News Releases

News Releaseshttp://70.38.34.216/News ReleasesITBurn:uuid:cb1e1fd3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 News ReleasesOCE’s AdvancingEducation Program Funds Exciting Classroom InnovationsThe first six projects to be funded through the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) AdvancingEducation program include a game-based approach to motivating children, a multisensory chair for children with autism and a new approach to distance education. Mon, 21 Nov 2016 18:34:44 ZTORONTO, November 21, 2016 – The first six projects to be funded through the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) AdvancingEducation program include a game-based  approach to motivating children, a multisensory chair for children with autism and a new approach to distance education.  A partnership between the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services (MGCS) and OCE, AdvancingEducation brings innovation into classrooms across the province by matching needs in the public education system with innovative products and services from Ontario companies. With the goal of advancing innovation in the ed-tech ecosystem, a second round of funding is underway and OCE will be accepting applications until January 23, 2017.   OCE will also be presenting the AdvancingEducation Partnering Forum which will provide insight into challenges and opportunities in Ontario’s public education system that could be addressed using innovative technologies. The forum will take place Wednesday November 23, 2016 from 8:30am to 4:00pm at the Tannery Event Centre, 151 Charles Street West in Kitchener, Ontario. Originally unveiled in February of this year, the $5 million AdvancingEducation program will connect Ontario’s English and French publically funded elementary and high schools, and post-secondary institutions with Ontario companies to test early market interest and demonstrate innovative products and technologies in an education setting. The program invests in collaborative innovation projects as a means of building a strong case for adoption and system-wide scaling. Successful projects in the AdvancingEducation program will assist students in learning everything from time and task management utilizing assistive technology, to demonstrating knowledge integration through complex and instructionally-rich simulations. “OCE’s AdvancingEducation program brings innovation right into the classroom, delivering real benefits to Ontario’s education system and, most importantly, the students,” says Dr. Tom Corr, OCE’s President and CEO.  The first six projects to receive funding are: <ul> <li>A media-rich, self-directed program designed to strengthen students’ skills in mathematics, increase achievement in mathematics and increase student engagement levels. Partners: Humber College ITAL, Toronto Catholic District School Board and Vretta Inc.</li> <li>An expansion of Brili’s internationally successful routine and activity time management software platform to meet the specific time management and self-regulation needs of students in classrooms. Partners: École secondaire publique Omer-Deslauriers, Semaphore Research Cluster at the University of Toronto and Brili, Inc., with support from IBM Canada Inc.</li> <li>An initiative that integrates partners from post-secondary institutions, K-12 and the technology sector to build a bridge of experiential, generation-engaged, personalized education delivered through common mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets. Partners: York University, Quanser Consulting Inc., and St. Robert Catholic High School</li> <li>A partnership that will improve assessment of student work in the distance education setting using an online collaborative grading and analytics platform. Partners: University of Waterloo, University of Guelph and Crowdmark </li> <li>The development of an intelligent simulation platform through which non-technical teams can build and share complex, interactive simulations in law, medicine, engineering and business using cognitive computing and natural language processing. Partners: Queen’s University and Ametros Learning</li> <li>The development of a telecommunications system, called the Webchair, with a multisensory system, called the Emoti-chair, so that children with autism can control their social and auditory presence at school. Partners: Ryerson University, Tactile Audio Displays Inc. and WebChair   </li> </ul> “Ontario has one of the highest-performing education systems in the world. We will continue to work with educators and leaders to build on our accomplishments by supporting innovation, transforming our classrooms and giving our students every opportunity to excel and build a prosperous province,” said Marie-France Lalonde, Minister of Government and Consumer Services.   AdvancingEducation Partnering Forum Wednesday November 23, 2016 8:30am to 4:00pm Tannery Event Centre, 151 Charles Street West Kitchener, Ontario Register <a href="https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ecvz3vh1ee8fa42d&oseq=&c=&ch=">here</a>.   Media Contact: Andrew Robertson Manager, Media Relations t: 416.861.1092 x 1092  <a href="mailto:andrew.robertson@oce-ontario.org">andrew.robertson@oce-ontario.org</a> About Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. <a href="http://www.oce-ontario.org/">OCE</a> drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research across key market sectors to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario's global competitiveness. In doing this, OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario's industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, investors and governments. A champion of leading-edge technologies, best practices and research, OCE invests in sectors such as advanced health, digital media and information communications, advanced manufacturing and materials, and cleantech including energy, environment and water. OCE is a key partner in delivering Ontario's Innovation Agenda as a member of the province's Ontario Network of Excellence (ONE). Funded by the Government of Ontario, the ONE is made up of regional and sector-focused organizations and helps Ontario-based entrepreneurs rapidly grow their company and create jobs AdvancingEducation Backgrounder- Partners Partners: Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), Humber College and Vretta Inc. Facing weak mathematics performance across Ontario, TCDSB recognized that a provincial solution is needed to help students achieve their full potential. Vretta Inc. collaborated with Ontario’s 24 colleges to develop the Ontario College Math Test (OCMT), a unique self-directed program that contains diagnostic math assessments, interactive remediation modules and carefully tailored tests. In providing TCDSB students in Grade 9 Applied Mathematics with access to the OCMT program, this project will strengthen students’ skills and achievement in mathematics and also increase engagement levels. Partners: École secondaire publique Omer-Deslauriers, University of Toronto and Brili, Inc. With support from IBM Canada Inc., this collaboration will develop a version of Brili’s internationally successful software platform to meet the specific time management and self-regulation needs of students in classroom settings. Brili is an assistive technology designed to help children stay motivated and on task as they perform and learn daily routine activities. Its game-based approach to learning time management and life skills keeps children motivated while providing caregivers with advanced real-time, remote monitoring and performance analysis so they can engage constructively in the child’s progress. Partners: York University, St. Robert CHS and Quanser Consulting Inc. Even students who excel in high school math classes can struggle with the demands of post-secondary STEM to the point that success, and even retention, are real concerns. This initiative integrates partners from York University, St. Robert CHS (K-12), and Quanser to build experiential, generation-engaged, personalized education that helps bridge the gap between high school math and STEM concepts taught at post-secondary institutions using common mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets. Partners: University of Waterloo, University of Guelph and Crowdmark, Inc. This project aims to improve the assessment of student work in the distance education setting. Crowdmark, an education technology company based in Toronto, provides an online collaborative grading and analytics platform that has already cut grading time and improved student learning at 30 universities worldwide. Working collaboratively, the partners will validate the potential for online collaborative grading in distance education scenarios in Ontario. Partners: Queen's University and Ametros Learning Simulations of real-world scenarios and challenges are powerful methods for students to gain the professional knowledge needed to succeed in their careers, but they can be prohibitively expensive. Building on Ametros Learning’s Digital Simulation Platform (ADSP), the Queen’s University Faculty of Law, Ametros Learning and a consortium of international law schools from Australia, the U.K. and the U.S., are partnering to develop an