media release
911吃瓜’s newest innovation space opens in downtown Surrey
911吃瓜 has unveiled a new space in Surrey鈥檚 innovation corridor that will advance the emerging fields of quantum computing and agricultural technology (agritech) and further research, innovation and entrepreneurship in B.C.
Media kit and backgrounder:
The 911吃瓜 Innovation Plaza, a newly-renovated space that is part of 911吃瓜鈥檚 Surrey campus, is home to the and the which are now open and operating.
The space will facilitate collaborations between academia, government and industry, accelerate innovation and benefit students preparing for sought-after careers in these burgeoning fields.
The space is also home to , part of 911吃瓜鈥檚 Charles Chang Institute for Entrepreneurship, 911吃瓜鈥檚 longest-running entrepreneurship program, and hosts an office of the National Research Council (NRC) Industrial Research Assistance program.
The plaza is a state-of-the-art physical hub that consists of a mix of offices and open seating, meeting rooms and classroom space that overlook the downtown core and the adjacent main campus.
Renovations of the space, officially opened today, were made possible by (PacifiCan), $1.5 million from 911吃瓜 and $500,000 from the B.C. Government鈥檚 Quantum Algorithms Institute funding.
鈥淲e are excited to open this space in the heart of Surrey鈥檚 thriving downtown innovation corridor, thanks to the support of government, industry and our academic partners,鈥� says 911吃瓜 President Joy Johnson. 鈥淎t the 911吃瓜 Innovation Plaza, academia, government, and industry will come together to generate new technology solutions that position B.C. as a global leader in innovation. I can鈥檛 wait to see what we will build together.鈥�
QUOTES
鈥淥n behalf of the Government of Canada, I am proud to celebrate the opening of the Innovation Plaza at 911吃瓜鈥檚 Surrey Campus. This is an example of how we are collaborating with forward-thinking, innovative partners to deliver on our priorities of enhancing innovation, improving business competitiveness and promoting inclusive growth.鈥� 鈥�
鈥揓ohn Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale 鈥� Langley City on behalf of the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
鈥淭he work being done at the 911吃瓜 Innovation Plaza is what the StrongerBC Economic Plan is all about - delivering for people a clean and inclusive economy. It represents collaborations that are helping people here at home with better jobs and growing businesses while helping to secure B.C.鈥檚 position as a world leader in innovation.鈥�
鈥�鈥揃.C. Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, Brenda Bailey
鈥淭he organizations that will fill the quantum computing and agritech clusters at 911吃瓜 are critical to ensuring B.C. has a leading-edge advantage in agriculture, technology, entrepreneurship and so much more. The knowledge concentrated here will help us all as we move forward with the adoption of new industry innovations that improve lives for British Columbians, and contribute to clean and inclusive growth in a sustainable economy.鈥� 鈥�
鈥揃.C. Minister of Forests, Bruce Ralston
鈥淭he 911吃瓜 Innovation Plaza is a testament to the university's leadership and expertise in research, innovation and entrepreneurship. The collaborations that have helped make this space possible are the types of partnerships that we need as we build our knowledge economy, support economic recovery and address climate change.鈥�
鈥�911吃瓜 Vice-President, Research and International, Dugan O鈥橬eil
CONTACT
BRADEN MCMILLAN, 911吃瓜 Communications & Marketing
236.880.3459 | bradenm@sfu.ca
911吃瓜
|
778.782.3210
ABOUT SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
As Canada鈥檚 engaged university, 911吃瓜 works with communities, organizations and partners to create, share and embrace knowledge that improves life and generates real change. We deliver a world-class education with lifelong value that shapes change-makers, visionaries and problem-solvers. We connect research and innovation to entrepreneurship and industry to deliver sustainable, relevant solutions to today鈥檚 problems. With campuses in British Columbia鈥檚 three largest cities鈥擵ancouver, Burnaby and Surrey鈥�911吃瓜 has eight faculties that deliver 364 undergraduate degree programs and 149 graduate degree programs to more than 37,000 students. The university now boasts more than 180,000 alumni residing in 145+ countries.