Province Supports Innovators

The province is sparking innovation and helping Nova Scotia students bring smart ideas to life.

The province is asking universities and the Nova Scotia Community College for proposals to create several sandboxes, or environments where students, innovators and industry can experiment with new ideas that could become businesses.

"Nova Scotia is filled with people that have great ideas that could become successful businesses," said Premier Stephen McNeil. "Sandboxes give students a space to experiment with new ideas, learn from their peers and connect with industry to develop ideas and take them to the next level."

Sandboxes are based on a successful approach used at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Waterloo. They are loosely structured to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.

Requests for proposals have been issued to universities, NSCC, and to hire a project manager.

A panel will review the proposals and recommend four sandboxes. Innovation will be encouraged through competitions to recognize the most promising sandbox ideas.

"Sandboxes are catalysts for advancement and foster a positive environment for new ideas and inventions," said Digital Nova Scotia president and CEO Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia. "The launch of this concept in Nova Scotia will certainly promote the importance of collaboration in driving innovation and I'm excited to see the partnerships and opportunities that will grow from this initiative."

The sandbox sites and project manager will be announced in March.