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Government of Canada invests in discovery and applied research to keep the country at the forefront of scientific advancements

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Support for researchers, innovators and rising talent pushing the boundaries of knowledge to address the world’s most pressing issues

OTTAWA, ON, June 14, 2024 /CNW/ – Discovery-driven research shapes Canada’s response to cotemporary challenges, improving lives through pioneering exploration. The next generation of scientists and engineers are constantly expanding the frontiers of knowledge, creating new possibilities and driving impactful breakthroughs.

Today, Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, and Ryan Turnbull, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, announced $693.8 million in funding for discovery and applied research. The lion’s share, more than $554 million, will flow through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) Discovery Research Program. This funding will support researchers venturing into uncharted territory to find solutions to pressing issues such as the protection of the environment, food security and sustainable constructions in cold climates.

This program also connects Canadian research teams to global research questions through international collaborations and attracts the world’s brightest minds to the country to increase the impact of science, technology and innovation in Canada.

In addition, colleges, CEGEPs and polytechnics are receiving $30.6 million to conduct applied research projects through the College and Community Innovation (CCI) program. This includes 20 Technology Access Centre grants, addressing innovation challenges by enabling community organizations to take advantage of the college’s expertise, technology and equipment.

More than $94.5 million will also be invested in the Canada Research Chairs (CRC) Program to support 121 new and renewed chair holders at 39 postsecondary institutions across the country in a wide range of disciplines including health, sciences and engineering, social sciences and humanities. As a partner of the CRC program, the Canada Foundation for Innovation will support 18 projects across 15 postsecondary institutions with an additional investment of nearly $4 million via its John R. Evans Leaders Fund.

Finally, over $10 million of this funding will help deliver 44 science promotion and outreach programs that engage and inspire young Canadians to develop their skills and curiosity through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics via the PromoScience program.

Highlighting the commitment to bolstering Canada’s research landscape, Budget 2024 proposes a significant investment of $1.8 billion over five years, and $748.3 million per year ongoing, to the federal granting councils to increase core research grant funding. This substantial investment underscores the government’s dedication to fostering innovation and advancing knowledge, ensuring that Canada remains at the forefront of scientific discovery and technological advancement on the global stage.

Quotes 

Canada’s science and research sector is solving some of the world’s greatest challenges, all while driving innovation, growth and productivity. Research programs like Discovery give researchers the flexibility to explore the most promising avenues of research as they emerge to ensure Canada remains a world leader in science and new technologies. Congratulations to all exceptional researchers receiving support, we look forward to learning of your successes.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry 

“Investing in research, developing Canadian research talent, and attracting top scientists working on groundbreaking research from around the world boost our innovation capabilities. The discoveries made in the research of today will help launch the businesses of tomorrow.”
Ryan Turnbull, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“In today’s global knowledge economy, Canada needs good science and research knowledge to remain competitive. Investments, like the ones announced today, means scientists, researchers and students are supported to become global leaders in their field, helping expand the frontiers of science and investing in a better future for Canadians.”
Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health

“Whether it’s through discovery or applied research, these recipients have the potential to reveal unexpected findings and have a significant impact on our society and well-being. Today’s announcement provides funding for the full gamut of research impact, from the earliest stages of discovery to the final stages of bringing innovations to communities. It also provides support to inspire students in their most formative years, and to spur our research leaders to even greater success. I applaud the dedication of all our discoverers and innovators in tackling the world’s toughest problems and their determination to find bold solutions.” 
– Prof. Alejandro Adem, FRSC, President, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

“The University of Ottawa is thrilled to host this funding announcement. For uOttawa, it means support for three new or renewed Canada Research Chairs and 96 Discovery grant recipients, highlighting a vibrant research environment. This significant investment not only demonstrates the outstanding work being done here at uOttawa but will also help propel us into a future filled with groundbreaking discoveries and innovations. We are grateful for this support by the Government of Canada, which will undoubtedly inspire and empower our researchers to achieve even greater heights.”
Sylvain Charbonneau, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, University of Ottawa

Quick facts

Today’s investment is spread across two NSERC programs and two programs from the three federal research granting agencies (NSERC, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research):

