Helping innovative companies in Saskatchewan grow and compete

Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative to support international markets for digital technology

SASKATOON, Nov. 28, 2018 /CNW/ - The world economy is rapidly changing. Innovations in artificial intelligence, clean technology, advanced agriculture and manufacturing, among others, are redefining the nature of global competitiveness.

Today, the Honourable James Gordon Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, announced more than $3.3 million, through the Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative, to help Vendasta Technologies Inc. get their products to new international markets. Through this project, Vendasta expects to add 18 highly qualified personnel and 12 other jobs to the workforce.

In Canada's growing market for technology developers, Western Canada has the potential to help Canadian innovators grow and position the country as a global centre of excellence by leveraging regional strengths. To seize such opportunities for economic growth, the federal government and industry are workinghard to help western Canadian entrepreneurs overcome the challenges of bringing game-changing innovation to market.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is working hard to help Saskatchewan entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving businesses and create good middle class jobs. Through this investment, we are helping to propel innovative entrepreneurs and businesses in from start-ups into global success."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada

"Many middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow are created within strong innovation and competitiveness ecosystems. By making the smart and responsible investments, the Government of Canada is positioning Saskatchewan to generate meaningful business investments, and high-quality jobs, across all sectors of the economy."
- The Honourable James Gordon Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre

"We're at a pivotal point in Vendasta's growth and the support of WINN is a springboard toward our internationalization goals. We're in a position to help companies and agencies conquer local marketing worldwide."
- Brendan King, Chief Executive Officer, Vendasta Technologies, Inc.

Quick facts

• Western Canada accounts for 38% of Canada's economy.
• Per capita GDP is 18% higher in the West than across the country.
• Clean technology and advanced agriculture and food production are major growth industries in the West.
• Western Canada's 427,000 SMEs employ over 3.4 million people.
• Five of the top 15 Canadian research universities are in Western Canada.
• The West attracts about half the venture capital of Ontario or Quebec.

Associated links

• Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative
• Innovation and Skills Plan

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SOURCE Western Economic Diversification Canada

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