Niagara could become the centre for chemical manufacturing after the Canadian federal government has ploughed $5 million (£3.08 million) into opening a new research institute in the area.
Brock University is set to launch the Brock-Niagara Validating, Prototyping and Manufacturing Institute (VPMI), designed to allow local businesses to access the university’s top researchers, as well as its technology.
The FedDev funding was revealed earlier this month (Tuesday September 3rd) when Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey and St Catharines MP Chris Bittle publicly announced it.
Gervan Fearon, president of the university, said the new facility would help the area become a leader in chemical manufacturing, bio-agriculture, and bio-science.
“The VPMI will support applied research and development, innovation and commercialisation efforts to help businesses grow and thrive,” Mr Fearon stated.
He went on to say: “It will play an important role in Brock University’s strategic priority to partner with business and communities in supporting the prosperity and vitality of the Niagara region and beyond.”
The VPMI will provide an area for research and innovation, training and testing. It will be designed to give businesses access to the university’s expertise, as well as its analytical and prototyping equipment.
It is hoped this will help them launch and improve products, boosting their profile in the chemical manufacturing, bio-agriculture and bioscience industries.
While this will help Canada’s presence in the chemical manufacturing world, British companies will be more focused on chemical analysis in the UK, which may not stabilise until after Brexit has concluded.
Brock University is one of the most prestigious educational establishments in the region, with more and more students wanting to enrol every year. Indeed, over 5,000 pupils started the new term earlier this week, representing a six per cent rise on last year’s figures. It is anticipated the total fall enrolment for 2018-19 will reach 19,100, which is the highest since it opened 54 years ago.