NSERC Discovery Research Program

$554 million in funding over five years to researchers in a wide variety of disciplines, including biology, mathematics and statistics, computer science, physics, chemistry, and engineering. NSERC also supports Indigenous research in the natural sciences and engineering. These grants provide recipients with funding to maintain a long-term program of research, foster research excellence and provide stimulating environments for research training.The Discovery Research Program includes several funding opportunities:$427 million in individual Discovery Grants to 2030 researchers across science and engineering disciplines$72.4 million in one-time, one-year extensions with funds to existing Discovery Research grants held by more than 1,800 researchers across Canada impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.$13.3 million in grants to Subatomic Physics research projects, major resources and equipment.$5.5 million in grants through the Discovery Horizons for 15 projects that broadly integrate or transcend disciplines to advance knowledge in the natural sciences and engineering.$6.7 million in Discovery Launch Supplements to 536 early-career researchers in the first year of their Discovery Grants to help them launch their careers.$25.1 million for 199 Research Tools and Instruments Grants to give researchers access to highly specialized tools needed for their investigations.$2.1 million in Northern Research Supplements to 26 researchers to augment and promote Canadian university-based northern research and training.$1.5 million in Discovery Development Grants to 38 researchers to promote and maintain a diversified base of high-quality research in small universities across Canada.$503,000 in Ship Time grants that will allow four researchers to access vessels in support of their research programs.

College and Community Innovation program (tri-agency):

     Applied Research Tools and Instruments (ARTI) grants

54 awards$9.4 million over 1 year

     Technology Access Centre (TAC) grants

20 awards$21.25 million over 5 years

Canada Research Chairs– 2023-1 cycle (Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat))

121 awards39 institutions$94.5 million

     Canada Foundation for Innovation’s John R. Evans Leaders Fund

18 projects15 institutions$3.9 million

NSERC PromoScience program

44 grants$10.8 million

Associated links

2024 Research Grants competition resultsCompetition Statistics Dashboard – Discovery GrantsCompetition Statistic Dashboard – Research Tools and InstrumentCompetition Statistics Dashboard – Subatomic Physics GrantsApplied Research Tools and Instruments competition resultsTechnology Access Centre competition resultsCanada Research Chairs recipients: 2023-1 cycleJohn R. Evans Leaders Fund competition resultsPromoScience grant recipients

Stay connected

Find more services and information at Canada.ca/ISED.

Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on social media.
X: @CDNScience, Facebook: @CDNScience, Instagram: @CDNscience and LinkedIn

Follow the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada on social media.
X: @NSERC_CRSNG, Facebook: @nserccanada, Instagram: @NSERC_CRSNG,
YouTube: NSERCTube and LinkedIn

SOURCE Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

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VibeBeats Launches AI-Powered Music Streaming Service for Businesses globally

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Vibebeats AI gives cafés, gyms, retailers, bars and hotels fully licensed, AI-curated streaming music for business from any phone, tablet or browser — no hardware, no lock-in contracts, no licensing paperwork — from A$29 a month with a 7-day free trial.

BRISBANE, Australia, July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — VibeBeats Launches AI-Powered Music Streaming Service for Businesses globally

VibeBeats gives venues fully licensed, AI-curated Music at a fraction of the cost — one app, one licence, one platform.

Vibebeats AI gives cafés, gyms, retailers, bars and hotels fully licensed, AI-curated streaming music for business from any phone, tablet or browser — no hardware, no lock-in contracts, no licensing paperwork — from A$29 a month with a 7-day free trial.

Most venues playing music through consumer apps are doing it on the wrong licence. VibeBeats, an Australian-built, AI-powered streaming music for business platform, has launched across Australia and worldwide to fix that — turning any phone, tablet or browser into a fully licensed venue sound system in under five minutes. One agreement covers commercial performance rights across OneMusic and APRA AMCOS in Australia, and ASCAP, BMI, PRS and other rights bodies internationally — the same platform serving a café in Melbourne or a gym in London.

The “Spotify for business” that actually exists

Every month, thousands of venue owners worldwide search for “Spotify for business” — a product that doesn’t exist. Consumer streaming accounts are licensed for personal use only, leaving businesses that play them exposed under copyright law in Australia and virtually every other market. VibeBeats fills that gap: a business music streaming service where the commercial music rights are handled under one agreement — no separate music licence for business paperwork to manage.

