WINN initiative provides $100M for commercialization

October 30, 2013, Saskatoon, Sask. – A new $100M Western
Innovation (WINN) Initiative will provide repayable assistance to SMEs working
to commercialize their products, processes, and services. Doug Zolinsky,
Assistant Deputy Minister of Western Economic Diversification, made the
announcement at the CanBio Prairie Bioeconomy Workshop in Saskatoon.

Under WINN, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can
apply for funding for a variety of tasks that are essential in taking a product
from the R&D stage to the market, such as product testing and technology
demonstrations, equipment purchases and installation, regulatory approval,
marketing, and intellectual property protection.

Over the next five years, WINN will provide up to $100
million in repayable assistance to SMEs working to commercialize their
products, processes, and services.

The WINN Initiative will support smaller firms across a
range of sectors, including health and life sciences, clean technology and
energy, aerospace and defence, nanotechnology, and information and
communications technology.

The Initiative is expected to help stimulate greater private
sector investment, while also making it easier for innovative SMEs to secure
funding.

Western Economic Diversification Canada, in partnership with
the provinces, businesses, industry associations, and communities, promotes the
development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal
economic activities in the West and advances the interests of western Canadians
in national decision-making.