Funding, News and Announcements

03/27/2015

Woodbridge-based Vision Extrusions improving window product through Mitacs program

Woodbridge, ON – The Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology), along with the Honourable Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence, today officially announced $18 million over four years to support the Mitacs Elevate program to help train the next generation of business managers and researchers. Mitacs Elevate provides recent PhD graduates with hands-on experience in business research and development through fellowships at Canadian businesses.

The ministers made the announcement at Woodbridge-based Vision Extrusions where they toured the facility and saw first-hand the Elevate program in action. Through the program, Vision Extrusions, which manufactures durable building products like window frame extrusions, is using the expertise of Adel Ramezani Kakroodi, a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Toronto who specializes in polymer science and engineering, to develop a technology that may enhance energy efficiency and productivity.

This research and development will make Vision Extrusions window products more competitive in global markets like those in the United States and South America.

Quick facts

In Economic Action Plan 2014, the Harper Government committed $8 million over two years to Mitacs Elevate. Today, the Harper Government has extended this commitment to $18 million over four years.

Mitacs, a leader in creating links between industry and talented graduate students and post-doctoral fellows, is helping to develop the next generation of business managers and researchers needed by Canadian industry.

Mitacs Elevate is an R&D management training and industrial research program for recent PhD graduates involving classroom and hands-on training in Canadian businesses.

Over the four years, Mitacs will use this investment to deliver at least 255 post-doctoral fellowships. Each fellowship is up to two years and includes business and scientific management training offered by Mitacs as well as collaborative research undertaken with universities and businesses.

Quotes

“Through our government’s low-tax plan to create jobs and growth, we have made record investments in Canadian science and technology. Through today’s investment in the Mitacs Elevate program, we are ensuring that the next generation of business managers and researchers receive the hands-on training necessary to have successful careers in Canada while driving research and development at Canadian businesses.”

Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology)

“Our government’s investments in science, technology and innovation are ensuring that ideas move from the lab to the marketplace faster, creating jobs and opportunities for Canadians. Through our investment in Mitacs Elevate, we are providing training and new career opportunities for talented researchers while ensuring that local businesses such as Vision Extrusions stay competitive and continue to create jobs here in Woodbridge.”

Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence (Member of Parliament for Vaughan)

“Mitacs Elevate seeks to help Canadian companies grow by developing R&D managers with leadership skills, research expertise and business acumen. Mitacs thanks the Government of Canada for this investment, and we look forward to working with local industry and academia to build the next generation of innovators and researchers.”

Dr. Alejandro Adem, CEO and Scientific Director, Mitacs

“Mitacs Elevate is a win-win for a company like Vision Extrusions. We get access to a highly talented post-doc who is at the top of his game to do a technically driven project, while meeting aggressive timelines. In the long term, this partnership will better our product for the global market.”

Tony Vella, Vice President, Materials, Vision Extrusions

“Mitacs Elevate is a one-of-a-kind program. It not only supports scientific research but also emphasizes personal and professional development. My fellowship allows me to closely interact with Vision Extrusions, understand its needs and current challenges, and demonstrate the capabilities that exist in academia to address those issues. Also, it provides me with the opportunity to develop my expertise and showcase it to the company.”

Adel Ramezani Kakroodi, Post-doctoral fellow, Mitacs Elevate

Associated links

Seizing Canada’s Moment: Moving Forward in Science, Technology and Innovation

Science.gc.ca