Funding will strengthen region’s economy by supporting local businesses and creating good-paying jobs
SUDBURY — The Ontario government is investing $3,176,994 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support five economic development projects in the Greater Sudbury area. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this funding will strengthen the local economy, create new job opportunities and boost business growth across key sectors – including health, technology and manufacturing.
“Our government is making strategic investments that protect Ontario businesses and workers across Northern Ontario,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “By supporting communities like Sudbury and it’s key industries, we are positioning the region to build a stronger, more resilient economy for the long-term.”
The NOHFC is providing funding to the following projects:
- $1,157,000 for Rna Diagnostics Inc. – a biotechnology company – to advance the development and commercialization of its Veridapt DX™ test, that measures the real‑time response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, helping guide more precise cancer treatment decisions.
- $1,500,000 for CircuitIQ Inc. – a technology company – to support the development and commercialization of a patented automated power mapping tool that helps property and facility owners ensure compliance with electrical safety regulations and reduces the risk of accidents.
- $51,894 for Podco Inc. – an electronic engineering and manufacturing company – to design and test a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) battery monitoring system that gathers real-time data.
- $400,000 for Precision Care Centre Inc. – a healthcare company that delivers chronic pain treatment through its clinics – to help launch a new image‑guided location in Sudbury by renovating a leased space and acquiring essential operational equipment.
- $68,100 for Sign City Inc. – a company specializing in commercial sign design, production and installation – to upgrade and expand its operations and reduce reliance on outside subcontractors by renovating its facility and purchasing new equipment.
Centrally located in Northeastern Ontario, the City of Greater Sudbury is the economic engine of the region. Known historically for its mining industry, today it is home to emerging opportunities such as a growing manufacturing sector, world-class innovation centres and an expanding professional services industry. Investing over $165 million through the NOHFC, our government has supported more than 1,585 projects in the Greater Sudbury area, leveraging more than $593 million in total investment and helping create or protect 1,900 local jobs. By backing local businesses and innovators we are strengthening Greater Sudbury’s role as a northern hub and moving the region forward.
“These investments are helping local businesses innovate, expand and create good jobs while strengthening Greater Sudbury’s role as an economic leader in Northern Ontario,” said Mayor Paul Lefebvre, City of Sudbury. “The range of companies being supported sends a strong signal about the diversity and resilience of our economy, and I want to thank the Province and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for their continued investment in our community’s growth.”
The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of Northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s investment of an additional $30 million over three years, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.
Quick Facts
- Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across Northern Ontario.
- Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $1 billion in 8,079 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 12,500 jobs.
Quotes
“Rna Diagnostics Inc. is advancing Veridapt DX™, a real-time molecular diagnostic test platform to help oncologists evaluate tumour response during treatment to improve outcomes for cancer patients. The financial assistance from the NOHFC will enable our world-class laboratory in Sudbury to accelerate the adoption of Veridapt DX™ test services by cancer clinics in Canada, the U.S. and the EU.”
– John Connely, President and CEO, Rna Diagnostics Inc.
“We appreciate the Ontario government and the NOHFC’s investment in CircuitIQ Commercialization, which is helping us scale a made-in-Sudbury technology that maps electricity inside buildings. The funding is accelerating product development and enabling us to create and retain high-quality jobs in Northern Ontario.”
– Luke Begley, CEO, CircuitIQ Inc.
“The support from the Ontario government through the NOHFC was critical in allowing us to accelerate the development and validation of our industrial electric-vehicle technology. This funding helped us move from concept to field-ready prototypes, validate performance in real-world environments and build capacity here in Northern Ontario. As a Northern Ontario–based company, this investment directly strengthens our ability to innovate locally, create high-value technical jobs and deliver solutions that support the electrification and modernization of Canada’s industrial and mining sectors.”
– Stephen Podrucky, Founder and President, Podco Inc.
“The NOHFC’s investment has played a critical role in strengthening Precision Care Centre’s ability to deliver high-quality, specialized care closer to home for patients in Northern Ontario. This funding supports innovation, job creation and improved patient access to modern healthcare services in the Greater Sudbury region.”
– Dr. Aziz Qazi, Medical Director, Precision Care Centre Inc.
“With the support from the NOHFC, Sign City is able to modernize its fabrication and installation services and provide enhanced products and services to both Northern Ontario and nationally. These new fabrication opportunities mean that we can hire more employees to meet the new demand.”
– Dave Petryna, Owner and President, Sign City Inc.
Additional Resources
- The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.
| Media Contact
Sam McCormick, Minister’s Office Media Relations, Communications Branch |
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