WD invests in Alberta nanotechnology

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is investing $5.4 million in nanotechnology at the Univ of Alberta to create a Centre of Excellence in Integrated NanoTools, purchase new equipment for the NanoFabrication Facility and undertake applied research to develop cost-effective alloy materials. The new research capacity will allow the U of A to develop a critical mass of intellectual property to demonstrate the research strategy of its Faculty of Engineering. The Government of Alberta is contributing $1.15 million to support the initiatives. The new funding builds on previous contributions by the federal and provincial governments to bolster Alberta’s nanotechnology capacity. In 2001, the two government’s committed a total of $120 million to establish the National Institute of Nanotechnology (NINT) on the U of A campus. WD funding will also be provided to the E-Health Edmonton Project, also known as the Wireless Wearable Physiological Monitor, to develop a device for non-intrusive remote patient monitoring. The project will be managed by Capital Health, Edmonton’s regional health authority. Corporate partners in the $13.1-million project include Seiko Instruments and MI Laboratories (a Sony Corp spin-off). The project leader is Dr Masako Miyazaki….