ARCHIVED - Minister of State Gary Goodyear recognizes Kanata firm BelAir Networks Inc. as a Canadian Innovation Leader

May 07, 2010 — Ottawa, Ontario

The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today recognized Kanata-based BelAir Networks Inc. as a Canadian Innovation Leader for its cutting-edge approach in developing mobile broadband networking solutions for use by mobile carriers, cable operators and military customers. 

"Our government is investing in science and technology to create jobs, strengthen the economy and improve Canadians' quality of life," said Minister Goodyear. "Our ideas, innovation and inventiveness ensure our long-term economic competitiveness. Today, I am proud to recognize BelAir Networks Inc., a successful Canadian firm, as a Canadian Innovation Leader." 

BelAir Networks' Wi-Fi network infrastructure solutions include indoor and outdoor wireless access points and control and management systems.  The company's innovative solutions portfolio enables cable operators and mobile carriers to cost-effectively increase network capacity and geographic reach, enhance customer satisfaction and reduce customer turnover. Founded in November 2002, BelAir Networks customers include AT&T and Cablevision.  

A Canadian Innovation Leader is a small- or medium-sized enterprise that demonstrates specific advances in research and development within its industrial sector. The National Research Council of Canada created the Canadian Innovation Leader Certificate Program to recognize Canadian firms that have successfully developed and applied innovative technologies. 

"Investing in science and technology is critical for developing highly skilled people and improving the long-term competitiveness of Canadian firms," said NRC President John McDougall. "That's why the NRC Industrial Research Assistance program (NRC-IRAP) is helping innovative Canadian businesses like BelAir Networks Inc. grow stronger, faster and bigger." 

"The NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program has helped BelAir Networks be faster to market with mobile broadband solutions using Wi-Fi technology for some of the world's leading mobile carriers and cable operators," said Bernard Herscovich, President and CEO, BelAir Networks.  "Our Industrial Technology Advisor has also helped us make useful connections with other technology partners." 

About NRC and NRC-IRAP

The Industrial Research Assistance Program provides a range of both technical and business-oriented advisory services along with necessary financial support to qualified innovative Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises.

The program is delivered by a field staff of 240 professionals in more than 100 communities across Canada. Through this program, the National Research Council is committed to working with small- and medium-sized enterprises while they realize their full potential, turning knowledge and innovation into strategic opportunities, jobs and prosperity for all Canadians.

The Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan has provided new resources of $200 million to this program over two years to support innovative Canadian firms. To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

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National Research Council of Canada
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