Technology

Canada invests in five networks to stimulate innovation in key emerging technology sectors

Published

1 year ago

March 13, 2025

OTTAWA, ON, March 13, 2025 /CNW/ – Since its launch in 2017, the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) has supported collaboration between businesses, research institutions and non-profit organizations to drive growth in key emerging technology sectors. It funds business-led projects in areas where Canada has an economic advantage, such as cleantech, life sciences, agriculture/agri-food, mining and aerospace. Over the years, SIF networks have supported over 750 small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) that have created over 1,200 jobs and attracted over $1.7 billion in investment.

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced additional funding to five SIF networks to attract large-scale investments to Canada. This additional funding will give the high-performing networks the opportunity to strengthen their ecosystems and support additional projects, with a particular focus on growing SMEs in Canada:

The Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) is receiving an additional $8.6 million to accelerate cutting-edge research and development in food processing and production technologies. Since April 2021, CFIN-funded companies have created over 350 new jobs and leveraged $21 million in private sector investment. The Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) is receiving an additional $8 million to help agricultural producers and the agri-food value chain boost productivity through automation and artificial intelligence. Since July 2019, CAAIN has supported the creation and maintenance of over 500 high-quality jobs and leveraged $67.6 million in private-sector investment.The Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN) is receiving a $10 million investment to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative technologies and processes that aim to lower the oil and gas industry’s environmental impacts. Since July 2020, CRIN has supported the creation of over 200 jobs and leveraged $150 million in private sector investment.Natural Products Canada (NPC) is receiving an additional $5 million to accelerate the innovation and commercialization of products in the bioeconomy that support human, animal and plant well-being. Since August 2021, NPC has supported the creation of over 130 new jobs and leveraged nearly $15 million in private sector investment in its projects.The Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA) is receiving a $5 million investment to contribute to innovation and modernization efforts in mining, strengthen industry supply chains, and increase the domestic and export sales of new products. Since January 2021, MICA has created and maintained over 435 jobs and mobilized investments of approximately $170 million from the private sector.

Quotes

“Our government has long valued the expertise of the private sector and research institutions, which is why we launched SIF to drive innovation and strengthen the Canadian economy. By boosting investments in areas with a high performance record and with strong growth potential, we’re securing high-paying Canadian jobs and positioning our industries to thrive in the rapidly evolving technology landscape. We are positioning Canada as a global economic leader and paving the way for success for generations to come.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“Investing in innovation means investing in good jobs, economic growth, and a more competitive Canada. This additional funding for Strategic Innovation Fund networks will strengthen key industries, drive technological advancements, and create new opportunities for businesses and workers across the country. By supporting collaboration between businesses and research institutions, we are equipping Canadian innovators with the tools they need to lead globally in clean tech, agri-food, mining, and beyond.”
– Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, Ontario and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

Quick facts

SIF has contributed nearly $1.1 billion to support 14 networks in key emerging technology sectors, which have in turn funded over 750 small and medium-sized enterprises through nearly 650 collaborative projects. These networks, listed below, have leveraged over $1.7 billion in additional funding from the private sector and other sources, attracted over 17,000 members to their respective innovation ecosystems and created over 1,200 jobs:Conscience Open Science Drug Discovery (OSDD) NetworkCentre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks (CENGN)Fabrication of Integrated Components for the Internet’s Edge (FABrIC)Canadian Medical Isotope Ecosystem (CMIE)Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT)envisAGENatural Products Canada (NPC)Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA)Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN)Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN)Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN)Digital Health and Discovery Platform (DHDP)INOVAITEvolution of Networked Services through a Corridor in Quebec and Ontario for Research and Innovation (ENCQOR)

Associated links

Strategic Innovation Fund Networks: Strategic Innovation Fund

Stay connected

Find more services and information on the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada website.

Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on social media.
X (Twitter): @ISED_CA | Facebook: Canadian Innovation | Instagram: @cdninnovation | LinkedIn: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Technology

Peninsula Visa Launches Comprehensive OCI Processing Services

Published

51 minutes ago

May 3, 2026

Peninsula Visa, a trusted leader in immigration and visa processing services with over 50 years of expertise, today announced the launch of its comprehensive Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) processing services. To celebrate this milestone, Peninsula Visa is offering new users an exclusive 20% discount with promo code OCI20 at checkout.

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 3, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Peninsula Visa, a trusted leader in immigration and visa processing services with over 50 years of expertise, today announced the launch of its comprehensive Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) processing services. To celebrate this milestone, Peninsula Visa is offering new users an exclusive 20% discount with promo code OCI20 at checkout.

For 50 years, Peninsula Visa has helped families navigate immigration. OCI processing is one of our most impactful services, connecting the Indian diaspora to their heritage. We’re proud to bring our expertise to help families secure OCI status with confidence. Evan James, CEO

A Full Suite of OCI Services

Peninsula Visa’s OCI services cover every stage of the OCI lifecycle, ensuring that members of the Indian diaspora receive expert support from start to finish.