intelligent simulation platform that will allow non-technical teams to build and share complex, interactive simulations in law, medicine, engineering and business. Partners: Ryerson University, Tactile Audio Displays Inc. and WebChair Children with autism face unique physical and social challenges that can often lead to being bullied or socially isolated at school. To improve their educational experience, the project partners are collaborating to create WebMoti, a platform that integrates a high-tech video conference system, called the WebChair, with a multisensory system called the Emoti-Chair. The WebChair allows students to attend classes remotely, using a video and sound system that lets them feel like they’re sitting at their desk. The Emoti-Chair provides an audio tactile system that allows users to feel sounds. urn:uuid:91021fd3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 News Releases$50,000 in Awards Presented to Innovators by Ontario Centres of ExcellenceMore than 360 guests participated in Ontario Centres of Excellence's (OCE's) AGM and annual awards presentation at Design Exchange in downtown Toronto.Fri, 28 Oct 2016 14:59:27 ZTORONTO, Oct. 28, 2016 /CNW/ - More than 360 guests participated in Ontario Centres of Excellence's (OCE's) AGM and annual awards presentation at Design Exchange in downtown Toronto last night. <img src="http://70.38.34.216/images/default-source/news-release-photos/agm2016-452x300.png?sfvrsn=0" displaymode="Original" alt="L-R: Michael Nobrega, OCE Board Chair, Dr. Tom Corr, OCE President and CEO, Erik Lankin of Accelerated Systems Inc., Chekema Prince of Pression, and Reza Moridi, Minister of Research, Innovation and Science. " title="AGM2016-452x300" /> In addition to presenting $50,000 in awards, highlights of the evening included the release of OCE's 2015/16 Annual Report, an on-site showcase of 24 OCE-funded companies representing some of the past year's great success stories, and an address by the Honourable Reza Moridi, Ontario's Minister of Research, Innovation and Science. Minister Moridi assisted Dr. Tom Corr, OCE's President and CEO and Michael Nobrega, OCE Board Chair, in presenting the two OCE awards, each valued at $25,000; <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>OCE's <a href="http://www.oce-ontario.org/awards/martin-walmsley-award-for-entrepreneurship" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martin Walmsley Award for Entrepreneurship</a> was awarded to Chekema Prince, co-founder of <a href="http://velocity.uwaterloo.ca/companies/pression/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pression</a>. Pression's technology is a generational leap in the delivery of compression therapy for vascular disease treatment and increased muscle performance, supporting increased patient compliance, better patient outcomes, and reducing healthcare cost. Their new, feedback-driven compression technology integrates wearable electronics and intelligent algorithms to provide comfortable, effective, and individualized treatment, developed in partnership with Lockheed Martin Corporation. </li> <li>The OCE <a href="http://www.oce-ontario.org/awards/mindtomarket" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mind-to-Market Award 2016</a> was awarded to <a href="http://accelerated-systems.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Accelerated Systems Inc</a>. and <a href="http://www.mcmaster.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">McMaster University</a>. Accelerated Systems Inc. (ASi) develops and manufactures advanced drivetrain systems for battery and hybrid-based vehicles. Through innovation and intelligent design, ASi excels at delivering smart, silent, and smooth-performing products. The project involves collaboration between ASi and McMaster University, through which the development of unique drivetrain features can be turned into market-leading products.</li> </ul> "OCE's work is a key ingredient in creating the knowledge-based economy of the future and securing Ontario's position as a leading centre of research excellence and innovation," said Reza Moridi, Ontario's Minister of Research, Innovation and Science. "I want to congratulate Chekema Prince, co-founder of Pression, for winning the Martin Walmsley Award for Entrepreneurship, and Accelerated Systems Inc. along with McMaster University for being selected as the winners of the Mind-to-Market Award. Both are well deserved and demonstrate Ontario's strengths in entrepreneurship and innovation." Both awards celebrate innovation and the positive economic impact it has in Ontario, which is at the heart of OCE's mandate and programs. Learn more about all the finalists for the Martin Walmsley Award <a href="https://youtu.be/lPAJlkyMufY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> and the Mind-to-Market Award <a href="https://youtu.be/1Q0hzhGifiQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here.</a> The 2015/16 OCE AGM was also a cause for celebration, as the Annual Report shows OCE broke last year's records in key performance measurements. "The direction over the past year has been to think big and to pivot the organization to large programs in sectors with a critical industrial presence in the province," said Michael Nobrega, OCE Board Chair. "As the Ontario government has become focused on industries and sectors where the province already has strengths and can build on those strengths, it has looked to OCE to move those sectors ahead and build new industries. This includes work on connected and automated vehicles, cybersecurity, cognitive computing and greenhouse gas reduction." In 2015-2016, OCE saw; <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>A significant increase in the number of jobs that were created or retained as a direct result of OCE-funded projects – 6,071 jobs – an 11 per cent increase over last year;</li> <li>A record amount of follow-on investment from angel investors and venture capitalists. At $563 million, the highest in OCE history and a 50 per cent increase over last year;</li> <li>A record amount of incremental sales by client companies as a direct result of OCE-funded projects. At $165 million, a record amount and almost four times that of last year;</li> <li>Reduced operating costs for OCE as a percentage of funds deployed. It has decreased from 16.6 per cent in fiscal 2010 to 9.3 per cent in fiscal 2016.</li> </ul> "It's been a year of substantial growth and, more importantly, a year that has taken us to a new plateau in terms of the impact we are able to have on Ontario's innovation system and economy," said Dr. Corr. "Guided by the strategic vision of our provincial government, OCE finds itself increasingly focused on large-scale programs in sectors where Ontario already has significant strength, where the potential for economic impact and global competitiveness is significant, and where the need for solutions is urgent."  View the full 2015/16 OCE Annual Report <a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/65cbf723-7716-4d83-955c-b4d2d9e73b6f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. View the 2015/16 OCE Financial Report <a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/8e256710-5c46-4b78-b004-8d545973f8ae" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. About Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. <a href="http://www.oce-ontario.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OCE</a> drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research across key market sectors to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario's global competitiveness. In doing this, OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario's industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, investors and governments. A champion of leading-edge technologies, best practices and research, OCE invests in sectors such as advanced health, digital media and information communications, advanced manufacturing and materials, and cleantech including energy, environment and water. OCE is a key partner in delivering Ontario's Innovation Agenda as a member of the province's Ontario Network of Excellence (ONE). Funded by the Government of Ontario, the ONE is made up of regional and sector-focused organizations and helps Ontario-based entrepreneurs rapidly grow their company and create jobs. SOURCE Ontario Centres of Excellence Inc. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lPAJlkyMufY" frameborder="0"></iframe> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1Q0hzhGifiQ" frameborder="0"></iframe> For further information: Media Contact: Andrew Robertson, Manager, Media Relations, t: 416.861.1092 x 1092, andrew.robertson@oce-ontario.org RELATED LINKS <a title="Link to http://www.oce-ontario.org/" href="http://www.oce-ontario.