The Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA) has launched a national study to gain a better understanding of the industry’s current commercialization practices and challenges and to look for ways to enhance the effectiveness of commercialization in today’s global environment. The results will help Canadian executives within industry and government develop better practices, policies and programs to support the commercialization of innovation.
BCIC is proud to be part of this initiative, also endorsed by federal and provincial agencies, industry associations, academic institutions and not-for-profit organizations. Please provide your support by promoting the survey to your network of companies for feedback.
The online survey is available here. The survey should take about 15 minutes and all survey participants will be provided with a summary of the survey results and will receive an invitation to participate in a webinar focused on proposals for achieving a more effective commercialization environment in Canada. The last day to submit input is October 1st.
For more information on the study, visit www.cata.ca/commercialization. We appreciate your support in this initiative.
BCIC and New Ventures BC Society has recently launched the 2nd Annual BCIC- New Ventures Competition: Regional. The regional competition is like a boot camp for technology startups located outside Metro Vancouver. The cost to enter is $100 and provides participants with access to the competition's series of seminars and networking events while competing to take home one of three prizes totaling $60,000.
Registration is now open. Application deadline: October 19th, 2011, 11:59pm
This afternoon Ian Wong spoke at the Fort St John Rotary Club luncheon about the provincial government's investment capital programs.
Ian Wong is a Senior Portfolio Manager with the Investment Capital Branch of the British Columbia Ministry of Finance. He manages a portfolio of companies raising in excess of $50M annually through the Provincial tax credit program.
Ian's presentation, including his contact information, can be found attached below.
On October 27, 2010, Linda Nazareth spoke as the keynote presenter at Sci-Tech North's annual Excellence in Innovation awards.
Linda Nazareth is a dynamic public speaker with a talent for communicating how large scale economics play a role in localized business. Having worked as an economist for the federal government and with CIBC, she is well-versed with Canada’s economic strengths and opportunities. Her experiences as an author and broadcaster have developed her abilities to highlight locally-relevant information and communicate creatively. As the keynote speaker at the Excellence in Innovation Awards, Linda spoke about the global economic climate and presented on the importance of innovation as a key resource for moving the Canadian economy forward.
Please find her slides attached in PDF format here.
Category: Innovative Youth
Recognizes a creative young person (up to the age of 26) who has taken the initiative to develop innovation, teamwork and social responsibility.
Winner: SARAH GULLASON
Sarah has been working for over a year studying ways to reduce water consumption in plants and still sustain healthy growth. She is working on recycling diapers to add to the moisture content of the soil.
Category: Environmental Innovation
Recognizes committed individuals or organizations for creating solutions to protect the environment and promote ecological sustainability.
Winners: PEACE VALLEY OSB and THE CANFOR SAWMILL IN FORT ST JOHN
Peace Valley OSB operates a wood energy system that includes heat transfer (thermal oil systems) that produce all the heat needed for the plant and administration buildings, as well as combustion gas necessary for the wood drying process. The Canfor sawmill in Fort St. John has recently installed a new bark fired thermal oil energy system. This network removes particulate and organic compounds from the air stream to minimize air emissions.
Category: Innovation at Work
Recognizes the company, individual or organization that has implemented an innovative process or product created within the workplace that promotes efficiencies or introduces new processes within the operation.
Winners: DISTRICT OF TAYLOR and SPECTRA ENERGY
A major partnership between Spectra Energy and the District of Taylor re-uses secondary effluent from Spectra Energy operations for irrigation water at the District's Lone Wolf Golf Club. At 100% efficiency, this water line allows the golf course to utilize upwards of 500,000 gallons of secondary effluent per day for irrigation.
Category: Innovation in Education
Recognizes a non-profit organization that is committed to excellence in the development, promotion and use of technologies, practices and policies that foster enhanced access to learning for all students in all contexts.
