Biotechnology Cluster Innovation Program calls for proposals in Ontario

Toronto, ON March 17, 2003 Regional biotech partnerships in Ontario are being called to submit proposals for funding to develop strategic plans that will help build Ontario’s biotechnology capacity.

The request for plans is the first, C$2-million phase of the $30-million Biotechnology Cluster Innovation Program (BCIP) being run by the provincial government. The second, $28-million phase focuses on implementing the plans to support biotechnology infrastructure projects, such as commercialization centres, research parks and other regional initiatives that demonstrate entrepreneurship and innovation.

“This program has a number of positive benefits for the people of Ontario,” says Minister of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation, Jim Flaherty. “The BCIP provides significant economic advantages by creating highly skilled jobs and increased investment in innovation infrastructure. Most importantly, it will improve quality of life for all Ontarians by developing new scientific discoveries and value-added bio-products that help prevent diseases and clean up the environment.”

The BCIP’s overall strategy is to accelerate the development of Ontario’s biotechnology clusters by supporting commercialization infrastructure projects that will help create new companies. The program will also fund projects that integrate biotechnologies into knowledge-based and traditional industry sectors such as photonics, information technology, automotive, chemicals, agriculture and forestry.

Regionally based partnerships are invited to participate in the first phase of the BCIP. These may be comprised of: industry, entrepreneurs, municipalities, universities and other research institutions, researchers, colleges, venture capital firms and investors, federal government agencies and school boards.

The government will be accepting Expressions of Interest until April 8, 2003. For more information on the BCIP and how to participate, please email: BCIP@eoi.gov.on.ca.