A $302,525 federal investment will support Simon Fraser University (SFU) in delivering its BC-India Innovation, Exchange and Mobility Initiative.
The project, announced today, will facilitate partnerships between the two regions that will lead to collaborative research, trade and investment activities.
“Investments like this are crucial to strengthening Canada’s international linkages, promoting our educational institutions, and helping maintain British Columbia as the ideal place to invest,” said Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification (WD).
“Today is an important step toward creating economic opportunities, while increasing Western Canada’s international visibility and reputation.”
Over two years, SFU students will be placed within Indian organizations, Indian professionals will visit B.C. and sector-focused workshops will be hosted in B.C. and India.
The clean energy, health and life sciences, and new media/film sectors will be targeted.
SFU president Andrew Petter said, “Undergraduate and graduate students benefit tremendously from work terms in India. This program will elevate SFU's efforts to connect companies and organizations in India and Canada by means of exchanges as well as Indian visitors and workshops.”
“Through this funding support and that of our India Advisory Council, SFU is well-placed to play a major role in India's declared Decade of Innovation.”
Jennifer Harrison