Winner: THE NORTHERN BC DISTANCE EDUCATION SCHOOL
The Northern BC Distance Education School's staff and administration is focused on making each student’s learning experience unique to their needs and goals with a focus on learning any place, any pace and any time. In order to reach this goal in maximizing student potential they use a wide variety of technologies.
Category: Technology Entrepreneur
Recognizes an organization or an individual that has commercialized new technology.
Winner: EAGLE VISION VIDEO PRODUCTIONS LTD.
Eagle Vision Video Productions Ltd. has successfully developed and produced a stand-alone remote surveillance system. This new technology is the first of its kind in northern BC and Canada and its major use is surveillance in remote locations via a cellular network.
Category: Innovation in Industry
Recognizes the company or enterprise that has increased its production through the use of innovative processes, systems, or procedures.
Winner: LAKEVIEW CREDIT UNION
Over the past year Lake View Credit Union IT Department has implemented many new technologies within the organization to support sustainability and increase efficiency. Lake View Credit Union IT has implemented server virtualization, SAN mirroring technology as well as PC security control systems which has enabled Lake View IT to completely secure and maintain equipment remotely in two branches from a central location.
Category: Technology Leadership Award
Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated leadership and mentorship in developing, applying and promoting science or technology; and who actively contributes to their community.
Winners: RICH MCCREA and LISA BUCKLEY
Rich McCrea and Lisa Buckley are the two vertebrate paleontologists at the Peace Region Paleontology Centre in Tumbler Ridge. They are using digitization and digital photogrammetry equipment in their work to produce 3-D images of bones and tracks for use within their own lab and for use by researchers around the world who can access this material via the internet.
Network BC is pleased to introduce Round Three of the Connecting Citizens Grant Program, the latest in a series of initiatives to bridge the digital divide in British Columbia. This program is a multi-year grant initiative that helps to pay for infrastructure required to deliver high-speed Internet connectivity to more citizens in rural and remote locales of British Columbia.
The Connecting Citizens Grant Program is in response to rural community feedback that last mile infrastructure is critical to providing citizens with high-speed Internet access. This program is an opportunity for you to work with others in your locale to initiate a project for last mile connectivity to homes and businesses.
Round Three of the Connecting Citizens Grant Program will see $1.5 million allocated to program delivery in fiscal 2010/11. Under this program, Network BC will grant up to $50,000 per application to eligible applicants who can demonstrate an ability to expand Internet service to more British Columbians in rural and remote areas.
Network BC is committed to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all British Columbians can share in the economic and social benefits that connected communities can bring.
Applications must be received no later than 4:30pm PST November 29, 2010.
For further information or to apply for a grant for your locale, please refer to the Network BC website at http://www.network.gov.bc.ca or call 250 356-6118.
Is your business stalled by lack of capital? Is money the only thing standing between you and a major breakthrough? Overcoming financing challenges and growing a successful business is never easy, but a series of upcoming webinars in September can boost the chances for science, technology, and innovation entrepreneurs.
Sci-Tech North is pleased to announce the Access to Capital Program, a provincial initiative in partnership with the BC Regional Science & Technology Network (BCRSTN), a not-for-profit society whose members represent the eight regional councils within the Province.
Within the regions of BC, access to capital is a key barrier to the growth of innovative companies as many businesses are stalled by the lack of capital, and overcoming this challenge and growing a successful business requires additional support. A major drawback for many companies is a limited knowledge of funding sources for start-up, research, development and expansion.
In partnership with the BC Regional Science & Technology Network (BCRSTN), Sci-Tech North is offering an Access the Capital webinar series. The Access to Capital Program was created by the Mid-Island Science, Technology & Innovation Council (MISTIC) and developed in consultation with Tom O’Flaherty, former President of Bedford and Richmond Software (Maximizer). This program has proven to increase the chances for entrepreneurs by assisting in identifying appropriate funding sources, preparing for various funder requirements, developing a properly prepared plan, and creating linkages with peers and investors. The program will be facilitated by Tom and delivered as a series of four webinar sessions using GoToWebinar as the program delivery platform.
