Edmonton nanotech firms land Canadian funding

The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) announced contributions of $285,268 to Edmonton-based firms Sonoro Energy Limited and IntelligentNano Inc. Sonoro develops a proprietary sonic reactor technology platform, the PetroSonic process, that improves heavy oil quality. IntelligentNano develops cell multiplications technology and nanotechnology as applied to personalized medicine.

Both Sonoro Energy and IntelligentNano are tenants of the the National Institute of Nanotechnology (NINT) Innovation Centre, an industrial partnership facility within the NINT cluster dedicated to providing laboratory and office space to up to 15 companies. Innovative firms often develop around a government research institution or a university that attracts highly skilled researchers, and the NINT Innovation Centre allows fledgling companies and industrial collaborators to locate near NINT and University of Alberta facilities and expertise.

Edmonton boasts Canada’s largest and most technologically advanced nanotechnology research infrastructure, centred around NINT—a joint initiative between the National Research Council of Canada, the University of Alberta and the Government of Alberta.

The Government of Canada recently announced $135 million to support community-based technology clusters across Canada, including $23.4 million for NINT over the next two years. Clusters are community-driven and focused on market opportunities. With the support from broad networks and committed local champions, they encourage technological progress and economic growth that reaps benefits nationwide.
www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
www.sonoroenergy.com
www.intelligentnano.com