SASKATCHEWAN TECHNOLOGIES GET RESEARCH DOLLARS

Released on November 28, 2003

Two innovative technology projects in Saskatchewan are receiving $594,000 as part of a federal–provincial partnership to grow Canada's intelligent systems industry – the tools that bring computing technology into our daily lives.

The federal and provincial funding will help two companies in Lampman and Saskatoon on industry projects to control hazardous materials spills and to identify and prevent rock falls in underground mines.

"Promoting research and development in all sectors of industry is a priority for the Government of Canada," Wascana M.P. Ralph Goodale said. "Funding innovative technologies increases productivity and efficiency for many companies across Saskatchewan, benefiting all Canadians."

"These projects reconfirm that Saskatchewan is a major contributor to Canada's knowledge economy," Saskatchewan Industry and Resources Minister and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Research Council Eric Cline said. "We continue to support our first rate knowledge workers and to attract more private investment in cutting edge research."

Acutec Systems Ltd. of Lampman is receiving a combined total of $194,000 in matched federal/provincial funds to develop and commercialize a liquid level sensing system to help control hazardous materials spills. Acutec is contributing an additional $65,000 toward the project, that will reduce the potential for human error.

"The intelligent liquid level sensing system addresses a growing demand in the oil and gas industry for a more efficient and accurate way to measure hazardous fluids in large storage tanks," Acutec Systems Inc. President John Grimes said.

HDRK of Saskatoon, a subsidiary of AMTS International, is receiving a combined total of $400,000 in matched federal-provincial funds to improve the safety of underground mines by developing and commercializing a better system for identifying hazardous loose rocks that must be removed or secured to prevent rock falls. HDRK is contributing an additional $183,000 toward this project.

"By removing the human factor in the current rock hazard identification process, mine safety will be significantly improved, and the risk of rock falls and the cost of unnecessary bolting or scaling are minimized," Vice President of HDRK Tim Lindenbach said.

Funding for these projects comes from the Saskatchewan Intelligent Systems Technologies – Precarn Alliance (SIST-PA) Program. This four-year, $4-million program is a partnership between Precarn Incorporated and Saskatchewan Industry and Resources through the Saskatchewan Research Council. Precarn is a not-for-profit, industry-led consortium that performs industry relevant, market-oriented collaborative research and development in intelligent systems through support from Industry Canada.

With support from Industry Canada, other federal departments and provincial government agencies, Precarn funds, co-ordinates and promotes collaborative robotics and Intelligent Systems research projects among students, researchers and business in order to improve the productivity and competitiveness of Canadian business. In addition to fostering greater development of the intelligent system sector, the network also aims to help develop and retain top-notch experts in the field.

"This initiative provides benefits all around. Industry has access to the funding support they need to create new technologies that are well positioned for success in the marketplace," President and CEO of Precarn Incorporated Anthony Eyton said. "We are very pleased with the continuing high quality results from our Alliance partnership with the SRC, which has greatly enhanced our ability to support emerging high technology companies in Saskatchewan."

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787 8277 Email: rellis@ir.gov.sk.ca	Gerry Brown Saskatchewan Research Council Saskatoon Phone: (306) 933-8136
Anthony T. Eyton Precarn Limited Ottawa Phone: (613) 727-9576