Recently, the federal government announced two new investments, one for an Ontario-based startup, and the other for a number of organizations and institutions nationwide. Here’s the latest on government funding.
Eleven organizations receive $6.4 million from Accessible Technology Program
Twelve new projects from across Canada will receive funding through the Accessible Technology Program, totalling about $6.4 million. This is in addition to the three projects funded under the program that were announced earlier this year.
“We are setting the bar higher and leading the way on increasing accessibility and our awareness of its importance.”
With these investments, recipient organizations will offer support for the development of assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies to make it easier for Canadians with disabilities to participate in the digital economy. The funding comes from the federal government’s $22.3 million Accessible Technology Program. In total, 15 projects from across Canada, including the 12 projects announced today, have received investments from the program.
“As we work to build an innovation nation, one that is inclusive and works for everyone, our focus is squarely on our greatest asset: our people,” said Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. “The Accessible Technology Program is helping to empower Canadians with disabilities. By working with great organizations across the country, we are setting the bar higher and leading the way on increasing accessibility and our awareness of its importance.”
The recipients are:
- Assistyv Inc.: $21,000
- Technologies HumanWare: $1 million
- Reality Controls Inc.: $47,000
- Ryerson University: $331,000
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital: $698,000
- Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières: $635,000
- Issist Assistive Technologies: $998,000
- OCAD University: $1.68 million
- Speech Mobility Inc.: $503,000
- University of Ottawa: $48,000
- Tetra Society of North America: $529,000
BioConnect receives $3.9 million from FedDev Ontario
Biometric tech and software startup BioConnect is receiving a FedDev Ontario contribution of up to $3.9 million to scale its operations.
BioConnect, which provides identity management solutions for both digital applications and physical spaces, will use the investment to strengthen its product portfolio, commercialize new technology, and increase its labour force to expand into new markets.
“Virtually every aspect of our modern lives depends on information technology,” said Bains. “The Government of Canada is supporting Canada’s cybersecurity firms, like BioConnect, in the development and commercialization of their innovative technology to compete in new markets, while providing new solutions to safeguard digital security and privacy. We continue to invest in innovative, forward-thinking companies to ensure Canada remains at the forefront of advanced information technology, creating good jobs and keeping our economy globally competitive.”