Tthe new Business-Led Network of Centres of Excellence in Precision Therapeutics (PreThera Research).
As a result of the 2014 Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence (BL-NCE) competition, PreThera Research was awarded $15 million. This support will enable the Network's researchers to apply their knowledge of biomarkers—proteins and genes used to identify subtypes of cancer and monitor their progress—in developing innovative, personalized treatments for individuals with cancer.
On January 22, 2014, Minister of State Rickford announced the results of the most recent BL-NCE competition. Four research networks, including PreThera Research, have been awarded $49.7 million over five years to address industry research and development (R&D) challenges.
Quick facts
- The other three networks receiving funding as a result of the latest BL-NCE competition are
- Ultra Deep Mining Network (UDMN) in Sudbury—$15 million
- Green Aviation Research and Development Network (GARDN) in Montréal—$12 million
- Refined Manufacturing Acceleration Process (ReMAP) in Toronto—$7.7 million
- BL-NCEs increase business investment in R&D and help companies grow, add value to products and services, create jobs, increase productivity and develop greener practices by merging academic expertise with the private sector's drive to respond to real-worldchallenges.
- This is the second competition for new networks held since the BL-NCE program was created by the Government of Canada in Budget 2007. The program was made permanent in 2012 with annual funding of $12 million.
- Funding is leveraged from other sources as partners pay at least half of each network's eligible direct research costs.
Quotes
"The BL-NCE program promotes private sector innovation by blending the expertise of researchers in post-secondary institutions with the private sector's drive to solve real-world problems. In supporting PreThera Research, our government is capitalizing on the expertise of researchers and the private sector, spurring investment in R&D and encouraging innovation in cancer research, a priority area for Quebecers and Canadians."– Greg Rickford, Minister of State (Science and Technology)
"Companies are attracted to Business-Led Networks because they see clearly how these kinds of collaborations will add value to their bottom line. The program provides a way to bring together competing companies in pursuit of solutions to shared problems."– Janet Walden, Chief Operating Officer of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
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