Feds invest $21 million to hasten commercialization at 16 Alberta high-tech companies

The federal government is providing nearly $21 million through its Western Innovation Initiative to 16 Alberta high-tech companies, to help get their innovative products to market faster. Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources, announced the funding last week on behalf of Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation Science, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada. Twelve companies in and around Calgary received a total of almost $17.6 million, while four Edmonton companies shared about $3.25 million. The announcement was made at Calgary-based QuirkLogic, which received $1.5 million to commercialize an innovative digital writing solution. Recovery Energy Services Inc. in Calgary received the largest amount: $3.5 million to commercialize a process to recover and reuse oil-based drilling fluids. Nanalysis Corp. and FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd., both in Calgary, each received nearly $2.8 million.