The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) has invested $1 million in the Northern Centre for Advanced Technology's (NORCAT) Innovation and Commercialization Centre.

Because of the funding, NORCAT will be able to expand the Innovation and Commercialization Centre to meet the demands of three new businesses, by adding an additional 5,000 square feet of shop space. The expansion will also result in the creation of 10 new jobs in Greater Sudbury.

“By investing in NORCAT’s residency program, we are helping provide important incubator space that will enable companies to develop new processes and prepare for future growth,” said Sudbury MPP Bartolucci, in a news release.

Funded under the NOHFC’s Infrastructure and Community Development Program, today’s announcement expands on the province's commitment of $1.5 million made in 2007, towards the initial construction of the centre.

“The continued support by the NOHFC into NORCAT’s residency program illustrates the strong commitment the Ontario Government has to helping businesses in the north grow and reach into other markets. With this new expansion project, even more SME’s will be able to take advantage of NORCAT’s specialized facilities to help them gain a competitive edge,” said Darryl Lake CEO, NORCAT.

“The McGuinty government has always been committed to funding technology and innovation in Greater Sudbury,” concluded Bartolucci. “This additional investment in NORCAT’s facilities will provide more opportunities to nurture new business and industrial development projects in our community.”