“The number one thing we see is venue owners assuming it’s fine to play their personal Spotify account in the café — most don’t realise a licence fee even applies,” said Damien King, founder of VibeBeats. “It’s not bad intent. Licensing is complex, and when you’re running a small business there are a hundred competing priorities. VibeBeats solves it with one app, one licence, one platform.”

What VibeBeats delivers

Fully Licensed for Commercial Use — one agreement covers the rights that would otherwise involve OneMusic, APRA AMCOS, ASCAP, BMI, PRS and more.No Hardware Required — any phone, tablet or browser becomes the venue sound system — set up in under five minutes.AI-Curated Background Music for Business — stations matched to venue type and time of day, from morning coffee trade to peak gym floor to late-night bar.Smart Scheduling — playlists by daypart, with music that keeps running through connection drops.Multi-Venue Dashboard — manage every location from a single account.Simple Pricing — from A$29 per month per venue with a 7-day free trial — no lock-in contracts.

Pricing and availability

VibeBeats is available now from $29AUD/$20US per month per venue, and globally, with a 7-day free trial at vibebeats.ai. Purpose-built stations are available for cafés, gyms, retail and in-store environments, bars and hotels.

About VibeBeats

VibeBeats is an AI-powered commercial music streaming platform for businesses, offering direct-licensed music for cafés, restaurants, bars, retail stores, gyms and hotels. One agreement covers commercial performance rights that would otherwise involve PROs, OneMusic, APRA AMCOS, ASCAP, BMI, PRS and more. Australian-built and available globally, VibeBeats AI streams to any device with no proprietary hardware required. Learn more at vibebeats.ai.

VibeBeats is not affiliated with Spotify.

Media Contact

Damien King, Vibebeats AI, 61 0408009067, hello@vibebeats.ai, https://vibebeats.ai

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Inside information: Valmet initiates a strategic review to evaluate a potential separation of its two segments

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Valmet Oyj’s stock exchange release (inside information) on July 24, 2026 at 9.01a.m. EEST 

ESPOO, Finland, July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Board of Directors of Valmet Oyj (“Valmet” or the “Company”) has decided to initiate a strategic review to evaluate a potential separation of its two core businesses, Biomaterial Solutions and Services, and Process Performance Solutions, into two standalone publicly listed companies. The review will focus on assessing whether a separation of the two businesses and their operation as separately listed companies on Nasdaq Helsinki would create additional value for shareholders compared with the current combined structure.

Both Valmet’s core businesses report as separate segments and they have grown into large, mostly independent profitable businesses, each with strong market positions and scale that allow them to succeed independently. With the recent completion of the Severn acquisition taking Process Performance Solutions to approximately EUR 1.7 billion in annual net sales and the renewed operating model now firmly in place, the Board believes this is the right time to assess whether a separation would unlock shareholder value by enabling each business to better realise its full potential.

The Board also notes that the two core businesses operate relatively independently as they serve mainly different customer industries, exhibit distinct business drivers, and have different capital allocation profiles. Biomaterial Solutions and Services is a global technology and lifecycle services business focused on the pulp, board, paper, tissue and energy industries, where its competitive advantage is anchored in a vast installed base, advanced technology, global presence, strong customer references and global services penetration. Process Performance Solutions is a mission-critical automation and flow control business serving a diversified set of industries. Over the past decade, it has evolved from a business primarily focused on pulp and paper into a diversified industrial platform, with close to 70 percent of net sales generated from other industries today.

Based on the Board’s initial assessment, a separation would allow each business to pursue sustainable profitable growth opportunities more independently and efficiently, with the potential for sharper management focus, greater agility, more tailored capital allocation, and more flexible access to external capital to support both organic and inorganic growth. The Board will also assess whether, if implemented, a separation would improve transparency, simplify governance, and allow capital markets to better recognize the full value of both businesses.

