UFV Awarded $520,000 to Strengthen Canada-India Innovation Ties
The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) has been granted $520,000 through the Government of Canada's Indo-Pacific Scholarships and Fellowships for Canadians (IPSFC) program. This significant funding aims to enhance research collaboration between Canada and India, with a focus on agricultural technology and clean technology sectors.
Project Leadership and Objectives
Dr. Jon Thomas, Director of UFV's Esposito Family Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and BC Regional Innovation Chair in Canada-India Partnership Development, is leading this initiative. The project will support Canadian postdoctoral fellows and faculty researchers conducting field-based research in India over the next two years.
Key components of the project include:
- A minimum of two postdoctoral fellowships and two faculty research fellowships.
- Collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to examine innovation ecosystems in agtech and cleantech.
- Production of policy briefs, research papers, workshops, and knowledge-sharing activities in both countries.
Strategic Importance and Expected Outcomes
This initiative was announced as part of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy during Prime Minister Mark Carney's official visit to India. Dr. James Mandigo, President and Vice-Chancellor of UFV, emphasized the university's long-standing relationships in India, stating that applied research and academic exchange are crucial for strengthening bilateral collaboration.
Dr. Thomas highlighted the rapid evolution of India's agtech and cleantech sectors, noting that field-based insights are essential for effective Canadian engagement. The project, running through March 2028, is expected to result in:
- More than 10 research visits to India.
- Multiple workshops and research presentations in both Canada and India.
- Several white papers and policy briefs.
- A capstone Canada-India innovation forum hosted at UFV.
The IPSFC program supports Canadian graduate students, academics, and researchers in alignment with Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, with this project fully funded by the Government of Canada.
