TRLabs and Singapore's CWC create new international ICT research consortium

December 04, 2000 -- SINGAPORE - Alberta and Singapore just got a lot closer with a research partnership that bridges the distance gap.

TRLabs and Singapore's Centre for Wireless Communications (CWC) signed a co-operative agreement to establish TechnoBridge, a new international information and communications technology (ICT) research consortium.

Based on the TRLabs model of industry-university-government collaboration, the organization will provide enhanced research capabilities and international opportunities for human resource development and will make it easier for businesses on either side of the Pacific Ocean to commercialize their technologies or form partnerships abroad.

TRLabs President and CEO Glenn Rainbird said the agreement will introduce a whole new world of opportunities for businesses.

"Singapore is the gateway to the Pacific Rim, and Alberta is a gateway to North America. This co-operative arrangement will open new opportunities for technology businesses in both regions, particularly for small- and medium-sized businesses affiliated with TRLabs in Western Canada."

Initially, TechnoBridge will operate from two laboratories, one in Singapore and the other in Alberta. Singapore staff will be provided by CWC while Alberta staff will come from TRLabs. Emphasis will be placed on training postgraduate students, technology transfer, promotion of Pan Pacific communications and partnerships, and staff and student exchange between the two countries. Early research will be centred on wireless Internet technology, photonics and related applications.

Membership is open to corporations and academic organizations that want to further ICT collaboration across the Pacific. Emerging technology businesses that are members of TRLabs or CWC, based in either region, will automatically be admitted as Small Business Associate members of TechnoBridge.

The consortium is supported by the Government of Alberta and Singapore's National Science and Technology Board.

Alberta Innovation and Science Minister Lorne Taylor said Alberta and Singapore are finding that they have similar high-tech visions.

"The governments of both Alberta and Singapore understand the importance of science and technology in spurring future economic development. By working together, we will enhance opportunities for technological discovery, commercialization and business development," said Taylor.

Backgrounder:

CWC conducts research into cutting-edge telecommunications technology to elevate Singapore's telecommunications industry to new heights. As part of the National University of Singapore and funded by the National Science & Technology Board, the Centre also trains and grooms manpower talent to drive the industry's growth and development. As a recognized R&D leader among its industry partners, CWC's core research programs are in Future Mobile Communications Systems, Pico & Broadband Access Networks, Internet Technologies and Wireless Identification & Location Systems.

TRLabs is Canada's leading ICT research consortium. Through industry-university-government collaboration, TRLabs creates innovative technologies and trains post-graduate students for research careers. Its goal: to enhance Canada's ICT expertise and improve its global competitiveness. TRLabs operates research labs in five cities: Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Regina and Winnipeg. Research activities focus on five strategic areas: data networking, network access, network systems, photonics and wireless communications. TRLabs industrial sponsors include telecom carriers, multinational equipment manufacturers, telecommunications service providers and emerging western Canadian ICT businesses. University sponsors are the Universities of Alberta, Calgary, Saskatchewan, Regina and Manitoba. Government sponsors are the Governments of Canada, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

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