WestLink launches two-year internship program

WestLink Innovation Network has launched a $2.1-million program designed to train 20 business and technology professionals with expertise in the area of commercialization. The successful interns were selected from a field of 200 applicants to participate in the two-year internship, giving them exposure to university research technology management, commercialization in a small high-tech firm, and venture capital finance investment in western Canada. Funding for the program was provided by a wide group of sponsors including the four western provinces ($80,000 each), Western Economic Diversification ($400,000), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, ($374,000), Canadian Institutes of Health Research ($163,000) and Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research ($50,000). The remaining $800,000 is being provided by the 20 intern placement hosts. Edmonton-based WestLink was formed two years ago to accelerate the rate of commercialization of discoveries coming from its member organizations. FMI: http://www.westlink.ca/....