NOVA Chemicals Corporation is a Canadian commodity chemical company, producing polyethylene and polystyrene for the world markets. NOVA recognizes the importance of new technology and intellectual property. In 1995, NOVA researchers embarked on a program designed to develop new catalyst technologies for the production of polyethylene. As part of this program, collaborations with key Canadian academic researchers were developed. A successful relationship was established with Professor D.W. Stephan at the University of Windsor. This collaboration has lead to the development of a new class of highly active, single-site catalysts for polymerization of ethylene. This collaboration continues in the form of joint-sponsorship of an Industrial Research Chair in olefin polymerization by NOVA Chemicals, the University and NSERC. The initial phase of this research program (2001-2006) targets issues of industrial importance based on a fundamental understanding of the chemistry.