Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research solve problems, advance innovation and create jobs

HAMILTON, Ontario, March 5, 2009—The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology) today announced the establishment of the Centre for Surgical Invention and Innovation (CSII), a new Centre of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (CECR).

“The Government of Canada supports research and development that creates jobs, improves the quality of life for Canadians and strengthens the economy,” said Minister Goodyear. “The Centre for Surgical Invention and Innovation will not only benefit Canadians by improving patient care, it will also do so by creating a viable new biotech industry.”

The CSII will develop and commercialize a new class of robotic platforms for targeted, less invasive surgical and medical interventions. These innovations will dramatically improve patient outcomes, reduce the length of hospital stays and recovery periods, and allow patients to return to full activity following major procedures far more quickly than conventional procedures.

The CECR program is a key commitment of Canada’s Science and Technology Strategy, Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada’s Advantage, announced in May 2007. Budget 2009 provides $5.1 billion in additional funding toward science and technology initiatives.

This program is administered by the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) Secretariat. Launched in 1989, the NCE is an initiative of the three federal granting agencies—the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR)—in partnership with Industry Canada.

“The NCE program is proud to be a part of the government’s vision for a more prosperous, advanced and competitive Canada,” said Dr. Suzanne Fortier, Chair of the NCE Steering Committee and President of NSERC. “These new CECRs will work on important, multifaceted Canadian problems while bringing the very best ideas to the marketplace. We look forward to helping them achieve their maximum potential and impact.” 

This initiative is one of several new CECRs being put in place, representing an investment of $62.3 million over the next five years.  This Centre and the others join the 11 CECRs announced last year by our government.

The CECR program brings together partners from the academic, private and public sectors to advance research and facilitate commercialization of technologies, products and services. The Minister of State announced that the CSII will receive $14.8 million over five years.