TRIUMF’s Technology Transfer Office organized a successful visit from a Chinese business investment group to British Columbia this April. The visiting delegation hailed primarily from the Guangdong province and had meetings not only with TRIUMF leadership but also senior members of the British Columbia science and technology sector.
After arranging their visit through the Technology Transfer Office, the Chinese group discussed options for a future contract with TRIUMF and its company Advanced Applies Physics Solutions, Inc (AAPS) for the manufacture of 19-MeV cyclotrons for medical applications. During the balance of their visit to British Columbia (BC), the group also had meetings with the BC Cancer Agency, the BC Innovation Council Office of International Partnerships, the University of British Columbia University-Industry Liaison Office, and the BC Ministry of Economic Development. The discussions covered development of cyclotron technology, the effect of Canadian intellectual property law on technology and knowledge transfer, and collaborations between the sister provinces of British Columbia and Guangdong Province.
Chinese industry is exploring the investment of resources in British Columbia, specifically in TRIUMF, in an effort to develop new products to compete in world markets. Based on the discussions with TRIUMF and AAPS, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between TRIUMF and the visiting Guangdong Donlim Kitchen Group to set up a framework for discussions. TRIUMF’s strong reputation in cyclotron design has spurred yet another venture with strong potential.
by Nathan Reboh
TRIUMF's Technology Transfer Assistant