Feds invest $3 million in Fanshawe Innovation Village | London Free Press

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Phase 1, to be unveiled in December, includes a library commons, where much of the print and physical media collection has been transferred online, and access to technologies such as 3D printing and laser cutting.

The new library commons will also be home to the Indigenous spirit assembly, billed as a welcoming space for Indigenous students but also open to all students. Some of its uses include workshops, summer camps, exhibitions and smudging and pipe ceremonies.

The FedDev grant will build on a $2.5-million commitment London city hall pledged for the education hub earlier this year.

“It not only benefits student and staff; it benefits small, medium and large enterprises,” said London Mayor Ed Holder

An additional $2.5 million will come from the Fanshawe Student Union and the private sector.

The college is still petitioning the province for an investment in the project.

All four phases of Innovation Village are expected to be completed by 2023.

“It will be a place where community partners are invited to access the expert resources of students and professors through project work with a view to fuel economic growth and social benefits while expanding student opportunities to collaborate with local businesses and industries,” Devlin said.

London West MP Kate Young, who is the parliamentary secretary to the minister of economic development, announced the funding Friday morning.

“We know Canadians have been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and are bravely facing new challenges and adjusting to a new reality that seems to change daily,” Young said. “Our government is working hard to support individuals and organizations as they recover.”

Young said the money given to “the exciting new hub” will support both student entrepreneurs and local businesses.

The funding package will create eight new jobs, support 40 companies to commercialize 10 new products or services and support up to 28 new entrepreneurs, she said.

“This project will help solve real-world problems encountered by businesses while providing students with valuable learning opportunities,” Young said. “Investments like this are crucial to the economy and for our young innovators to meet their full potential.”