The Canada Foundation for Innovation updates its brand for the digital world

Ottawa, October 25, 2011 – Research and innovation are critical drivers of economic growth and quality of life. As the only organization in Canada mandated to invest in state-of-the-art research infrastructure in universities, colleges and research hospitals, the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is launching a bold new brand identity that takes full advantage of today’s digital advances and online environments.

“Our consultations indicate that the CFI brand is both trusted and valued when it comes to promoting world-class research excellence,” says Dr. Gilles G. Patry, the CFI’s president and CEO. “In 2012, the CFI will celebrate its fifteenth anniversary, and we want to share with Canadians our excitement, confidence and optimism about the contribution that research and innovation make to society.” 

The CFI’s new tagline — Research builds communities — highlights the tremendous role research and research infrastructure plays in our communities. CFI investments have increased Canada’s research capacity and helped clusters of expertise flourish in communities across the country. For example, photonics in Quebec City, aeronautics in Montréal, life sciences in Saskatoon, food security in Guelph and aquaculture in St. John’s, to name just a few.

Research infrastructure also enables cutting-edge research that benefits communities in areas such as health, the economy and the environment.  

The CFI’s previous logo was created in 1997, before the proliferation of high-speed wireless networks, smart phones and social networks. Just as innovation requires flexibility and adaptation, organizations, businesses and governments regularly update their brand and visual identity as they work to maintain industry best-practices and showcase current design norms. 

With its new brand and its commitment to working with its partners in Canada’s research enterprise, the CFI also aims to complement the messaging of the Government of Canada and of the federal granting agencies. The CFI’s new visual identity will be implemented in the coming months.