Ontario teams with IBM to help SMEs find new markets
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Premier Kathleen Wynne was at the DMZ at Ryerson to announce that Ontario will invest up to $22.75 million through the Jobs and Prosperity Fund in the IBM Innovation Incubator (I3) Project.
The I3 Project will help SMEs fast-track the launch of new technologies and products to international clients and further grow the province's knowledge economy. IBM will contribute $24.75 million towards the I3 Project. This project is expected to leverage over $410 million in private-sector investment and create up to 2,600 jobs.
Participating businesses will leverage IBM's technical resources, including cognitive business technology and a cloud-based development platform, as well as its physical space and network of customers to reduce the cost of developing new technologies and help their companies grow and succeed.
OCE will oversee the operations of the I3 Project and coordinate partnerships with industry.
Strategically partnering with businesses to drive innovation is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs.
The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province's history, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives and building a secure retirement savings plan. ■