The Accessing Money: How to Beat the Odds is the first webinar of the Access to Capital Program, which will be presented in a 1 hour live session. During this webinar session, participants will be able to identify the appropriate source of funding they can access based on the type and stage of their business. Tom will deliver the Accessing Money: How to Beat the Odds webinar and discuss overcoming financing challenges to grow very successful companies. The webinar will also include who/what are the main sources of financing; what does each source of capital look for in an investment; and how to match up your business’s needs with suitable financing options.
The next three webinars, Becoming Investable: Business Plan and Targeting Your Market; Becoming Investable: Corporate Matters; and Becoming Investable: Valuation, Projections, Exit, will be presented as three 1 hour live webinar sessions. These webinars are for entrepreneurs that have identified that they are ready to access outside money. The session will provide entrepreneurs with information to assist them with preparing for investor presentations to access outside funding, including venture capital.
Upcoming LIVE Webinar Dates
September 2010
• Webinar Session #1 – Accessing Money: How to Beat the Odds
Tuesday, September 14, 2010 | 12:00 – 1:00pm
• Webinar Session #2 – Becoming Investable: Business Plan
and Targeting Your Market
Thursday, September 16, 2010 | 12:00 – 1:00pm
• Webinar Session #3 – Becoming Investable: Corporate Matters
Tuesday, September 21, 2010 | 12:00 – 1:00pm
• Webinar Session #4 – Becoming Investable: Valuation, Projections, Exit
Thursday, September 23, 2010 | 12:00 – 1:00pm
February 2011
• Webinar Session #1 – Accessing Money: How to Beat the Odds
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 | 12:00 – 1:00pm
• Webinar Session #2 – Becoming Investable: Business Plan
and Targeting Your Market
Thursday, February 17, 2011 | 12:00 – 1:00pm
• Webinar Session #3 – Becoming Investable: Corporate Matters
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 |12:00 – 1:00pm
• Webinar Session #4 – Becoming Investable: Valuation, Projections, Exit
Thursday, February 24, 2011 | 12:00 – 1:00pm
Entrepreneurs participating in these webinar sessions will receive an electronic copy of the comprehensive resource manual once they register and pay for the session. The cost of each webinar is $15 per participant. If you are unable to participate in the live webinar sessions, entrepreneurs can register to view the archived version. The cost of each archived webinar is $15 per participant.
Also included with the Access to Capital Program is individual business coaching assistance from a science and technology network Business Coach, to assist the business owner with developing a properly prepared business plan and presentation utilizing the information received from this webinar series. If entrepreneurs wish, a review panel made up of successful business mentors will provide feedback regarding your Executive Summary and investor/funder presentation.
For more information about the Access to Capital Program call the Sci-Tech North office at 250 785 9600.
SCI-TECH NORTH is pleased to announce a free Business Coaching Service to support regional innovators, business owners and entrepreneurs in knowledge-based industries via GoToMeetings, email and telephone.
Do you need assistance with:
• Discussing alternatives and options;
• Identifying your primary need and your next steps;
• Business start-up and growth;
• Developing or updating your business plan;
• Information about programs, grants and services for research and development;
• Identifying the gains and risks of exporting and linking to export markets;
• Assistance with human resource issues; and/or
• Partnering with other businesses within the region?
ASK A BUSINESS COACH!
businesscoach@mistic.bc.ca to email your question(s) to a Business Coach.
To review the bios of the Business Coaches, click here.
For more information or to meet with a Business Coach, please contact the Sci-Tech North office at 250 785 9600.
The Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC) has funding available to support science and/or technology interns at your organization. The Science and Technology Internship Program provides an opportunity to recent graduates in science or engineering to gain relevant and meaningful work experiences within their field of studies.
Any non-profit, for-profit, or non-federal government organization can become a CASC partner upon hiring an eligible intern to work on research and development projects that fall within the mandate of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). Partners then receive a contribution payment for a portion of the intern's salary.
