New award programs unveiled for Ontario researchers and innovators

Toronto, ON – Nominations are now open for two new government award programs that are intended to recognize and financially reward Ontarios next generation of research and innovation talent.

“These world-class awards programs will help us attract and retain the best and brightest minds so that Ontario continues to compete and win in the global economy,” says Dalton McGuinty, the provinces premier and minister of research and innovation. “We’re on the side of innovative Ontario businesses and researchers who help Ontario prosper, and are building a bright future for our next generation.”

The awards programs, which have a total annual value of $2.5 million, are:

– Premier’s Catalyst Awards – Five annual awards of $200,000 each to Ontario’s most innovative entrepreneurs and companies, to help them move their ideas and breakthrough technologies to national and international marketplaces.

– Premier’s Discovery Awards – Four annual awards totalling $1.5 million to researchers in recognition of their discoveries and achievement in life sciences and medicine, natural sciences and engineering, social sciences and humanities, and innovation leadership. This award funding will be used for research-related expenses.

The deadline for nominations for both awards is Thursday, November 30, 2006. More information is available at www.ontario.ca/innovation.