TRLabs Recognized for Role in Growth of Manitoba's 'New' Economy

October 31, 2001 -- Winnipeg, MB - TRLabs research activity was recognized with a Research Award October 30 at the first annual Smart Awards banquet sponsored by Smart Winnipeg, one of 11 awards presented.

Glenn Rainbird, President and CEO of TRLabs, says the award is a confirmation of the success of a collaborative research model that has trained more than 600 highly skilled university graduates, created 250 technologies adopted for use by companies, and generated 40 patented inventions in its 15 year existence. “Industry, university and government works together to train the highly skilled people and create the technology required in the new economy,” Rainbird says. “It’s the only model of its kind in Canada, and one that will effectively contribute to Manitoba’s emerging ICT industry.”

Economic Development Winnipeg indicates that from 1994 to 1999, total employment in Winnipeg’s information and technology sector increased by 5.3% per year, 3.6% higher than the city’s overall total employment growth rate.

TRLabs Winnipeg

TRLabs has had a research lab in Winnipeg since 1994, and currently employs 58 people. 114 students have conducted research in the Winnipeg lab since 1994, obtaining M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees and postdoctoral fellowships in engineering and computer science disciplines. The majority of these highly skilled people have joined the Manitoba ICT industry and have made significant contributions to job creation and technology development.

TRLabs sponsors in Manitoba are AML Wireless, CDS Technologies, InfoMagnetics Technologies Corporation, Linear Systems, Linnet, Manlab Resources Inc., Market Driven Training, Novra Technologies Inc., Vansco Electronics Ltd., University of Manitoba, and Government of Manitoba. TRLabs has collaborative agreements with the St. Boniface General Hospital Research Centre, and Red River College.

TRLabs

TRLabs, Canada’s leading ICT research consortium, operates labs in Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Calgary and Edmonton, employing more than 200 researchers, professionals seconded from industry, professors, graduate and undergraduate students, and support staff. TRLabs goal: to enhance Canada’s ICT expertise and improve its global competitiveness. With 40 member sponsors representing industry, government and universities, research activities focus on five strategic areas: data networking, network access, network systems, photonics, and wireless communications. Industry sponsors include telecom carriers, multinational equipment manufacturers, telecommunications service providers, and emerging western Canadian ICT businesses. University sponsors are the Universities of Manitoba, Regina, Saskatchewan, Calgary, and Alberta. Government sponsors are the Governments of Canada, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

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