Southern Ontario SMEs receive funding boost

Waterloo, Ontario – The University of Waterloo announced that it has signed a number of contracts with Southern Ontario SMEs to partner on activities such as applied research, engineering design, technology development, product testing, and certification.

The deals are supported by funding approved last year under the Applied Research and Commercialization Initiative. Through it, the university will receive up to $750,000 from FedDev Ontario. In its second year of operation, FedDev supports businesses and other organizations through partnerships and investments in skills and training; innovation; research and development; and increased productivity.

The 16 contracts signed with Southern Ontario small to medium-sized businesses include partnerships with:

Waterloo-based Clearpath Robotics designs and manufactures unmanned vehicle system solutions for research and development applications. The University of Waterloo will provide the company with access to its Waterloo Autonomous Vehicle Laboratory (WAVELab) and a research group with expertise in developing estimation, control and mapping algorithms for autonomous vehicles.

Toronto’s Integran Technologies Inc. specializes in advanced metallurgical nano-technologies. Robotic expertise at the University of Waterloo will be utilized to test Integran’s Nanovatetm coating on composite hockey sticks.

Microbonds of Markham is a pioneer in the research, development and application of insulated bonding wire technology for semiconductor packaging and microchip industries. Knowledge gained in working with the University of Waterloo in this area is expected to lead to commercialization of techniques developed.

Oakville Stamping & Bending Ltd. manufactures, assembles and distributes metal and plastic plumbing waste fittings. Through this project, the University of Waterloo will develop a flexible part handling system.

Newmarket’s Polefab Inc. manufactures section steel poles for street lights, traffic signals and highway signs applications. University of Waterloo design and crash expertise will be utilized to enhance the crash characteristics of sectional poles through mechanical design and use of energy absorbing materials within the pole.

Waterloo-based digital imaging leader Teledyne DALSA designs and manufactures image sensors, cameras and vision systems. The company will collaborate with the University on the application of new imaging technologies for use within CCD sensors/cameras.

Tyco Electronics Canada in Guelph produces light pipes and lamps used to conduct light from LEDs to ambient lighting within cars. University of Waterloo expertise in analysis, design, simulation and system integration will develop new PCB assembly systems.
www.feddevontario.gc.ca