is helping Pioneer to develop a state-of-the-art water treatment system to make it easier for rural communities to secure clean drinking water. This innovative project will position us for growth and future success in a broader market.”
Marcie Rowsell
Operations Manager, Pioneer Enterprises Ltd.
“The timely government support and program features enabled Solace to capture the imagination of potential customers we had been pursuing in new markets. Those customers are now key to Solace’s success.”
Michael Gotlieb
CEO, Solace Power Inc
“TechnipFMC is committed to protection of the environment through the development of technology to mitigate risk where icebergs have the potential to impact subsea pipelines.”
Richard Mandeville
Vice President Subsea, TechnipFMC Canada
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Pioneer Enterprises Limited
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Media contacts
Lisa Lawlor
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5777, 631-8155
lisalawlor@gov.nl.ca
Marcie Rowsell
Pioneer Enterprises Ltd
709-364-3581
mrowsell@nl.rogers.com
Neil Chaulk
Solace Power Inc
709-745-6099
neil.chaulk@solace.ca
Richard Mandeville
TechnipFMC
Richard.mandeville@technipfmc.com