"Our government supports innovation because it creates jobs, improves the quality of life of Canadians and strengthens the economy," said Science and Technology Minister Gary Goodyear, who announced the funding last month.

The three colleges - Algonquin College in Ottawa, Fanshawe College in London, and Seneca College in Toronto - were selected following a peer-reviewed competition. The colleges will receive about $2 million each over five years.

The funding is provided through Ottawa's College and Community Innovation (CCI) program. The CCI program allows colleges to develop or expand research activities in their communities through partnerships with local companies.

The funding to Fanshawe will focus on industry-driven research projects related to energy conservation, 'green' building, alternative fuels, and new agri-products. Algonquin will use its funding in areas such as providing applied research services to companies in the information and communications technology sector.

Meanwhile, Seneca and its industry partners are proposing research into the feasibility of using more simulation technology in pilot training.

"(This funding) will help create science and technology-ready graduates who have learned not only through hands-on experience, but through applied research that will directly affect the aviation industry in Canada," said Seneca president David Agnew.

Other Ontario colleges that have received CCI funding in previous years are La Cité collégiale in Ottawa, Mohawk College in Hamilton, Sheridan College in Oakville, George Brown College in Toronto and Niagara College in Welland.

Source: Colleges Ontario December 2009 newsletter