Ryerson University’s role in high-tech research and education was centre stage at Monday’s announcement of a $1-billion investment in advanced technology at Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&W Canada).

President Sheldon Levy was an invited speaker at the Mississauga news conference, which drew national attention and included $300 million in federal government funding for new jet-engine technology.

“This important announcement is a testament to the Government of Canada’s pledge to support homegrown R&D through effective industry-university collaboration,” Levy said.

The president talked about Ryerson’s long-standing partnership with P&W Canada, including the company’s participation since 2003 in the Ryerson Institute for Aerospace Design and Innovation, providing engineering students the opportunity to work on real aerospace industry projects. Many Ryerson alumni occupy positions at P&W Canada and throughout the aerospace industry, and Ryerson faculty are involved in a number of aerospace-focused research initiatives.

President Levy also pointed to innovation at Ryerson, mentioning the startup company DreamQii, which has developed a novel design for aerial photography drones. The company is the first Canadian startup to raise more than $1 million in crowd-sourced funding.

The billion-dollar commitment for research announced this week will support 1,500 jobs, largely at the company’s Mississauga and Quebec facilities.

“Pratt & Whitney’s investment in R&D and innovation is making a difference in building Canadian strength, building Canadian jobs and building our collective futures,” Levy said.

P&W Canada’s $1-billion research and development program will develop, over the next five years, a new family of jet engines that are quieter, more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. Federal Industry Minister James Moore made the announcement at a P&W plant in Mississauga. Infrastructure Minister Denis Lebel was at the head office and manufacturing centre in Quebec.

The company employs about 6,000 people at facilities in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia, including 1,400 engineering professionals at its R&D centres in Ontario and Quebec.

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For more information, please contact:

Johanna VanderMaas
Public Affairs
416-979-5000 ext. 4630
johanna.vandermaas@ryerson.ca
@RyersonU