30/07/2018
C-CORE centre of excellence for remote sensing innovation to receive $10 million over five years to network and support remote sensing innovators and ensure innovations match industry and community needs
C-CORE is pleased to announce that LOOKNorth, its centre of excellence for remote sensing innovation, is one of the five Canadian research and innovation hubs selected for investment over the coming five years.
LOOKNorth was established in 2011 as a Centre of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (CECR) under the Government of Canada’s Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program to create a cross-Canada network of industry, research and community stakeholders, dedicated to remote sensing innovation that can support safe and sustainable development and operations in Canada’s North. Over the past 7 years, the LOOKNorth Network has grown and strengthened by cooperating to validate satellite and other monitoring technologies for use in these challenging and environmentally sensitive environments, providing cost-effective access to reliable information that can support project and regulatory decision-making for all stakeholders.
LOOKNorth provides remote sensing SMEs with a bridge to commercial markets, through a combination in-house technology and demonstration expertise, project management support, continuous engagement with end users to understand market needs, and business development support. A particular focus is supporting the emerging generation of powerful UAVs and small satellites.
LOOKNorth’s business plan will leverage the Government of Canada’s investment of $10M with investments from its partner network to deliver a $50M program that fosters innovation in remote sensing technologies and Northern capacity building while becoming a sustainable centre. LOOKNorth is working with Canada’s leading satellite SMEs to advance innovative missions into global markets; with Unmanned Systems Canada (USC) to support Canada’s Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) sector and advance beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations; and with stakeholders in Canada’s Northern Communities to help build capacity in UAV remote sensing technologies/services.