The National Optics Institute in Quebec City has received a non-repayable award of $12 million from the federal government to maintain current technology programs, support small business growth and strengthen its presence in world markets. The funding flows through the Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec. Supported since its founding in 1985 by the federal and Quebec governments and industry, NOI recently established an office in Edmonton as part of its new role as a Centre of Excellence for Research and Commercialization (CECR). NOI was one of seven Industry Canada centres funded outside of the NCE-managed CECR program....