Five new networks selected to join CECR program with $68.1 million in funding

The Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (CECR) has awarded $68.1 million over five years for five new networks, helping to repopulate the program after a mid-term reviews last year removed 11 networks from further funding (R$, February 21/13). The CECR program — one of several under the Networks of Centres of Excellence banner — was created in 2007 and receives $30 million in annual funding.

The decision to fund the five networks was made two months ago but the announcement was delayed due to ministerial availability. Ed Holder, minister of state for science and technology, officially unveiled the winners on August 25th in Vancouver.

In addition to the Ottawa-based Medical Devices Commercialization Centre (see above article), the successful applicants are:

* Centre for Next Generation Networks (Ottawa/$11.7 million). CENGN will bring together partners representing the complete information and communications technology (ICT) supply chain, with the goal of "accelerating product development and fostering Canada's distinct advantages as an R&D destination";

* Accel Rx Health Sciences Accelerator (Vancouver/$14.5 million) is a joint venture between five health-focused commercialization networks and the Business Development Bank of Canada. Its aim is to match and support promising technologies with entrepreneurs drawn from a national network (R$, July 18/14);

* Centre for the Commercialization of Antibodies and Biologics (Toronto/$15 million) will validate antibody candidates, test research tools and maintain antibody libraries accessible to industry. Its aim is to move promising antibodies to clinical trials and boost the number of licensed therapeutics; and,

* NEOMED (Montreal/$12 million). NEOMED will locate promising small molecules and develop them up to early proof-of-concept — the stage at which venture capital is willing to invest. It has already raised considerable funding towards its target of $100 million over five years (R$, December 6/12).

Each CECR has a different business model designed to best serve their respective sectors by acting as investors, incubators or service providers.

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