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.oce-ontario.org/</a>urn:uuid:6fc21dd3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 News ReleasesCanada Fourth-Largest Cybersecurity Hub in the WorldCanada ranks as the fourth-largest innovation hub in the world for cybersecurity with Ontario leading the country, concludes a report released today. Commissioned by Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and the Toronto Financial Services Alliance (TFSA), the report states that Ontario has the potential to assume a more dominant leadership role in cybersecurity, given its current strengths in financial services and technology, if it takes immediate steps to seize the opportunity. The ranking is based on venture capital deals in the cybersecurity sector.Wed, 19 Oct 2016 13:05:39 Z<div> Independent report prepared for Toronto Financial Services Alliance and Ontario Centres of Excellence ranks U.S. first, followed by Israel and the U.K., then Canada.   Ontario well-positioned to be global leader in cybersecurity, yet needs further investment and coordination. TORONTO, October 19, 2016 – Canada ranks as the fourth-largest innovation hub in the world for cybersecurity with Ontario leading the country, concludes a report released today. Commissioned by Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and the Toronto Financial Services Alliance (TFSA), the report states that Ontario has the potential to assume a more dominant leadership role in cybersecurity, given its current strengths in financial services and technology, if it takes immediate steps to seize the opportunity. The ranking is based on venture capital deals in the cybersecurity sector. “Given the risks that cybersecurity poses to all businesses, but particularly to the financial services industry, this is very good news,” says Janet Ecker, President and CEO of TFSA.  “Canada’s financial industry has an international reputation for stability, safety and growth. And, it is headquartered right here in the Toronto-Waterloo innovation corridor, among one of the largest technology hubs in North America. This presents a huge opportunity to build capacity to support the financial industry and to generate economic growth.” Entitled “Harnessing the Cybersecurity Opportunity for Growth”, the report was produced by Deloitte LLP (Deloitte), well known for its expertise in this space.  It concludes that there are significant benefits for Ontario if the province were to strengthen its cybersecurity innovation ecosystem, with a focus on the financial services industry.  “The report strongly reinforces our view that the strength of both our financial services industry and the province’s innovation ecosystem present a major opportunity for economic growth and global leadership in cybersecurity,” says Tom Corr, President and CEO, Ontario Centres of Excellence.  “We have already established significant clusters of cybersecurity innovation. What’s needed now is the coordination and focused support that will take this to a new level of global competitiveness.” In the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk 2016 report, cybersecurity risk was recognized as one of the top commercial risks along with geopolitics, the environment, and the economy. The Deloitte report makes it clear that although Ontario is well positioned, there are still areas that need to be improved if the province is to establish a leadership position in a globally competitive environment. The report also notes that other jurisdictions around the world are poised to step into the breach and recommends that Ontario act quickly on this window of opportunity for growth in cybersecurity or risk losing substantive benefits, including high-skilled jobs, long-term security and overall economic prosperity. Highlights of the report indicate a number of elements that are referenced as areas of “strength and friction within Ontario’s cybersecurity innovation ecosystem on which to build and solve for”: <ol> <li>The future of innovation in the financial services industry is intimately linked to cybersecurity creating opportunities for shared growth.</li> <li>While Ontario has organically developed significant clusters of cybersecurity innovation, there is no single centre of gravity, coordination, or systemic catalyst to bring it all together.</li> <li>There is a cybersecurity talent shortage globally and in Ontario.</li> <li>There is limited collaboration on applying Ontario’s R&D strengths in related fields to cybersecurity problems.</li> <li>Ontario is well-positioned to access some of the largest domestic and international cybersecurity markets and sources of capital, but a lack of visibility, a limited culture of ‘buying Canadian,’ and a relatively risk-averse domestic client base has historically hindered this potential advantage for cybersecurity innovators in Ontario.</li> <li>Cybersecurity is an area of strategic collaboration for financial services and other industries.</li> <li>A historically sound regulatory environment has potentially led to a risk-averse approach to innovation for the financial services industry.</li> </ol> The report can be found online at <a href="http://www.oce-ontario.org/Cyber-Report">www.oce-ontario.org/Cybersecurity-Report</a> </div> <div> Media Contacts: Andrew Robertson Manager, Media Relations Ontario Centres of Excellence T: 416.861.1092 x 1092  andrew.robertson@oce-ontario.org   Marta Andradzka Marketing Manager Toronto Financial Services Alliance (TFSA) T: 416.933.6788 mandradzka@tfsa.ca </div> About the TFSA The <a href="file:///C:/Users/jecker/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/KFEN2718/www.tfsa.ca">Toronto Financial Services Alliance</a> is a public/private partnership between governments and the financial industry, dedicated to enhancing and promoting Toronto region as a  as a “top ten” international financial services centre. Its membership encompasses core financial services companies – banks, brokerages, investment fund managers, pension funds, and insurance companies – as well as partner sectors – accounting, law and academia. About Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. <a href="http://www.oce-ontario.org/">OCE</a> drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research across key market sectors to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario's global competitiveness. In doing this, OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario's industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, investors and governments. A champion of leading-edge technologies, best practices and research, OCE invests in sectors such as advanced health, digital media and information communications, advanced manufacturing and materials, and cleantech including energy, environment and water. OCE is a key partner in delivering Ontario's Innovation Agenda as a member of the province's Ontario Network of Excellence (ONE). Funded by the Government of Ontario, the ONE is made up of regional and sector-focused organizations and helps Ontario-based entrepreneurs rapidly grow their company and create jobsurn:uuid:20581dd3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 News ReleasesThree Ontario Teams Qualify as Semi-Finalists in Global Carbon XPRIZE Challenge. OCE earmarks up to $2.5 M to support semi-finalistsOntario Centres of Excellence (OCE) is thrilled to congratulate three Ontario-based teams among the 27 semi-finalists in the $20 million global NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE competition. These semi-finalists -- Pond Technologies, Tandem Technical and CERT -- were selected from 47 international entrants.Mon, 17 Oct 2016 14:20:49 ZTORONTO, October 17, 2016- Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) is thrilled to congratulate three Ontario-based teams among the 27 semi-finalists in the $20 million global NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE competition. These semi-finalists -- Pond Technologies, Tandem Technical and CERT -- were selected from 47 international entrants. "I am proud of Ontario's Carbon XPRIZE semi-finalists as these bright and hardworking researchers, engineers and scientists are on the frontline of fighting climate change,” says Reza Moridi, Ontario’s Minister of Research, Innovation and Science. “Ontario is proud to support their work and we wish them the best as they develop ways to make our planet healthier for generations to come." The three semi-finalists from Ontario include; <ul> <li><a href="http://www.pondbiofuels.com/" target="_blank">Pond Technology's Carbon Cyclers</a> – Led by Peter Howard, the team is producing biodiesel and solid biofuel. </li> <li><a href="http://www.tandemtechnical.com/" target="_blank">Tandem Technical</a> – Led by Jerry Flynn, the team is producing health supplements, toothpaste, paint and fertilizers. </li> <li><a href="http://www.light.utoronto.ca/" target="_blank">CERT</a> – Led by Ted Sargent, the team is producing formic acid, an environmentally friendly product, at up to five times lower cost than today’s fossil fuel based processes.