Wood products
In September, Penticton-based Structurlam Products Ltd. received a financial contribution of up to $50,000 from the NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) to help research, develop and commercialize wood panels for use in residential, institutional and commercial construction. The engineered panels will be less expensive and more environmentally-friendly than existing comparable products.
New Brunswick-based Marwood Ltd. manufactures advanced wood products for residential and industrial uses. NRC-IRAP provided funding of up to $500,000 to one of the firm's divisions, Cape Cod Finished Wood Siding Inc., to research, develop and commercialize superior paint coatings that improve the longevity of wood siding.
Health-care solutions
Genesis Genomics Inc. of Thunder Bay aims to produce early warning tools for cancer. In April 2009, Genesis Genomics signed an agreement for financial support of up to $1.95 million with NRC-IRAP to research and market a new class of diagnostic genetic cancer biomarkers based on mitochondrial DNA. Early cancer detection improves the odds for successful treatment and has a significant impact on patients? quality of life.
Waterloo-based Mespere Lifesciences received a contribution of up to $122,000 to help develop a pain-free, portable and non-invasive tool allowing physicians to monitor central venous pressure ? the pressure of blood near a patient's heart ' in real time.
Did you know?
NRC-IRAP supports innovation by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada. The program helps firms develop technologies and successfully commercialize them in a global marketplace by providing SMEs with technical and business advisory services and financial assistance. Between April 1 and October 30, 2009, NRC-IRAP reached more than 1,200 SMEs ' supporting more than 4,500 jobs.
High-tech products
Systèmes d'Énergie et Propulsion EPS Inc. of Sherbrooke has developed a high-tech electronic propulsion system for cyclists. Called BIONX, the system can be installed on most bicycle models ? including road, mountain, tandem, folding and recumbent bicycles and tricycles ' by replacing the rear wheel with a motor-wheel. Systèmes d'Énergie et Propulsion EPS has received technical and business expertise as well as more than $120,000 in financial support through NRC-IRAP. 
