Ontario Funds Gaming Tech Degree To Spur Economy

  • By Paul McCloskey
  • 07/31/07
The government of Ontario approved a grant to help local Algoma University College establish the first academic program in computer gaming in Canada.

The $250,000 grant from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp. will be used to hire an advisor to establish a computer gaming technology center. The ultimate goal is economic, its sponsors said: to help graduate students in gaming technology connect with the private sector to see their projects to commercialization.

David Orazietti, a member of parliament who supported the measure approving the grant, called it an  "investment by our government ... to reinforce a commitment to supporting AUC ...  and new economic opportunities in Sault Ste. Marie."

Algoma president Celia Ross said the school would launch a Masters of Science in Computer Gaming Technology, which will eventually spur local economic development.

"The intent is to provide support for startups, build linkages with industry partners, enable technology transfer from established companies and students from the program, and provide opportunities to assist in the advancement of intellectual property development and commercialization initiatives in the field of computer games and associated technology," she said.

"This is a new cluster of activity which we are 'kick-starting' with this project," she added.

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About the Author

Paul McCloskey is contributing editor of Syllabus.

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