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BC Government Announces $125.1 Million Investment in Tech and Talent Initiatives
Thursday, May 17, 2018Company Profile | Follow Company
The Government of British Columbia Announces $125 Million Investment in Tech and Talent Initiatives (Research Projects ($102.6M), Grad Scholarships ($10.5M), Co-op opportunities and entrepreneurial training ($10.5M))
Vancouver, BC, May 17, 2018--(T-Net)-- Premier John Horgan announced today that the provincial government will be investing $125.1 million in tech-based research and advanced training opportunities in all parts of the province, to help spark B.C. innovation, economic growth and new jobs.
The Province announced that it is investing over $102.6 million in funding for 75 post-secondary research projects in B.C., through the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF). The projects will develop B.C.'s expertise and innovation in fields such as advanced supercomputing and clean technology, to spur job creation, talent development and commercialize innovation.
To attract and retain the best graduate students, the B.C. government will invest $12 million in graduate degree scholarships over the next three years. The funding will support priority areas such as science, tech, engineering and mathematics programs, as well as Indigenous students and regional programs. The Province will also invest in women-in-technology scholarships to inspire a new generation of women to take up science and tech-based professions.
To further develop tech talent, $10.5 million will be invested in co-op opportunities and entrepreneurial training for post-secondary students, so they can gain vital hands-on experience to be job-ready when they enter the tech sector.
To help make it easier for tech companies to recruit top international talent to B.C., government will also expand its Provincial Nominee Program Tech Pilot. That means priority processing for people in tech occupations, such as biotechnologists, software engineers and web developers.
The B.C. government also reported that it will unveil a provincewide tech strategy next year that will help provide all people with the ability to work and prosper in the communities they call home.
"B.C. succeeds when British Columbians succeed — and our province's tech sector is proving that every day," said Premier Horgan, adding that the sector has over 10,000 companies employing more than 106,000 people.
"Our job is to provide opportunities and partnerships that help companies and individuals innovate, succeed and grow. This approach delivers more jobs and a stronger economy, and helps support health care, education, housing and other public services that make British Columbia a great place to live and work."
"B.C.'s success comes from the ideas, innovation and inspiration of people who call this province home," said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology. "From a two-person startup, to large established tech firms and traditional resource industries, innovation can deliver a wealth of benefits to people, companies and our provincial economy. It is about creating good jobs for people in every corner of the province."
Below are the specific details of the programs unveiled today by the BC government:
Developing future talent
Graduate student scholarships:
Women in technology scholarships:
Job training for students and entrepreneurs:
Supporting innovation
Post-secondary research and innovation infrastructure:
Helping B.C. companies compete
Provincial Nominee Program Tech Pilot extension:
Extension of the Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit (IDMTC):
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