Pekka Vauramo, Chair of the Board, said:
“The Board continuously evaluates how to create the greatest long-term value for Valmet’s shareholders. Today, Valmet consists of two strong businesses with distinct markets, growth opportunities and capital allocation needs. Through this review, we will assess whether they can create more value as independent companies than they can together. We will only proceed with a separation if we conclude after detailed analysis that separation is clearly in the best interests of our shareholders.” 

Thomas Hinnerskov, President and CEO of Valmet, said:
“Both of our businesses are well positioned, with strong customer relationships and market positions, as well as talented employees. The review reflects the strength and maturity of both businesses, which we have built through strong execution, organic growth and strategic investments into sizeable and successful operations with the scale, capabilities and opportunities to create further value both together and, potentially, as independent companies. This review does not change our commitment to our customers or our strategy. It is a priority for us to preserve the strength of our full offering and the value our customers gain from services, automation and technology working together. Throughout the process, our focus remains on serving our customers and delivering value for their success.”

Although the strategic review has been initiated, there is no guarantee that the review will result in any transaction, including a separation. The Board will only execute or recommend changes to the Group’s structure if clear evidence of enhanced shareholder value creation can be attained. Valmet will provide an update on the review latest in connection with the publication of its full-year 2026 results.

Further information, please contact:

For investors: Pekka Rouhiainen, VP, Investor Relations, Valmet, tel. +358 10 672 0020

For media: Valmet Communications, media@valmet.com

VALMET

Katri Hokkanen
CFO

Pekka Rouhiainen
VP, Investor Relations

DISTRIBUTION:
Nasdaq Helsinki
Major media
www.valmet.com

Valmet is a global technology leader in serving process industries. We work with our customers throughout the lifecycle, delivering cutting-edge technologies and services, as well as mission-critical automation and flow control solutions. Backed by more than 225 years of industrial experience and a global team of 18,500 professionals close to customers, we are uniquely positioned to transform industries toward a regenerative tomorrow.

In 2025, Valmet’s net sales totaled approximately EUR 5.2 billion. Our head office is in Espoo, Finland, and we have experts in approximately 40 countries around the world. Valmet’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.

Follow us on valmet.com | X | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram |

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Securitas AB Interim Report Q2 2026 | January-June

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STOCKHOLM, July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 

APRIL–JUNE 2026

Total sales MSEK 37 843 (38 564)Organic sales growth 0 percent (5)Adjusted organic sales growth, 3 percent*Real sales growth within technology and solutions 5 percent (4)Operating income before amortization MSEK 2 824 (2 798)Operating margin 7.5 percent (7.3)Adjusted operating margin, 7.6 percent (7.5)*Items affecting comparability (IAC) MSEK –46 (–166) Earnings per share, SEK 2.88 (2.56)Earnings per share before IAC, SEK 2.94 (2.79)Cash flow from operating activities 87 percent (106)

JANUARY–JUNE 2026

Total sales MSEK 74 054 (78 170)Organic sales growth 0 percent (4)Adjusted organic sales growth, 2 ­percent*Real sales growth within technology and solutions 4 percent (5)Operating income before amortization MSEK 5 283 (5 323)Operating margin 7.1 percent (6.8)Adjusted operating margin, 7.3 ­percent (7.1)*Items affecting comparability (IAC) MSEK 138 (–243) whereof MSEK 213 (–5) related to divestitures Earnings per share, SEK 5.68 (4.86)Earnings per share before IAC, SEK 5.40 (5.15)Cash flow from operating activities 65 percent (56)Net debt/EBITDA ratio 2.2 (2.4) 

*A new key ratio, operating margin adjusted for the government business within SCIS in the process of being closed down, was added as of the second quarter 2025. A new key ratio, organic sales growth adjusted for the same business, was added as of the third quarter 2025. Refer to note 5 for further information.

Comments from the President and CEO

“Continued profitability improvement”

Organic sales growth in the second quarter, adjusted for the close-down of the SCIS government business, was 3 percent. Organic sales growth in North America was supported by both the Guarding and Technology business units, while active portfolio management had a hampering effect on organic sales growth in Europe. 

Real sales growth in technology and solutions reached 5 percent in the second quarter, supported by good performance in Technology in North America. Commercial activity remained healthy in the global technology business with strong growth in installation order intake and backlog.

