Today@Dal

Dalhousie University is creating a new space where students and industry leaders can collaborate and learn together.

The ideaHUB is part of a $64-million Innovation and Design in Engineering and Architecture (IDEA) project announced in September to transform Dalhousie’s Sexton campus in downtown Halifax.

Dalhousie president Richard Florizone announced some big backing for the project Wednesday night at the Halifax Chamber of Commerce fall dinner.

It includes a commitment by Emera Inc. to give $10 million to the IDEA Project, with some of the funding to go directly to ideaHUB.

Starting in 2018, students will receive mentoring from business people and recent graduates, and be able to bring technology-based ideas to the market. About 15 startups will be housed in the ideaHUB, but many other companies could also become involved.

Mechanical engineering student Krista Prosser, 26, said even though she’s graduating from Dalhousie and won’t be able to immediately use the space, it will allow her to make an impact on the engineering community.

“I think it’s completely understood that, as recent grads, the idea of the ideaHUB is as critical for us as it is for students,” said Prosser. “That’s where we can connect with employers and students and we can collaborate on ideas . . . and really get that link between industry, recent grads and students that’s so crucial to help build our engineering economy.”

Florizone told the Chronicle Herald the hub would provide Nova Scotia students with plenty of opportunities.

“We may see students who want to just go in there and play a little bit and become a little more creative or have a creative outlet,” said Florizone.

“We need the students who will actually start companies . . . that are achieving great things. We may see students that graduate as engineers, but go work in an existing company, but they go into that company and they’re a little bit more creative and innovative because they’ve been exposed to these ideas.”

Bob Hanf, Emera’s executive vice-president of stakeholder relations and regulatory affairs, said Wednesday the ideaHUB addresses the need for innovation called for in the Ivany report.

Read full story (http://www.thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1411976-dal-business-bet-big-on-ideahub)