Emera Inc. and Memorial University of Newfoundland announced Thursday the public engagement and innovation space at Memorial’s new Signal Hill campus will be named the Emera Innovation Exchange.
A news release states the naming recognizes a significant contribution of $7 million from Emera that will support innovation and entrepreneurship programming in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“We believe in supporting and developing the leaders and ideas of tomorrow,” said Scott Balfour, Emera president and CEO. “By helping to provide this collaborative space to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, we’re not only supporting students at Memorial, we’re also proudly supporting economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
The announcement marks the beginning of a period that a number of university departments and staff are being moved into the Emera Innovation Exchange. The news release notes final touches are being made to the modern conference and meeting spaces that will support unique, public-facing programming and enable the partnerships and community collaboration that are central to the initiative.
“When we initially acquired the property in 2013, we envisioned an environment for our students, faculty and researchers to thrive, to push the boundaries of innovation and entrepreneurial thinking and make a real impact on our communities,” said Gary Kachanoski, president and vice-chancellor of Memorial University.
“By naming this space the Emera Innovation Exchange, we can celebrate Emera’s support of Memorial’s campus-wide innovation goals — helping us empower a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.”
The contribution from Emera will sustain and enhance student innovation and entrepreneurial programming through entities at Memorial University that include the Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship, the Centre for Social Enterprise, Genesis and other innovation initiatives. By enabling the long-term success of entrepreneurial and social enterprise programming at Memorial, Emera is also fostering economic development and social benefits for the entire region, Kachanoski said.
An official opening and public event to celebrate the university’s new Signal Hill campus is planned for Sept. 29.