</li> </ul> “Congratulations to CERT, Pond Technology’s Carbon Cyclers, and Tandem Technical for making it to  the semi-finals in the prestigious Carbon XPRIZE competition,” says Glen Murray, Ontario’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “Innovative ideas like these are helping Ontario lead the fight against climate change and transition to a low carbon economy. It is inspiring to see Ontario companies delivering the next generation of clean technology solutions that will help the world mitigate and adapt to climate change. ” The Pond, CERT and Tandem Technical teams will now continue to the semi-finals of the $20 million competition with support from OCE. As a part of Stream 3 of OCE’s Target GHG initiative funded by the Ontario Government with $74 million from the Ontario Green Investment Fund, OCE has earmarked up to $2.5 million to assist Ontario teams that have advanced to the semi-finals. This funding, subject to OCE’s program due diligence and eligibility, could be used to develop and demonstrate concepts as they progress in the Carbon XPRIZE competition. Each team will also be assigned a Business Development Manager from OCE during their time in the competition. “I’m very proud of the work being done by all of these teams to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and repurpose CO2 into valuable products right here in Ontario,” says Dr. Tom Corr, OCE’s President and CEO. “Incentivizing our homegrown innovators to create disruptive technologies that convert emissions from industrial facilities and power plants into everyday items is a great step forward in the global fight against climate change. The Carbon XPRIZE competition will help accelerate commercialization of new products in our province as they move more quickly from concepts to commodities.” The Carbon XPRIZE has a mission to inspire the best and brightest innovators in the world to help solve climate change. The teams whose breakthrough technologies have made the semi-finals will demonstrate ways to convert CO2 emissions from industrial facilities and power plants into new products like building materials, alternative fuels, fish food, fertilizer and even shoes. The competition includes two tracks, with one focused on testing technologies at a coal power plant and the other at a natural gas power plant. One winner from each track will receive $7.5 million USD, and scoring will be based on the amount of CO2 converted plus the net value of the team’s products. Quick Facts <ul> <li>Of the 27 semi-finalists, 9 teams from Canada are moving to round two with Ontario having the highest number of participating teams.</li> <li> Over the past two years, OCE has supported 243 clean-tech related projects leading to the creation and retention of close to 900 jobs.</li> <li>The <a href="http://www.oce-ontario.org/programs/strategic-initiatives/TargetGHG">OCE Target GHG program</a> is supported by the Ontario government with $74 million in funding from its<a href="https://www.ontario.ca/page/green-investment-fund">Ontario Green Investment Fund</a>, which is dedicated to projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, support cleantech innovation and drive job creation and economic development. </li> <li>The <a href="http://www.oce-ontario.org/programs/strategic-initiatives/TargetGHG/oce-carbon-xprize-partnership">OCE Carbon XPRIZE Partnership</a> initiative is part of Stream 3 of OCE’s Target GHG initiative funded by the Ontario Government with $74 million from the Ontario Green Investment Fund.</li> <li>The <a href="http://carbon.xprize.org/">Carbon XPRIZE</a> competition began in September 2015 and ends in March 2020.</li> </ul> Media Contact: Andrew Robertson Manager, Media Relations t: 416.861.1092 x 1092  <a href="mailto:andrew.robertson@oce-ontario.org">andrew.robertson@oce-ontario.org</a> About Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. <a href="http://www.oce-ontario.org/">OCE</a> drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research across key market sectors to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario's global competitiveness. In doing this, OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario's industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, investors and governments. A champion of leading-edge technologies, best practices and research, OCE invests in sectors such as advanced health, digital media and information communications, advanced manufacturing and materials, and cleantech including energy, environment and water. OCE is a key partner in delivering Ontario's Innovation Agenda as a member of the province's Ontario Network of Excellence (ONE). Funded by the Government of Ontario, the ONE is made up of regional and sector-focused organizations and helps Ontario-based entrepreneurs rapidly grow their company and create jobs.urn:uuid:afd61cd3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 News ReleasesHigh school entrepreneurship competition returns for fifth yearToday, the Government of Ontario and Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) launched the fifth year of the Young Entrepreneurs, Make Your Pitch competition, an event which helps foster high school entrepreneurs.Fri, 30 Sep 2016 18:26:18 ZTORONTO, Sept. 30, 2016 - Today, the Government of Ontario and Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) launched the fifth year of the Young Entrepreneurs, Make Your Pitch competition, an event which helps foster high school entrepreneurs. Since being introduced in 2013, hundreds of Ontario high school students have pitched their business ideas to experts and the public through the competition. Each year, the competition has been a catalyst for high school students to begin thinking  as entrepreneurs and consider a possible new career path in entrepreneurship. For example, finalist Kailyn Seo did not ever consider entrepreneurship until she entered, and ultimately won, the <a href="http://www.makeyourpitch.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Young Entrepreneurs, Make Your Pitch</a> competition as a Grade 11 student last spring. "In just a few months, the experience has introduced me to a world I never considered," said Seo. "I never thought I'd be the CEO of my own company, yet here I am." The business Seo founded with the help of Make Your Pitch is Bookshopop, a creative and interactive alternative to greeting cards. <a href="http://www.makeyourpitch.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Young Entrepreneurs, Make Your Pitch</a> challenges high school students to pitch their business idea in a two-minute video. The videos are evaluated by judges from the business community with the public able to vote for the best pitch online. Twenty finalists will present their ideas to a judging panel at OCE's Discovery conference in Toronto on May 15 - 16, 2017, where they will also receive coaching from a number of Ontario business leaders. The competition is part of the Government of Ontario's $565-million Youth Jobs Strategy. "Ontario has some of the most innovative, hardworking young entrepreneurs," commented Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Growth. "The Make Your Pitch competition aims to showcase young Ontarians' world-class business acumen." "A robust workforce and strong entrepreneurship are two pillars of a thriving Ontario economy," added OCE President and CEO Dr. Tom Corr. "At OCE, we see every day that young people have the ability to change the province and the world through their business ideas. This competition is their opportunity to shape the future." Six winners will be selected and presented with reserved entry into Ontario's Summer Company program, an award that includes business training, mentoring, and a grant of up to $3,000 to help start and run their own summer businesses. The video submission period ends on March 29, 2017. Finalists will be announced April 24, 2017. About Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. (<a href="http://www.oce-ontario.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.oce-ontario.org/</a>) Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario's global competitiveness. OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario's industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, domestic and foreign investors, and government ministries. A champion of leading-edge technologies, best practices, innovation, entrepreneurship and research, OCE invests in such areas as advanced health, information and communications technology, digital media, advanced materials and manufacturing, agri-food, aerospace, transportation, energy, and the environment including water and mining. OCE is a key partner in delivering Ontario's Innovation Agenda as a member of the province's Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), which helps Ontario-based entrepreneurs and industry rapidly grow their company and create jobs. Learn more at <a href="http://www.onebusiness.