For Immediate Release
November 12, 2014

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is launching a new program aimed at increasing innovation and commercialization within Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy.

“Innovation drives growth, protects the environment, and essential in the competitiveness of our businesses and industries,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA, “With the demographic, geographic, and economic challenges our province currently faces and will face in the future, innovation is essential.”

Through its Innovation and Commercialization Initiative, NEIA will work one-on-one with firms to identify which funding options, partnerships and supports are both available are appropriate to assist the firm meet its business needs.

“There is an urgent need for greater innovation in the Canadian economy,” says Lomond. “Firms are struggling to be internationally competitive, adapt to the realities of climate change, meet changing market demand and address worker shortages.” To assist companies innovate, NEIA works with a variety of agencies and academic institutions to provide needed supports. This support could include assistance commercializing new technologies, protecting intellectual property, building academic partnerships, and accessing resources to de-risk innovation. NEIA’s Innovation and Commercialization initiative will help firms identify which programs and supports best suit their needs and broker connections.

“NEIA works in close partnership with a number of entities that support innovation in the private sector,” says Lomond. “For firms and entrepreneurs interested in acquiring support, it can be daunting trying to determine which programs and agencies can help.” Lomond says that NEIA can expedite and simplify this process.

Lomond believes that Newfoundland and Labrador’s environmental sector has great potential to help drive innovation. “From a sustainability perspective, we know that status quo is unacceptable, and novel solutions are needed to advance our economy while protecting our environment. The green economy is inherently innovative.”

Interested firms in the Innovation and Commercialization Initiative can contact NEIA’s Manager of Business Development Abbie Lacey at abbie@neia.org, or visit NEIA’s website at https://neia.org/innovation-and-commercialization/.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. The organization offers a diverse range of expert knowledge and support services for members working to grow economic opportunity while respecting the natural environment. NEIA is The Business of the Environment, and has over 170 members.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

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