1. Improving Regional Competitiveness In Food Processing
Who is Springboard
Established in 2004 and incorporated in 2005
Owned by 18 post secondary institutions doing R&D in Atlantic Canada
3 Year project is $13M in all – the institutions contribute 35% to the ACOA match of 65%
Network - colleges and universities working together – model recognised by the OECD
Generating ~ $330M in R&D 2010, $362M 2011 with increasing commercial outcomes and support to industry
Process Automation in Seafood Processing – Nov. 2016

2. Springboard’s Vision
Springboard Atlantic is the commercialization network that regionally supports academic and industry collaboration. Our vision is that post-secondary research has a lasting and diverse impact on our social and economic well-being in the region and globally.
Funded by our Members and

3. How The Network Can Help
Expertise Requests: Send us your issues and needs – we will help find an expert and navigate funding options for your project
Consortia Projects: Our institutions have experience bringing companies together to do major projects where the stakeholders all benefit from the results

4. Improving Process Automation
At least one Institution in the network has had at least one project if not many doing:
Modelling & Simulation of manufacturing processes
Modelling and development of robotic systems and controls
Advanced sensors and system controls
Real time predictive non-linear control schemes
Use of data to build artificial intelligence for process improvements

5. Other Processing Capabilities
There are many other capabilities that may be inter-related to process automation needs which our Network can also help with, including:
Value added process improvements and new product developments (with new and waste bi-products)
Drying and other process improvements
Preservation process improvement for cooked seafood
Water treatment, analysis and process improvements
Bio-Fouling reduction
Packaging and harvesting improvements
LEAN, energy, waste stream analysis
Nutritional and Functional Food analysis

6. Food Processing Examples
Improving waste water treatment at a food processing facility in the Annapolis Valley. Funded by NSERC Engage grant
Gourmet Chef Packers - created new value added lobster products for sale internationally with funding from NSERC’s Applied Research and Development Level 2 grant.
NBCC’s culinary school and marketing program worked with Longshore Fisheries Inc. to create new food products to go to market.
Sensory testing & packaging evaluation (consumer acceptance) for new frozen salmon products. Product successfully introduced to market

7. Fish Processing Examples
Using locally produced green carbon to replace more expensive carbon in water filtration systems to ship fish overseas. No salinity impact; removes toxic substances (copper) from the water. School of Sustainable Design Engineering is currently engaging with the Island lobster industry with the support of Innovation PEI and ACOA to address a number of specific needs in the industry.

8. Funding Options for Projects
Provincial Funding:
Federal Funding:

9. NSERC Funding Programs Helps to bring academic help to your company
I-USRA – Supports an undergrad student doing R&D at your company (16 weeks/$4500 grant/$3500 cash/ your IP)
Engage – Supports faculty & students working your problem (6 mo./$25k grant/$0 cash – in-kind only/your IP)
Engage Plus – Extended Engage, (6 mo./$12.5k grant/$12.5k cash/your IP)
CRD – No upper $ limit. Requires %50 from company with up to 25% of able to be in-kind. IP agreement is expected (often a license is provided at end of project).

10. Funding Tips
The actual programs that best suit your needs are based on your specific project and resources available.
Many programs can help with labour, materials, contractors, equipment, and consulting.
We always recommend that you:
Engage with our network members, NRC concierge or ITA or an ACOA, NSERC or MITACS officer to help you
Focus on the project scope and needs, not the funding program
Ensure you have a clear champion to manage the engagement
Maximise the funding benefits to ensure you have cash for implementing and getting your improvement to market

11. Thank You!
All Network Members are listed on the Springboard website or you call call our central office for direction.
Chris Mathis, (902)