Quebec – Defence R & D Canada – Valcartier, formerly known as Defence Research Establishment Valcartier (DREV), and the Société Innovatech Québec have signed a memorandum of agreement for the purpose of research leveraging. Under the terms of this new partnership, the two organizations will cooperate to adapt research and development breakthroughs made at DRDC-Valcartier for introduction to civilian markets.

On a daily basis, Defence R & D Canada – Valcartier conducts research in three domains where its expertise is acknowledged: optoelectronics systems, information systems and combat systems.

“Defence R & D Canada – Valcartier is banking on its international-calibre research program to offer real business opportunities to the public and private sectors for military and civilian applications. With this in mind, our research centre wishes to cooperate with, and facilitate the use of, technologies and procedures developed by our team to broaden the scope of knowledge in the private sector and contribute to society in general,” indicated the centre’s director general, Denis Faubert.

For her part, President and General Manager of the Société Innovatech Québec, Mrs. Francine Laurent, hailed the partnership.

“The mission of our organization is to promote and support initiatives in technological innovation within the territory served by the Société and to enhance competitiveness and stimulate economic growth in Quebec. Such is the cornerstone of this research leveraging program with Defence R & D Canada – Valcartier,” indicated Mrs. Laurent.

The three-year research leveraging agreement is a first for both organizations. “Innovatech and DREV consider the signing of the agreement to be an important step towards the eventual establishment of new companies and the introduction of innovative projects resulting in job creation. This research leveraging program will provide rapid access to funds and lead to efficient market introduction,” stated Laurent and Faubert enthusiastically.

Innovatech Québec is a Quebec Government corporation with access to a social fund of $150 million, $7.5 million of which is earmarked specifically for research leveraging with recognized institutions. The corporation participates financially in the funding of technological innovation in the fields of high technology, particularly in information technologies, industrial technologies and biotechnologies.

Established in the region for over 50 years, Defence R & D Canada-Valcartier is the largest and most diversified of the five research centres of Defence R & D Canada, an agency of the Department of National Defence. More and more, DRDC-Valcartier is becoming an effective lever for businesses, interfacing at the national and international levels to secure contracts.