We execute on our strategy with the share of technology and solutions increasing across all segments but we are not fully satisfied with the overall growth. We have built a strong and differentiated technology-led offering and we are intensifying our efforts to commercialize the capabilities we have built.

We delivered an improved adjusted operating margin in the second quarter, reaching 7.6 percent (7.5), driven by both the technology and solutions and the security services business lines. Operating income increased 3 percent and earnings per share 7 percent. For the first six months earnings per share increased 11 percent.

Cash generation was good, cor­re­spond­ing to 87 percent (106) of oper­at­ing income in the quarter, and 65 per­cent (56) for the first six months of the year. The net debt to EBITDA ratio was 2.2 (2.4).

THE TRUSTED PARTNER IN INTELLIGENCE-LED SECURITY

Our recently announced 2030 strategy positions Securitas as the trusted partner in intelligence-led security, combining global presence and deep security expertise with advanced data, analytics and technology. By leveraging actionable risk intelligence and a more consultative approach, we aim to move further up the value chain, delivering proactive, insight-driven security and strengthening our role as a strategic advisor to clients. In an increasingly complex risk environment, growing demand for professional security ­ser­vices supports our continued growth and competitive position.

The close-down of the SCIS govern­ment business is progressing accord­ing to plan and is expected to be concluded by year-end. As no further activities remain, the strategic as­sess­­­ment program was concluded in the second quarter of 2026.

The shift toward technology and solutions continues to drive prof­itabil­ity improvements. We are also strength­en­ing the performance of our security services business and, as of the second quarter of 2026, have completed portfolio management actions related to underperforming contracts in Europe. Going forward, portfolio optimization will continue as part of normal business operations, with a sustained focus on contract profitability.

CREATING LONG-TERM SHAREHOLDER VALUE

In conjunction with the launch of our strategy, we have updated the Group’s financial targets for the period through 2030. The revised targets include a new headline target of achieving 10 percent average annual earnings per share growth over a business cycle, alongside targets for cash flow, leverage and dividend policy. With a strong focus on quality and innovation, we are accelerating our transformation and remain confident in our ability to deliver sustainable earnings growth and create long-term shareholder value.

Magnus Ahlqvist
President and CEO

PRESENTATION OF THE INTERIM REPORT

Analysts and media are invited to participate in a telephone ­conference on July 24, 2026, at 9.30 a.m. (CEST) where President and CEO Magnus Ahlqvist and CFO Matteo Dall’Ora will present the report and answer questions. The ­telephone conference will also be audio cast live via Securitas’ website www.securitas.com

To follow the audio cast of the telephone conference via the web, please follow the link
www.securitas.com/en/investors/financial-reports-and-presentations/

A recorded version of the audio cast will be available at www.securitas.com/en/investors/financial-reports-and-presentations/
after the ­telephone conference.

For further information, please contact:
Micaela Sjökvist, Vice President, Investor Relations +46 76 116 7443

ABOUT SECURITAS

Securitas is a world-leading safety and security solutions partner that helps make your world a safer place. Nine decades of deep experience means we see what others miss. By leveraging technology in partnership with our clients, ­combined with an innovative, holistic approach, we’re transforming the security ­industry. With approximately 322 000 employees in 44 markets, we see a ­different world and ­create sustainable value for our clients by protecting what matters most – their people and assets.

Group financial targets

Securitas has the following financial targets:

Average annual earnings per share growth of 10 percent over a business cycle, excluding items affecting comparability and adjusted for changes in exchange rates, with a >10 percent operating margin ambition long-termOperating cash flow of 80–90 percent of operating income before amortizationNet debt to EBITDA below 2.5xDividend policy of 50–60 percent of annual net income over a business cycle, with excess capital returned to shareholders once stra-tegic growth priorities are met

Securitas AB (publ.)
P.O. Box 12307, SE-102 28 Stockholm, Sweden
Visiting address:
Lindhagensplan 70
Telephone: +46 10 470 30 00
Corporate registration number: 556302-7241

www.securitas.com

This is information that Securitas AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation.
The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above,
at 8.00 a.m. (CEST) on Friday, July 24, 2026.

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