Marking a Eureka moment

Canada has become a full member of the Eureka network, a collaboration among dozens of countries that provide funding and mutual support on international R&D activities. Established in 1985, this network was established to promote greater competitiveness in global markets by inviting businesses, research centres, universities, and other innovative enterprises to work together on market-driven projects. Originally made up of 18 countries and the European Commission, Eureka now incorporates 45 economies in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South and North America.

“Eureka is an essential resource for Canadian companies to innovate and collaborate with our trusted international partners,” said Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne.

Canada has participated as an associate member of Eureka since 2012. Full member status, which has typically been limited to European countries, demands a membership contribution proportional to GDP and offers opportunities to participate in network administration. Canada and South Korea obtained full membership as part of the proceeding at the annual Eureka Global Innovation Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, which ran from 22-23 June and hosted some 1,700 attendees.

Canada’s Eureka National Office is maintained by the National Research Council as part of the Industrial Research Assistance Program’s international collaboration initiatives. According to the NRC, over the past decade, this office has welcomed 300 participants, who worked with some 600 partners in 34 countries on projects worth more than $500 million.

“Canada's full membership in Eureka will allow us to continue to work together and achieve our shared visions and goals faster, and with greater impact on Canadians and the world," said NRC President Iain Stewart.

Eureka provides various programs for members to join international R&D initiatives, some of which drive projects aimed at major markets in non-network countries. Entrepreneurs can take advantage of webinars, courses, coaching academies, and pitching events, which are part of a larger investment readiness initiative aimed at SMEs.

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