Surrey, B.C. – British Columbia’s first technology accelerator has partnered with Surrey’s largest university to bring entrepreneurialism and innovation to the city’s thriving cleantech sector.
Announced today, Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) contribution of $80,000 will fuel clean tech innovation in Surrey, and bring the industry-leading Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre to Newton.
Currently supporting 18 start-ups across the province, Foresight is the only business accelerator of its kind in Western Canada. With KPU’s research and development capabilities, the partnership marks the development of a new cleantech hub in Surrey.
And the future looks bright.
“KPU is excited to work closely with Foresight and the City to establish Surrey’s cleantech sector,” said KPU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alan Davis. “This is a collaboration which will combine our research and development capabilities with the innovation of industry and resources of the city to build something big in Surrey. It’s a collaboration that will give our next generation of students the opportunity to get in on the ground floor and grow an industry that supports healthy, sustainable communities.”
Over the course of three years, KPU’s funding will support the company as it works with B.C. start-ups. It will also fuel innovation, discovery and experiential learning opportunities between KPU students, researchers and Foresight.
“The cleantech sector was the fastest growing sector in Canada last year achieving nine per cent growth. The demand for business accelerator services in this sector is clear,” said Neil Huff, managing director of Foresight CAC. “We look forward to having our first physical development lab and office space in Surrey, opening over the next few weeks. Our partnership with the City of Surrey and KPU will help to forge the links in the innovation chain from university to industry and will help create highly skilled cleantech jobs in Surrey and B.C.”
The partnership was announced as another project was launched in Surrey, marking an emerging energy-themed trend in the city.
“Surrey is emerging as a key destination for cleantech companies in this province as the City is home to roughly 10 per cent of B.C.’s clean technology sector,” said Mayor Dianne Watts. “The announcements today will create valuable high-skilled jobs here in Surrey by driving the growth of cleantech manufacturing for export around the world.”
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 124 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
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KPU media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist, KPU
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
City of Surrey media contact:
Oliver Lum
Communications Manager
Office of the Mayor
t: 604.591.4519
c: 604.375.4584
owlum@surrey.ca
Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre:
Neil Huff
Managing Director, Foresight CAC
t: 604.415.4783
c: 604.306.0487
nhuff@foresightcac.com
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
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