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.onebusiness.ca</a> For further information: Andrew Robertson, (416) 861 1092 x 1092, andrew.robertson@oce-ontario.orgurn:uuid:afd61cd3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 Lancement de la cinquième édition d’un concours d’entrepreneuriat à l’école secondaire Aujourd’hui, le gouvernement de l’Ontario et les Centres d’excellence de l’Ontario (CEO) ont donné le coup d’envoi à la cinquième édition du concours Jeunes entrepreneurs, faites votre présentation d’affaires, qui encourage le développement de l’esprit d’entreprise au secondaire.Fri, 30 Sep 2016 18:26:18 ZTORONTO, 30 septembre 2016 /CNW/ – Aujourd’hui, le gouvernement de l’Ontario et les Centres d’excellence de l’Ontario (CEO) ont donné le coup d’envoi à la cinquième édition du concours Jeunes entrepreneurs, faites votre présentation d’affaires, qui encourage le développement de l’esprit d’entreprise au secondaire. Depuis son lancement en 2013, ce concours a permis à des centaines d’élèves ontariens du secondaire de présenter leurs concepts d’affaires devant des experts et des membres du public. Chaque année, le concours sert de catalyseur, amenant les élèves à penser en entrepreneurs et à envisager l’entrepreneuriat comme nouvelle possibilité de carrière. Ainsi, Kailyn Seo, une élève de 11e année, n’avait jamais songé à l’entrepreneuriat avant de s’inscrire au concours <a href="http://www.faitesvotrepitch.ca/">Jeunes entrepreneurs, faites votre présentation d’affaires</a> au printemps dernier et de faire partie des lauréats. « En l’espace de quelques mois, cette expérience m’a fait découvrir un monde auquel je n’avais jamais réfléchi, explique Seo. Jamais je n’aurais imaginé être à la tête de ma propre entreprise, et pourtant m’y voilà. » Avec l’aide de Faites votre présentation d’affaires, Seo a créé Bookshopop, une entreprise qui propose des solutions de rechange originales et interactives aux cartes de v&oelig;ux. Le concours <a href="http://www.makeyourpitch.ca/">Jeunes entrepreneurs, faites votre présentation d’affaires</a> invite les élèves du secondaire à promouvoir leur idée d’affaires dans une vidéo de deux minutes. Les vidéos sont soumises à l’examen de juges provenant du milieu des affaires ainsi qu’au public, qui vote en ligne pour la meilleure présentation. Vingt finalistes iront présenter leur concept devant un jury, lors de la conférence Discovery des CEO tenue à Toronto les 15 et 16 mai 2017, non sans avoir reçu au préalable les conseils éclairés de plusieurs chefs d’entreprise de l’Ontario. Le concours s’inscrit dans le cadre de la Stratégie ontarienne d’emploi pour les jeunes, dotée d’un budget de 565 millions de dollars. « L’Ontario compte certains des jeunes entrepreneurs les plus innovants et les plus travailleurs qui soient », fait remarquer Brad Duguid, ministre du Développement économique et de la Croissance. « Le concours Faites votre présentation d’affaires cherche à mettre en valeur le sens aigu des affaires que possèdent les jeunes Ontariennes et Ontariens. » « Une main-d’&oelig;uvre solide et un vif esprit d’entreprise, voilà les deux piliers d’une économie ontarienne florissante », d’ajouter le président et chef de la direction des CEO, Tom Corr. « Aux CEO, nous constatons chaque jour que les jeunes ont la capacité de transformer la province, et le monde, grâce à leurs idées d’entreprise. Ce concours est une occasion pour eux de façonner l’avenir ». Les six lauréats du concours se verront offrir une place au programme Entreprise d’été de l’Ontario, prix comprenant une formation en affaires, des services de mentorat ainsi qu’une subvention pouvant atteindre 3 000 $ pour aider les participants à monter et à exploiter leur propre entreprise d’été. La période de présentation des vidéos prend fin le 29 mars 2017. Les noms des finalistes seront annoncés le 24 avril 2017. Quelques mots au sujet des Centres d’excellence de l’Ontario inc. (<a href="http://www.oce-ontario.org/)">http://www.oce-ontario.org/)</a> Les Centres d’excellence de l’Ontario (CEO) appuient la commercialisation de la recherche de pointe pour construire l’économie de demain et assurer la compétitivité de l’Ontario à l’échelle mondiale. Les CEO favorisent la formation et le perfectionnement de la prochaine génération d’innovateurs et d’entrepreneurs et constituent un partenaire clé pour l’industrie, les universités, les collèges, les hôpitaux de recherche, les investisseurs canadiens et étrangers, et les ministères gouvernementaux. Champions des technologies de pointe, des pratiques exemplaires, de l’innovation, de l’entrepreneuriat et de la recherche, les CEO investissent dans des secteurs tels la technologie médicale, la technologie de l’information et des communications, les médias numériques, les matériaux et la fabrication de pointe, l’agroalimentaire, l’aérospatiale, le transport, l’énergie et l’environnement, notamment l’eau et les mines. Les CEO sont un partenaire de premier plan dans la prestation du programme d’innovation de la province, à titre de membre du Réseau d’entrepreneurs de l’Ontario (REO), qui a pour mandat d’aider les entrepreneurs de la province à développer rapidement leurs entreprises et à créer de nouveaux emplois. Pour en savoir plus, visitez le <a href="http://www.onebusiness.ca/">www.onebusiness.ca</a>  Renseignements : Andrew Robertson, (416) 861 1092 x 1092, andrew.robertson@oce-ontario.orgurn:uuid:abd51cd3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 News ReleasesChina-Ontario Incubator Proves to be SuccessfulTen more Ontario start-ups have joined the ranks of a successful first-to-market incubator for companies looking to make the most of opportunities in China thanks to a partnership between Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and the China Canada Angels Alliance (CCAA).Thu, 29 Sep 2016 17:28:00 ZTen More Companies Join Program TORONTO, Sept. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - Ten more Ontario start-ups have joined the ranks of a successful first-to-market incubator for companies looking to make the most of opportunities in China thanks to a partnership between Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and the China Canada Angels Alliance (CCAA).  Last year, 10 investment-ready companies made up the inaugural cohort of the China Angels Mentorship Program (CAMP).  Those first 10 companies have already generated close to $6 million in follow-on investments including $1.6 million from CCAA.  This year's cohort of ten companies is comprised of: Stack Fintech Inc., Cyclica Inc., Mosaic Manufacturing Ltd., Law Scout Inc., Cryptiv Inc., Sage Senses Inc., Suncayr Inc., Directive Communication System Inc., TritonWear Inc., and Industry Corporation. "The results from the first year of the incubator have been phenomenal," said Dr. Tom Corr, President and CEO of OCE.  "We are very optimistic that the companies in this year's cohort will meet with similar exceptional results and make the most of the incredible opportunities that exist in the Chinese market." Principals from the 10 companies selected will travel to China to work with Chinese investors as well as mentors from both Canadaand China. "This is a great opportunity for these promising Ontario-based start-ups to meet with businesses and investors in China, share ideas and build partnerships that further allow our companies to stay committed to being global competitors and collaborators in innovation." said Reza Moridi, Minister of Research, Innovation and Science. "I am pleased with the strong partnership between OCE and the CCAA and look forward to their continued support for Ontario's growth in trade and investment with China." Mr. Zhishuo (Peter) Liu, Founder and President of CCAA said from Bejiing the program literally brings everyone to the table that needs to be there.  "We've got entrepreneurs, mentors and investors all talking to each other which is what doing business is really all about." CAMP's 2016 Cohort Stack Fintech Inc. STACK is a smart digital money account that leverages technology and your network to empower Financial IQ! Cyclica Inc.    <a rel="nofollow" href="https://cyclicarx.com/" target="_blank">https://cyclicarx.com</a>  Cyclica uses its technology to help you get life-saving therapeutics in the hands of the people that need them quicker, at a more cost effective price than ever before. Mosaic Manufacturing Ltd.  <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.mosaicmanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">https://www.mosaicmanufacturing.com</a>  Mosaic technology lets you print with multiple filaments on your single extruder 3D printer, with no wires or modifications. Law Scout Inc.  <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.lawscout.ca/" target="_blank">https://www.lawscout.ca</a>  Law Scout is not a law firm. It's a platform connecting small businesses to lawyers who work online at upfront, fixed fees. Cryptiv Inc. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://cryptiv.com/" target="_blank">https://cryptiv.com</a>  Cryptiv's software empowers organizations to manage blockchain-enabled digital assets. Sage Senses Inc. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://angel.co/sage-senses" target="_blank">https://angel.co/sage-senses</a>  IoT Embedded Machine Learning Software; 1,000x Acceleration Suncayr Inc. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://suncayr.ca/" target="_blank">http://suncayr.ca</a>  A Smart UV Indicator that can tell you when your sunscreen is no longer protecting you! Directive Communication System Inc. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.directivecommunications.com/" target="_blank">http://www.directivecommunications.com</a>  The first and only estate management solution assisting attorneys and personal representatives organize and contact personal accounts to fulfill an individual's final wishes. TritonWear Inc. