Simon Fraser University’s core facility, 4D LABS has received a generous investment of $1,921,700 from Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD). The funding will be used to equip 4D LABS’ new Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Integration (CAMI) with state-of-the-art machinery to help prototype and manufacture advanced micro and nanotechnology.
The funding announcement was made at SFU’s Burnaby campus by Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for Burnaby North-Seymour, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minster responsible for WD. Beech, a SFU Beedie School of Business alumnus, former Beedie School adjunct professor, and an early client of Coast Capital Savings Venture Connection® and VentureLabs®, he spoke to his personal involvement in and enthusiasm for SFU programs. Beech was also just named Parliamentarian of the Year for Best Civic Outreach by Maclean’s.
WD’s investment will further contribute to the resources 4D LABS offers to the innovation community. The multi-million dollar state-of-the-art materials science and engineering facility allows researchers, engineers and industry to develop prototypes and leverage characterization and testing equipment to understand and resolve product issues. 4D LABS provides comprehensive expertise and equipment under one roof, while bringing a variety of industry clients together.
As part of the university’s innovation strategy—SFU Innovates—4D LABS is contributing to bridging the gap to create innovations that benefit society. The interaction between industry, researchers and 4D LABS’ material experts has fostered an environment that has successfully transformed research into world-class companies, like Nanotech Security Corporation.
This announcement celebrates how partnerships between government, university and industry can support the growth and strength of Western Canada in global markets.
