Daily News Story
New Agreement Signed at Trent Between DNA Cluster and MaRS
A new era of research development opportunities was ushered in at Trent University on December 3, 2007 as representatives from the DNA Cluster and MaRS Discovery District signed an innovation partnership agreement.
Located in Toronto, the MaRS Centre is the gateway to Canada’s largest concentration of scientific research, anchored by major teaching hospitals, other universities and more than two dozen affiliated research institutes. It is a non-profit organization focused on maximizing the economic and social impact of Canadian innovation in science and technology. MaRS connects and fosters collaboration between the communities of science, business and capital through co-location in the MaRS Centre and more broadly through catalytic programs, structured networks and the MaRS web portal.
The agreement formalizes a strategic alliance that will see the DNA Cluster establish a satellite presence at the MaRS Centre in Toronto. This will enable the Cluster to access MaRS’s impressive network of resources and expertise to support the commercialization of research and emerging technology and attract new businesses to the Peterborough region. The collaboration will also include hosting regular events at the Trent-based Cluster site to highlight investment opportunities to potential partners.
Trent University President Bonnie M. Patterson, who is also a member of the DNA Cluster Board of Directors, was delighted to see this next development phase launched on campus. “It further connects Trent and the DNA Cluster to the expertise, to the private and public sector, and to research networks based in Toronto which together form the critical mass needed to bring innovative ideas forward,” she said.
“This formal agreement will encourage the DNA Cluster’s efforts to create wealth, high paying jobs and increase the quality of life for citizens in the greater Peterborough area,” explained Andy Mitchell, president of the Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation (GPAEDC) and the DNA Cluster. “It will certainly lead to opportunities for Trent students by helping to create a 21st century economy in our community,” he added.
The DNA Cluster is a not-for-profit corporation established in 2004 to facilitate and advance life sciences, environmental, DNA and other innovative research and development in the Peterborough region to help promote and sustain a strong local knowledge-based economy.