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tritonwear.com/" target="_blank">https://www.tritonwear.com</a>  TritonWear advances competitive swimming by providing real-time feedback and long-term tracking of swimmers performance data to coaches. Industry Corporation <a rel="nofollow" href="http://industrycorp.ca/" target="_blank">http://industrycorp.ca</a>  Our mission is simple: help businesses and consumers become more engaged, informed, and entertained through the incredible power of screens. About Ontario Centres of Excellence Inc. (OCE) (<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.oce-ontario.org/" target="_blank">www.oce-ontario.org</a>) Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario's global competitiveness. OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario's industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, domestic and foreign investors, and government ministries. Learn more at <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.oce-ontario.org/" target="_blank">www.oce-ontario.org</a>.  About China Canada Angels Alliance (CCAA) Ltd. (<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.cc-angels.com/" target="_blank">www.cc-angels.com</a>) China Canada Angels Alliance Ltd., CCAA, registered in Toronto 2014, is a Canadian not-for-profit angel group being certificated as corporate members of Network of Angel Organizations-Ontario (NAO-O) and National Angel Capital Organization (NACO). CCAA is devoted to building cross-border eco-system for early-stage innovative companies between China and Canada through co-investments, value-added mentorship and connections to overseas channels and resources. As of April 2015, CCAA represents 28 prominent and resourceful angels investors mostly from China and 11 private institutions/funds from China which connecting to 150 mentors from top 40 mobile/internet Chinese companies as well as other sectors in ICT, UAV, AI, Life Science, Cleantech, etc. CCAA investment size ranges from $50,000 to $8 million per deal. CCAA investors have a successful track record in China with nine investee companies at more than 100 times the returns over the past seven years. CCAA is dually operated in Canada (Toronto) andChina (Beijing) to accelerate the communication and decision making and will syndicate with Silicon Valley partners when needed. Learn more at <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.cc-angels.com/">www.cc-angels.com</a>. For further information: Media contacts: Andrew Robertson, Media Relations, Ontario Centres of Excellence, andrew.robertson@oce-ontario.org; Alan Yang, Vice President, Canada China Angels Alliance, alan.yang@cc-angels.comurn:uuid:b8a51cd3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 News ReleasesVenture for Canada Continues to Recruit, Train and Support Top Talent For Ontario StartupsVenture for Canada, a not-for-profit that recruits, trains and supports recent graduates to work at Canadian startups, is seeing tremendous success, with 90 per cent of its fellows meeting or exceeding the expectations of employers in their job placements.Thu, 08 Sep 2016 14:01:19 ZProgram Boasts 90 Per Cent Success Rate TORONTO, Sept. 8, 2016 –  Venture for Canada, a not-for-profit that recruits, trains and supports recent graduates to work at Canadian startups, is seeing tremendous success, with 90 per cent of its fellows meeting or exceeding the expectations of employers in their job placements. Venture for Canada fosters entrepreneurship by training and supporting graduates to work at startups.  Almost 1,700 graduates applied to get hands on experience as a Venture for Canada “fellow”.  “We are thrilled with the calibre of our applicants for the fellowship,” says Scott Stirrett, Venture for Canada’s executive director. “But even more impressive is the fact that the large majority of placement companies report back to us that the fellows meet or exceed their expectations once they are in the workforce.”  Fellows spend two years working at one of Venture for Canada’s partner startups, where they gain the skills, network and experience necessary to launch their own firms.  The process of being selected as a Fellow is highly competitive, and involves a written application, video interview, phone interview, and in-person challenges at one of two fellow selection days each year. “It’s always exciting to hear from the companies about how much they value the skills and qualities the fellows bring and the strong impact they are having on company success,” says Stirrett. “Through our efforts, our partner startups gain access to the talent that they need to take their companies to the next level.”  For the most recent 2016 cohort, Venture for Canada received double the applications of the previous year and selected 55 fellows. Notably, almost 40 per cent of Venture for Canada applicants for the 2016 cohort have STEM backgrounds, with two 2016 Fellows holding PhDs in STEM fields.  Working with Ontario Centres of Excellence, Venture for Canada is continuing to harness the energy and skill of Ontario’s talented post-secondary graduates to power the province’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.  In September 2015, the two organizations created the OCE – Venture for Canada fellowship stream focussing on training, supporting, and recruiting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) recent graduates to work at top Ontario startups. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with OCE,” says Stirrett. “Through this collaboration more of Ontario’s leading startups will receive access to top talent, and more Ontario youth with STEM backgrounds will gain the experience necessary to launch their own firms.” “Building great companies is about assembling great teams. Working with Venture for Canada, we can further recruit the talent needed to fuel the growth of startups,” says Dr. Tom Corr, OCE’s President and CEO. “We are very pleased with the results of the OCE - Venture for Canada fellowship stream,”  As part of the program, Fellows have gained the experience of working in high growth firms. Partner startups employing Fellows have raised over $78 million in investment capital and added over 180 additional jobs. Fellows currently work at such notable companies as Vidyard and eSight. "Through being a Venture for Canada Fellow, I have learned so much about entrepreneurship, and what it takes to build a Canadian technology company,” says Sophie Yu, Junior Mechanical Engineer at Nymi. “I've seen firsthand how working at a startup encourages you to develop entrepreneurial skills from the outset of your career."  “Sophie has been an invaluable addition to the Nymi team,” says James Elson, Vice President of Manufacturing at Nymi. “With her creativity, positive attitude and unwavering ability to get things done, she has successfully contributed to both the culture and advancement of our company.”    Young entrepreneurial Canadians<a href="http://www.ventureforcanada.ca/"> can submit their application online</a> tomorrow.  The first deadline is October 28, 2016.   About Venture for Canada Venture for Canada is a not-for-profit that recruits, trains and supports recent graduates to work at Canadian startups, with the mission of fostering entrepreneurship. Fellows spend two years working at one of the partner startups, where they gain the skills, network and experience necessary to launch their own startups.  Learn more at <a href="http://www.ventureforcanada.ca/">www.ventureforcanada.ca</a>.  About Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. (www.oce-ontario.org) Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario’s global competitiveness. OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario’s industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, domestic and foreign investors, and government ministries. Learn more at<a href="http://www.onebusiness.ca/"> www.onebusiness.ca</a> -30-  Media contact:   Scott Stirrett Executive Director Venture for Canada <a href="mailto:scott@ventureforcanada.ca" style="line-height: 1.5;">scott@ventureforcanada.ca</a> 902-401-0041urn:uuid:64181cd3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 News ReleasesOntario’s Health Technologies Fund now accepting applicationsOntario’s $20 million Health Technologies Fund (HTF) is open for business.Mon, 04 Jul 2016 14:03:42 ZTORONTO, July 4, 2016 – Ontario’s $20 million Health Technologies Fund (HTF) is open for business. Announced in May by William Charnetski, Ontario’s Chief Health Innovation Strategist, the Fund will support the development of leading, market-ready, made-in-Ontario health technologies by accelerating prototyping, evaluation, adoption and diffusion in the Ontario health care sector. The Fund is being delivered by Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s Office of the Chief Health Innovation Strategist (OCHIS). The first priority area for the HTF is Better Care Closer to Home. It will support Health Innovation Teams from across Ontario to work on projects related to home and community care through virtual, digital and mobile health-care technologies. “My office works on behalf of health technology innovators to remove barriers and improve access to Ontario’s health care system,” said William Charnetski, Ontario’s Chief Health Innovation Strategist. “The Health Technologies Fund will help us do just that by accelerating the adoption and diffusion of new innovative health technologies and processes to improve patient outcomes, add value to the system and create jobs