FedDev Ontario supports expansion of regional research network, including Mohawk College
$14-million investment will enable network to grow, enhance reach into the manufacturing community and support over 550 jobs
The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario announced $14 million in new funding for the Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (SONAMI), which includes Mohawk College.
The announcement, made today at Niagara College, in Welland, Ont., will help the network expand its membership and will support more than 550 jobs in Southern Ontario. Led by Niagara College, the SONAMI partnership includes Mohawk College, Sheridan College, McMaster University, Conestoga College, Fanshawe College and Lambton College.
Statement from Jeff McIsaac, Dean of Applied Research at Mohawk College
“We welcome today’s announced funding for SONAMI from the Federal Economic Development Agency. Our network of post-secondary centres has already made a meaningful impact on many businesses in this region and this renewed funding is sure to build on that success.
“At Mohawk College, the initial funding we received in 2016 as part of SONAMI allowed us to help 50 different industry partners to introduce new technologies and commercialize new products for global markets. In the process, 25 students were hired in research roles, gaining valuable industry experience, and many of them were later employed by the companies they assisted. In the end, Mohawk was able to double the initial FedDev funding through payments and in-kind contributions to the college from participating partners.
“We are confident that today’s announcement will build on the successes of the past three years and help more southern Ontario businesses become more competitive in the global economy.”