The four service types now available are:

New OCI Application — For foreign nationals of Indian origin, spouses of Indian citizens or existing OCI card holders, and minor children with at least one Indian parent applying for OCI status for the first time.OCI Card Renewal — For card holders whose OCI card has expired, or whose linked passport has been renewed or replaced and requires an updated booklet.Re-issuance (Age Milestones) — OCI cards must be re-issued when minors reach the age of 18 and again when card holders turn 50, due to significant changes in appearance. Peninsula Visa guides clients through both transitions seamlessly.Miscellaneous OCI Services — Covering corrections to existing records, lost or damaged card replacement, address changes, and other administrative updates to the OCI file.

Why Choose Peninsula Visa for Your OCI Application

Peninsula Visa brings decades of institutional knowledge and a client-first philosophy to every OCI case.

Key value propositions include:

Expert Guidance — Dedicated OCI specialists with deep knowledge of consulate requirements, eligibility rules, and documentation standards across all service types.High Approval Rate — A meticulous multi-stage review process that identifies and resolves issues before submission, dramatically reducing the likelihood of rejection or delay.Fast Turnaround — Standard processing in 12-15 Business Days for most OCI service types, with real-time status updates throughout the process.End-to-End Support — Personalized document checklists, secure document uploads, expert form preparation, consulate submission, and post-submission tracking — all in one place.

Launch Promotion

Save 20% on any OCI service — new users only

OCI20

Enter code OCI20 at checkout. Available to new users. No expiration date.

Leadership Perspective

“For 50 years, Peninsula Visa has helped individuals and families navigate the complexities of immigration documentation. OCI processing is one of the most impactful services we have ever added — it directly connects the Indian diaspora to their heritage country in a lasting, meaningful way. We are proud to bring our proven expertise and client-centric approach to this important service, and we look forward to helping thousands of families secure their OCI status with confidence.”

Founded in 1975, Peninsula Visa has built its reputation on precision, transparency, and a genuine commitment to client outcomes. The addition of OCI processing services reflects the company’s ongoing mission to expand its offerings to meet the evolving needs of immigrants and their families across the United States.

Get Started Today

Eligible applicants can begin their OCI journey by visiting Peninsula Visa’s dedicated OCI Services page. New users can take advantage of the 20% launch discount by entering promo code OCI20 at checkout when selecting any OCI service type.

Media Contact

Evan James, Peninsula Visa, 1 4087277515, media@peninsulavisa.com, https://peninsulavisa.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/peninsula-visa-launches-comprehensive-oci-processing-services-302760544.html

SOURCE Peninsula Visa

Technology

Peninsula Visa Launches Comprehensive OCI Processing Services

Published

51 minutes ago

May 3, 2026

A Full Suite of OCI Services

Peninsula Visa’s OCI services cover every stage of the OCI lifecycle, ensuring that members of the Indian diaspora receive expert support from start to finish.

The four service types now available are:

Why Choose Peninsula Visa for Your OCI Application

Peninsula Visa brings decades of institutional knowledge and a client-first philosophy to every OCI case.

Key value propositions include:

Launch Promotion

Save 20% on any OCI service — new users only

OCI20

Enter code OCI20 at checkout. Available to new users. No expiration date.

Leadership Perspective

Get Started Today

Media Contact

Evan James, Peninsula Visa, 1 4087277515, media@peninsulavisa.com, https://peninsulavisa.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/peninsula-visa-launches-comprehensive-oci-processing-services-302760544.html

SOURCE Peninsula Visa

Technology

Booking.com’s Latest Travel and Sustainability Research Reveals Australian Generational Paradox

Published

2 hours ago

May 3, 2026

SYDNEY, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today Booking.com released its 11th annual research report into consumer attitudes and understanding of the social and environmental impact of travel. With insights from 32,500 travellers across 35 markets globally, including 1,000 from Australia, this year’s research highlights a generational paradox.

While 83% of Australian travellers say that more sustainable travel is important to them, older generations demonstrate greater commitment through concrete actions, despite younger generations often expressing stronger sustainability intentions.

Older generations demonstrate greater commitment through concrete sustainable actions, with almost two–thirds of Boomers across Asia Pacific (63%) saying they will shop more at local, independent stores on their trips, three–quarters (75%) planning to reduce general waste, and 63% intending to reduce energy consumption, higher than Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z.However, younger travellers are leading in cultural and conservation management; more than a quarter of Gen Z (27%) and Millennials (26%) participated in a tour or activity that contributed to the health or conservation of the local ecosystem or wildlife.Extreme weather is actively reshaping travel choices. Nearly three-quarters of Australian travellers said they consider extreme weather risk when choosing both destination (72%), and timing (75%), and 27% reported having cancelled or changed trip plans in the past twelve months due to extreme weather or natural disaster.Australian travellers are shifting when and where they travel, seeking reliable climates and comfort. 43% say they plan to avoid overcrowded tourist destinations, 42% plan to travel outside of peak season, and 26% will seek out destinations with cooler temperatures.In 2025, travellers booked more than 100 million room nights on Booking.com at accommodation partners with a third-party sustainability certification, including at 363 third-party certified Australian properties.

To find Booking.com’s full 2026 research, visit here.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/bookingcoms-latest-travel-and-sustainability-research-reveals-australian-generational-paradox-302760310.html

SOURCE Booking.com