in Ontario.” The Fund will support projects that reflect priority areas of the <a href="http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ms/ecfa/healthy_change/">Patients First: Action Plan for Health Care</a> to provide patients with faster access to the right care, better home and community care, the information they need to stay healthy and a health care system that’s sustainable for generations to come. “Investing in innovative made-in-Ontario health technology projects will help improve patient experience and transform our health care system,” said Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. “The Office of the Chief Health Innovation Strategist will help ensure these health innovations are adopted by our health care system to improve the quality of care and health outcomes for Ontario’s patients.” “We are pleased to be working with Ontario’s Chief Health Innovation Strategist to bring innovation and greater use of technology to Ontario’s healthcare system,” said Dr. Tom Corr, OCE’s President and CEO. “Through the work we did with innovators and healthcare providers as part of our AdvancingHealth program last year, we are well-positioned to ensure this fund supports projects with the greatest potential for game-changing results.” OCHIS works closely with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science and the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services to ensure all areas of government are working together to fulfill its mandate. Application information is available through <a href="http://www.healthtechnologiesfund.ca/">OCE’s Health Technologies Fund website</a>. About Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. (www.oce-ontario.org) Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario’s global competitiveness. OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario’s industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, domestic and foreign investors, and government ministries. A champion of leading-edge technologies, best practices, innovation, entrepreneurship and research, OCE invests in such areas as advanced health, information and communications technology, digital media, advanced materials and manufacturing, agri-food, aerospace, transportation, energy, and the environment including water and mining. OCE is a key partner in delivering Ontario’s Innovation Agenda as a member of the province’s Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), which helps Ontario-based entrepreneurs and industry rapidly grow their company and create jobs. Learn more at www.onebusiness.ca -30-   Media contact: Stuart Green Manager, Media Relations Ontario Centres of Excellence 416-861-1092 x 1022 stuart.green@oce-ontario.orgurn:uuid:64181cd3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 <description>Doté d’une enveloppe de 20 millions de dollars, le Fonds des technologies de la santé (FTS) invite aujourd’hui les équipes d’innovation en santé à soumettre des demandes.</description><pubDate>Mon, 04 Jul 2016 14:03:42 Z</pubDate><a10:content type="text">TORONTO, 4 juillet 2016 – Doté d’une enveloppe de 20 millions de dollars, le Fonds des technologies de la santé (FTS) invite aujourd’hui les équipes d’innovation en santé à soumettre des demandes. La création du Fonds a été annoncée en mai par William Charnetski, stratège en chef de l’innovation en santé de l’Ontario. Le Fonds soutient le développement de technologies commercialisables d’avant-garde produites en Ontario, par l’accélération des efforts de prototypage, d’évaluation, d’adoption et de diffusion à l’échelle du secteur de la santé de la province. Le mandat d’administrer le Fonds a été confié aux Centres d’excellence de l’Ontario (CEO) par le Bureau du stratège en chef de l’innovation en santé (BSCIS), lequel relève du ministère de la Santé et des Soins de longue durée. Le FTS a pour premier secteur prioritaire De meilleurs soins de santé plus près du domicile. Il aidera des équipes d’innovation en santé de tout l’Ontario à réaliser des projets qui exploitent les technologies numériques ou mobiles et les technologies de réalité virtuelle relatives aux soins de santé, dans le but d’offrir des soins à domicile et des soins communautaires. Comme l’explique William Charnetski, stratège en chef de l’innovation en santé de l’Ontario, « mon bureau s’affaire à éliminer les obstacles et à favoriser l’accès au système de soins de santé pour les innovateurs en matière de technologies relatives aux soins de santé. Le Fonds des technologies de la santé nous permettra d’y parvenir en accélérant l’adoption et la diffusion de technologies et de processus novateurs, relatifs aux soins de santé. À terme, cette initiative vise à obtenir de meilleurs résultats pour les patients, à offrir une valeur ajoutée pour le système et à stimuler la création d’emplois en Ontario. » Le Fonds soutient les projets qui s’inscrivent dans les axes d’intervention prioritaires énoncés dans le document intitulé <a href="http://www.health.gov.on.ca/fr/ms/ecfa/healthy_change/">Priorité aux patients : Plan d’action en matière de soins de santé</a>. On cherche ainsi à s’assurer que les patients trouvent plus rapidement les bons soins, à permettre aux patients d’avoir accès à des soins communautaires et à domicile et à fournir aux patients l’information dont ils ont besoin pour rester en bonne santé, et ce, tout en veillant à ce que les prochaines générations puissent compter sur un système de soins de santé viable. Selon le Dr Eric Hoskins, ministre de la Santé et des Soins de longue durée, « le fait d’investir dans des projets qui mettent en valeur les technologies relatives aux soins de santé produites en Ontario contribuera à améliorer l’expérience vécue par les patients ainsi qu’à transformer notre système de soins de santé. Les interventions du Bureau du stratège en chef de l’innovation en santé inciteront notre système à adopter ces innovations relatives aux soins de santé, de façon à améliorer la qualité des soins et à obtenir de meilleurs résultats pour les patients de l’Ontario. » D’affirmer Tom Corr, président‑directeur général des CEO, « nous sommes ravis de collaborer avec le stratège en chef de l’innovation en santé de l’Ontario, dans le but d’offrir des innovations utiles au système des soins de santé et d’aider le système à exploiter davantage les technologies. L’an dernier, dans le cadre du Programme AvancéeSanté, nous avons travaillé étroitement avec des innovateurs et des fournisseurs de soins de santé, et ces réalisations nous confèrent un avantage pour que le Fonds parvienne à soutenir les projets les plus prometteurs ainsi que les projets offrant les meilleures perspectives de résultats susceptibles de changer la donne. » De concert avec le ministère de la Santé et des Soins de longue durée, le ministère de la Recherche, de l’Innovation et des Sciences et le Ministère des Services gouvernementaux et des Services aux consommateurs, le BSCIS s’efforce de favoriser l’action concertée de tous les secteurs de l’appareil gouvernemental, à l’appui de la réalisation de son mandat. Pour en savoir plus sur le processus de demande, veuillez consulter le <a href="http://oce-ontario.org/fr/fonds-des-technologies-de-la-sant%C3%A9">site Web du Fonds des technologies de la santé des CEO</a>. À propos des CEO (www.oce-ontario.org) Les Centres d’excellence de l’Ontario (CEO) favorisent la commercialisation de la recherche de pointe dans le but d’édifier l’économie de demain et soutenir la compétitivité de l’Ontario dans l’arène mondiale. En plus de favoriser la formation et le développement de la prochaine génération d’innovateurs et d’entrepreneurs, les CEO agissent comme partenaires-clés de l’industrie, des universités, des collèges, des centres de recherche hospitaliers, des investisseurs nationaux et étrangers et des ministères de l’Ontario. Champions des technologies de pointe, des pratiques exemplaires, de l’innovation, de l’entrepreneuriat et de la recherche, les CEO investissent dans des secteurs comme la santé, les technologies de l’information et des communications, les médias numériques, la fabrication et les matériaux de pointe, l’agroalimentaire, l’aérospatiale, les transports, l’énergie et l’environnement (y compris l’eau et les mines). En tant que membres du Réseau ontarien des entrepreneurs (ROE) — qui aide l’industrie et les entrepreneurs de l’Ontario à rapidement développer leur entreprise et créer des emplois —, les CEO agissent comme partenaires-clés de la prestation du Programme d’innovation de l’Ontario. Pour en savoir plus, visitez le site à l’adresse www.entrepriseroe.ca. -30-   Relations avec les médias : Stuart Green Directeur, Relations avec les médias Centres d’excellence de l’Ontario 416-861-1092 poste 1022 stuart.green@oce-ontario.org <div> </div></a10:content></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">urn:uuid:14f61bd3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643</guid><a10:author><a10:name> </a10:name></a10:author><category>News Releases</category><title>Ontario to support local teams competing for the Carbon XPRIZEOntario is taking a major step in the fight against climate change by making up to $2.5 million available to Ontario-based teams competing in the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE, a