Once approved, internships start at any time between August 2010 and March 2011, based on funding availability. The maximum contribution per internship from the CASC’s Science Interns Outreach Project fund will be $1,100 per month between August 2010 and March 31st, 2011.
Additional information, application instructions and contacts: www.canadiansciencecentres.ca/
Entrepreneurship@Wavefront is a new program being undertaken in partnership with BCIC to support and nurture 8 early-stage B.C. wireless companies. Program participants will receive one-year access to office space in Wavefront’s collaborative wireless incubation centre and $10k credit toward Wavefront’s advisory and testing services. Applications are being accepted until July 21, 2010. Learn more: http://www.wavefrontac.com/entrepreneurship-at-wavefront
Chemical engineers are working on carbon nanotubes that could be injected under the skin to reveal blood glucose levels.
Paul Barone, a postdoctoral researcher in MIT’s Department of Chemical Engineering and professor Michael Strano are working on a new type of blood glucose monitor that could not only eliminate the need for finger pricks but also offer more accurate readings.
“Diabetes is an enormous problem, global in scope, and despite decades of engineering advances, our ability to accurately measure glucose in the human body still remains quite primitive,” says Strano.
Strano and Barone’s sensing system consists of a “tattoo” of nanoparticles designed to detect glucose, injected below the skin. A device similar to a wristwatch would be worn over the tattoo, displaying the patient’s glucose levels.
The technology behind the MIT sensor is based on carbon nanotubes wrapped in a polymer that is sensitive to glucose concentrations. When this sensor encounters glucose, the nanotubes fluoresce, which can be detected by shining near-infrared light on them. Measuring the amount of fluorescence reveals the concentration of glucose.
The researchers plan to create an “ink” of these nanoparticles suspended in a saline solution that could be injected under the skin like a tattoo. The “tattoo” would last for a specified length of time, probably six months, before needing to be refreshed.
To get glucose readings, the patient would wear a monitor that shines near-infrared light on the tattoo and detects the resulting fluorescence. One advantage of this type of sensor is that, unlike some fluorescent molecules, carbon nanotubes aren’t destroyed by light exposure. “You can shine the light as long as you want, and the intensity won’t change,” says Barone. Because of this, the sensor can give continuous readings.
Sci-Tech North is pleased to welcome Margaret Fenton, B.Sc. P.Ag., R.P.F. to the Board of Directors. Long time resident of the Peace Region, Margaret brings her diverse academic, professional and cultural background to the Board. She has a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management with a Forestry major; an Associate of Arts, General Studies degree; and is both a BC Registered Professional Forester and a BC Professional Agrologist.
Her ten years experience in Natural Resources Management has mainly been garnered working with the BC Oil & Gas Commission in the capacity of Aboriginal Resource Officer, Oil and Gas Resource Officer – Forestry Specialist, and manager of Petroleum Development Roads. Margaret has conducted forestry reviews for conventional oil and gas exploration and development, Coal Bed gas, and geothermal projects.
Her experience includes being a scientific advisor for the Commission’s Science, Community and Environmental Knowledge (SCEK) Fund. The Oil and Gas Commission administers the SCEK Fund on behalf of the Small Explorers and Producers Association of Canada (SEPAC) and the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP).The Fund supports studies addressing environmental issues related to oil and gas exploration and development in Northeast British Columbia. Findings of completed studies are incorporated,where appropriate, into environmental practice and regulation.
Within the community Margaret does Inuit throat singing at events including the High on Ice Festival, is active in the Fort St John Farmer’s Market where she and her mother supply home baking and Native sewing, and is a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.
Burn calories and keep the music going: kinetic energy from running, jumping, or other motion is converted into electricity by the Dancepants kinetic music player. The internal energy makers generate juice only when the wearer is in motion, the harvested kinetic energy powers the connected MP3 player, and so long as you keep hustling, the tunes will keep flowing. A lead links a disc at the ankle of the pants to the music player in the front pocket and to ear buds. Run, run, run...
