Innovation Cluster Announces Strategic Collaboration With BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada to Accelerate Innovation and Economic Growth
PETERBOROUGH, ON – March 26, 2024 – The Innovation Cluster is excited to announce a strategic collaboration with BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada (BWXT NEC), a leader in the supply of innovative solutions for the commercial nuclear industry. This collaboration represents a key step in our commitment to driving innovation and economic development in the region. The collaboration was revealed at a press conference on March 26, 2024, at our premises.
BWXT NEC supplies fuel and fuel channel components, services, equipment and parts for the CANDU® nuclear technology. Their work includes the design and supply of highly reliable equipment used to fuel, inspect, and refurbish CANDU® power reactors. BWXT NEC employs approximately 400 skilled employees at its Peterborough location, which has the largest workforce of its three locations in Ontario.
This collaboration between the Innovation Cluster and BWXT NEC aims to highlight the importance of clean technology for the future, expand the local cleantech network and spark further innovation for the nuclear industry. It is a significant achievement in promoting innovation and economic growth in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, showcasing the benefits of collaboration between the nuclear energy sector and other vital industries for the community.
This collaboration is founded on three pivotal goals:
- Nuclear Energy: A crucial part of this goal is to communicate the benefits of nuclear energy, addressing and transforming public perception.
- Boost Local Employment: BWXT NEC in Peterborough is creating job opportunities that attract bright and innovative minds, offering promising career paths within the nuclear industry. This goal aims to leverage local talent, including students from Trent University and Fleming College and skilled professionals in our region.
- Grow Economy Through Innovation: Our collaboration is designed to fuel the local economy by combining innovative nuclear energy projects with job creation, promoting sustainable community development.
Brett Jermyn, Director of Fuel Handling and Engineered Solutions at BWXT NEC, shared, “Our collaboration with the Innovation Cluster highlights BWXT’s commitment to innovation, local job creation, and deepening our relationships within Peterborough. We’re excited to be working with the organization and tapping into their expertise and network to further enable our nuclear innovations and support our community.
Camila Duarte, Executive Director of the Innovation Cluster, stated, “Collaborating with BWXT NEC is a transformative step for our region, underscoring the synergy between cleantech innovation and sustainable development. This collaboration aligns with our mission to cultivate a thriving innovation ecosystem and shows how strategic relationships can accelerate progress in essential sectors like health tech, cleantech, and nuclear energy.”
Through this collaboration, the Innovation Cluster launches its Corporate Sponsorship initiative, aiming to ignite innovation through corporate partnerships. BWXT joins as a Zone Partner, with an office inside the Innovation Cluster’s downtown Peterborough Incubator. From this location BWXT is dedicated to building a strong innovation team with workshops, training, and strategic planning. For businesses interested in exploring partnership opportunities and contributing to our vibrant ecosystem of innovation, please contact the Innovation Cluster.
To engage the Peterborough community in exciting conversations surrounding regional initiatives and advancements in clean technology and nuclear energy, the Innovation Cluster invites the public to register for its Understanding CleanTech/ New Age Energy panel event on April 25th. To register: https://NewAgeofEnergy.eventbrite.ca
About the Innovation Cluster
Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas (ICPK) is a non-profit organization that supports entrepreneurs to launch, grow and scale their businesses. They help entrepreneurs reach their business goals so that our local community, job market, and economy continue to grow.
The ICPK supports startup businesses by providing dynamic programming, mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities to entrepreneurs through three core programs.
Startup Incubator – a full-service startup incubator program
LevelUP – a full-service accelerator program
STARTup Visa Program Canada – an Immigrant Entrepreneurship Program
Student Entrepreneurship Program
LAUNCH Kawartha – The Innovation Cluster operates across multiple locations, one of which includes LAUNCH Kawartha, a dedicated space for incubation programming situated in Lindsay, Kawartha Lakes. For additional information, please visit www.innovationcluster.ca
Core Funding is provided by The City of Peterborough, Trent University, Fleming College, The City of Kawartha Lakes, OMAFRA, Feddev Ontario, and Franklin Empire.
About BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc:
BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. (BWXT NEC), a subsidiary of BWXT Canada Ltd., has more than 60 years of extensive experience and innovation in the supply of nuclear fuel and fuel channel components, services, equipment and parts for the CANDU® nuclear power industry. This includes designing and supplying highly reliable equipment to fuel, inspect and refurbish reactors. BWXT NEC employs approximately 500 skilled employees at three locations in Ontario: Peterborough, Toronto, and Arnprior. For more information, visit www.nec.bwxt.com.
Media Contact
Camila Duarte
Executive Director, Innovation Cluster