Synapse brings together research and business
Businesses and organizations on PEI in need of research expertise can be challenged to find the help they need. Synapse Applied Research and Industry Services (operating as Synapse) was established to help companies identify knowledge gaps, and then connect those businesses with the relevant University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) expertise best aligned to those needs.
Sean Casey, Member of Parliament (Charlottetown), on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Honourable Heath MacDonald, PEI Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, and Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor of UPEI, today announced funding to support the work carried out by Synapse.
“The Government of Canada through ACOA, is making strategic investments in science, technology and innovation. I am pleased to announce our support for this project; Synapse is playing a key role in bringing industry and science together to benefit the PEI economy," said Casey.
Minister MacDonald said, “UPEI’s innovative researchers are developing leading-edge technology solutions and Synapse is working to evaluate, transfer, and commercialize these technologies for industry. The province – through Innovation PEI – is happy to support Synapse’s efforts to link research with business, which will open up possibilities in new and emerging areas of our economy.”
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program will contribute $475,000 to this project over three years. The Government of Prince Edward Island will contribute up to $100,000 in 2016-17 towards operating costs, and UPEI will provide $398,030 to the project.
“UPEI is grateful to our federal and provincial government partners for recognizing the role that Synapse plays in transforming our researchers' innovative ideas into commercial products, business opportunities, and public knowledge," acknowledged President Abd-El-Aziz. "As a research hub, UPEI looks forward to continuing to advance science, technology, and the economy for our province.”
Dr. Kim Johnstone, Acting Director, Synapse added, "This funding allows us to continue what we do best: connecting businesses and UPEI faculty to realize advantages, innovations and economic development. The expertise, technologies and research range from chemistry, information technology and physics to environmental science, human health and aquaculture. And everything in between."
Synapse’s mandate is to manage the transfer of knowledge between researchers and businesses. Companies may seek expertise and information from UPEI researchers in varied fields of study. Plus, researchers can also reach out to companies to transform innovative ideas into commercial products or business opportunities. As a not-for-profit company, Synapse’s role is to act as a portal that links private-sector and academic entities.
