St. Francis Xavier University and IGNITE Atlantic have teamed together in a new partnership to strengthen collaboration between researchers, students, businesses, and community organizations in Pictou County.
This strategic alliance aims to drive innovation, support small businesses, and create new opportunities for economic and community development, the partners say.
"This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to bridge the gap between academia and industry," said Doug Jones, CEO of IGNITE Atlantic. "By leveraging StFX’s research expertise and resources, we can help local businesses innovate, grow, and compete on a larger scale."
Dr. Karen Brebner, StFX Interim Associate VP Research, Graduate and Professional Studies, says StFX is looking forward to partnering with IGNITE Pictou County. “We are committed to finding new ways to support the economic development of northeastern Nova Scotia and to work with our local communities to expand our partnerships, especially in the area of work-integrated learning opportunities for our students,” she said. “Our faculty and students will offer exceptional research, innovation, and educational programming to the business community in Pictou County."
StFX will actively promote connections between its faculty and Pictou County’s business ecosystem, support funding opportunities, and provide access to valuable research capabilities, she says. The collaboration is expected to create a strong foundation for future joint initiatives and further integration of research-driven solutions into the region’s economic development efforts.
StFX Director of Research Grants David Bruce was a driving force behind creating this partnership.
Through this partnership, IGNITE and StFX will work together to increase awareness of research and technical expertise available at StFX to support business growth in Pictou County, and facilitate collaborations between StFX researchers and local businesses and organizations to enhance innovation and problem-solving.
The partnership is also expected to expand student placement opportunities, including internships, work-integrated learning programs, and research initiatives.
Other outcomes will include co-hosting networking events and workshops connecting StFX faculty with small businesses, non-profits, and community organizations, and encouraging the use of IGNITE’s space for StFX-led research activities, meetings, and engagements.
IGNITE Atlantic is a rural innovation hub dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, supporting startups, and driving economic growth through collaboration and education.