Innovators and Entrepreneurs:
Inspire the next generation of science and technology innovators: volunteer for Scientists and Innovators in Schools!
Environmentally friendly products at work in the resource industry...
2009 Climate Action Workshop Reports
A northern natural resource-based Canadian city contributes to climate change solutions on a global scale
While taking action to reduce their own impact on the planet, Fort St. John has had the opportunity to raise awareness about the Amazon forest at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. With a large resource base of oil, natural gas, agriculture and forestry, Fort St. John is known as British Columbia’s oil and gas capital but many would be surprised to know that this city of 18,000 people represented Canada at the Amazon Summit and contributed to the creation of The Letter of Manaus, a package that will be presented at the UN Climate Change Conference being held from December 7 to 18.
The Amazon Summit, held in October, brought together the nine countries who share the Amazon forest as well as participating countries from around the world who were asked to present their experiences on land development, buildings, water conservation, energy efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Horacio Galanti, director of planning and engineering for the City of Fort St. John, represented Canada and spoke at the Amazon Summit about the accomplishments of his city as well as those of BC and throughout Canada. He also contributed to the drafting of The Letter of Manaus.
“The summit involved people from around the world but everyone was on the same page and we worked very well together,” said Galanti. “I’m extremely proud to have had the opportunity to represent Fort St. John and Canada at this forum which could have an incredible legacy.”
The summit resulted in the creation of a permanent forum for the governments of these countries to work together on climate change related issues. The Letter of Manaus was created to recommend the inclusion of the Amazon forest in any new climate charter that results from the United Nations Climate Change Conference, as it is not represented in the current Kyoto Protocol that will expire in 2012.
Fort St. John was invited to participate in the Amazon Summit by a delegate from Brazil who attended the ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability World Congress in Edmonton in June. ICLEI (the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives) is an international association of governments that have made a commitment to sustainable development, including more than 1100 cities, towns and countries worldwide. Galanti’s experience in Fort St. John was a natural fit for the summit, his ability to communicate fluently in Portuguese, sealed the deal.
Galanti and Fort St. John city manager, Dianne Hunter, have discovered there is a lot of interest in the action they have taken to manage their city’s carbon footprint.
“It’s been very rewarding to have opportunities to share what we’ve learned and to demonstrate that we can take climate action even in a remote, northern city that is a major oil and gas hub,” said Hunter. “This is a young and vibrant city, we have a lot we want to accomplish.”
Compared to other parts of BC that have made their mark in greenhouse gas management and green building, Fort St. John faces unique challenges with a cold climate, northern location, a high number of jobs in the oil and gas and forestry sectors and a lifestyle that often includes rugged outdoor pursuits and larger recreational vehicles.
“Many of our accomplishments are not new ideas but we have created a strategy that makes sense for Fort St. John and that will allow us to continue to grow and develop, making the most of the resources we have,” said Hunter.
An example of Fort St. John’s commitment to conservation is the recent installation of water meters throughout the city.
“Water meters are commonly used in larger cities but it is quite uncommon in cities of similar size and location to Fort St. John,” said Galanti. “We are already seeing incredible results, having saved 500 million litres of water in the first 8 months of this year.”
Fort St. John’s strategies for reducing its impact:
1. Educating, incentives and regulations to encourage individuals, businesses and the city to reduce their impact on the environment.
Water metering
2. Short and long term sustainability planning
3. Environmental leadership
4. City Energy and Emissions Plan
Media Contact: The Tartan Group 250-592-3838
Amazing quality of scientific research by local student
Professional associations have mandatory requirements for ongoing professional development - Sci-Tech North is assisting the Peace Region Professionals with the organization of monthly events.
Celebrating the creativity and efforts of our Northern individuals and organizations.
Awards to recognize innovation through exemplary people, practices or programs...
A meeting of the nine member councils who take a lead role in facilitating science and technology commercialization.