global challenge to address climate change by incentivizing innovators to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants and industrial facilities into valuable every day products.Tue, 21 Jun 2016 15:49:22 ZTORONTO – June 21, 2016 – Ontario is taking a major step in the fight against climate change by making up to $2.5 million available to Ontario-based teams competing in the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE, a global challenge to address climate change by incentivizing innovators to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants and industrial facilities into valuable everyday products. As part of Ontario Centres of Excellence’s (OCE’s) $74 million <a href="http://70.38.34.216/programs/strategic-initiatives/TargetGHG">TargetGHG cleantech innovation initiative</a>, funding will be made available to Ontario teams for the development and demonstration of their concepts through the three stages of the Carbon XPRIZE competition, which began in September 2015 and ends in March 2020. To qualify, <a href="https://carbonportal.xprize.org/en/login" target="_blank">teams must be registered by July 15</a>. The exact amount of OCE funding per team will depend on how many Ontario teams advance and how far they get in the competition. The OCE funding also requires matching contributions secured by teams themselves. “We know that there is some inspired thinking in Ontario when it comes to the business opportunities fighting climate change and cutting greenhouse gas emissions present,” said Dr. Tom Corr, President and CEO of OCE. “Our support for the Ontario competitors will not only help them win the Carbon XPRIZE, it means that their concepts will get vital infusions of capital at the most important phases of development and testing. In the long run, we will be supporting the development of technologies and products that will help in the fight against climate change while boosting Ontario’s economic prosperity through the creation of high quality jobs.” OCE has a longstanding history in cleantech, having supported many hundreds of cleantech-related companies. Over the past two years, OCE has supported 243 clean-tech related projects leading to the creation and retention of close to 900 jobs. The NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE will incentivize development of new and emerging CO2 conversion technologies, accelerating these breakthroughs from laboratory testing to demonstration under real-world conditions. The prize will help identify the most promising pathways for CO2 conversion and prove the technologies can be deployed at power plants and other industrial facilities. There are two tracks to the competition: one focused on testing technologies at a coal power plant and one focused on testing technologies at a natural gas power plant. One winner from each track will receive a top prize of $7.5 million (USD). “With the deadline for team submissions fast-approaching, we hope OCE’s commitment encourages Ontario-based teams to compete,” said Paul Bunje, principal and senior scientist of Energy & Environment at XPRIZE. “These competitors are aiming to make history with breakthrough technologies. We know the world will see powerful new market-based solutions to climate change because of OCE’s support of new cleantech innovations.” In February, Premier Kathleen Wynne announced that, as part of the $325-million Green Investment Fund, OCE will manage the TargetGHG greenhouse gas innovation initiative to encourage large industrial plants to adopt leading edge technologies that cut greenhouse gases through demonstration projects while supporting Ontario entrepreneurs and researchers in the development of creative new cleantech solutions. “Reducing carbon emissions is central to our government’s commitment to address climate change in Ontario as our innovators provide solutions for some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges,” said Reza Moridi, Minister of Research, Innovation and Science. “Supporting innovative Ontario teams in this internationally renowned competition will help scientists, industry leaders and entrepreneurs develop and deploy important new solutions that will position Ontario as a market leader in the development of innovative, clean technologies.” ### About Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. (www.oce-ontario.org) Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario’s global competitiveness. OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario’s industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, domestic and foreign investors, and government ministries. A champion of leading-edge technologies, best practices, innovation, entrepreneurship and research, OCE invests in such areas as advanced health, information and communications technology, digital media, advanced materials and manufacturing, agri-food, aerospace, transportation, energy, and the environment including water and mining. OCE is a key partner in delivering Ontario’s Innovation Agenda as a member of the province’s Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), which helps Ontario-based entrepreneurs and industry rapidly grow their company and create jobs. Learn more at www.onebusiness.ca About the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE Founded in 1995, XPRIZE is the leading organization solving the world’s Grand Challenges by creating and managing large-scale, high-profile, incentivized prizes in five areas: Learning; Exploration; Energy & Environment; Global Development; and Life Sciences. The $20M NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE, launched in September 2015, is a global competition to address climate change by converting CO2 emissions from power plants and industrial facilities. Innovators from around the world will compete to develop breakthrough technologies that will convert CO2 emissions into valuable products like building materials, alternative fuels, and other items that we use every day. For more information, visit www.carbon.xprize.org. Other active prizes include the $30M Google Lunar XPRIZE, the $15M Global Learning XPRIZE, the $10M Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE, the $7M Shell Ocean Discovery XPRIZE, the $7M Barbara Bush Foundation Adult Literacy XPRIZE and the $5M IBM Watson A.I. XPRIZE. For more information, visit www.xprize.org.   For more information please contact: Andrew Robertson Manager, Media Relations 416-861-1092 x 1092 <a href="mailto:andrew.robertson@oce-ontario.org">andrew.robertson@oce-ontario.org</a> Jackie Wei, Senior Manager Public Relations XPRIZE Foundation <a href="mailto:Jackie.wei@xprize.org">Jackie.wei@xprize.org</a>urn:uuid:c9d61bd3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 News ReleasesSix new drug discovery acceleration projects supported by CQDM and Ontario Centres of Excellence showcase continued success of Quebec-Ontario Life Sciences CorridorPartners since 2012, CQDM and Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) are pleased to announce the funding of six new game-changing research projects to accelerate drug discovery under the Quebec-Ontario Life Sciences Corridor, for a total of $1.8M invested. Tue, 07 Jun 2016 17:26:04 ZSan Francisco, June 7, 2016. – Partners since 2012, CQDM and Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) are pleased to announce the funding of six new game-changing research projects to accelerate drug discovery under the Quebec-Ontario Life Sciences Corridor, for a total of $1.8M invested. The projects are part of the Explore program and were announced at the 2016 BIO International Convention in San Francisco which was attended by Dominique Anglade, Quebec’s Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy. The unique CQDM/OCE Explore program funds Quebec and Ontario-based researchers whose unconventional research projects provide early concept validation of cutting-edge technologies that address the needs of biopharmaceutical research. CQDM’s pharmaceutical members are particularly involved in this program. Senior scientists from member companies provide industrial expertise and support to the funded projects through CQDM’s mentoring program. The six projects will focus on innovative approaches to treating cancer and heart diseases as well as new vaccine therapies and other drug discovery. The project teams will be led by Dr. Robert Batey (University of Toronto), Dr. Mickie Bhatia and Dr. Michael Thompson (McMaster University), Dr. Yves St-Pierre (INRS – Institut Armand-Frappier), Dr. Daniel Larocque (PAIRimmune Inc.) and Dr. Jason Maynes (Hospital for Sick Children). Through the Quebec-Ontario Life Sciences Corridor, immense strides have been made by the two provinces in Canadian scientific R&D. Today’s announcement brings to 15 the number of projects co-funded between CQDM and OCE. These funded projects are comprised of 39 researchers from 18 public and private organizations who are committed to accelerating innovation in the drug discovery and development processes. This whole-of-government approach to funding innovation, including federal government support, creates an efficient means for industry to access academic expertise and resources. “We are delighted about our long-lasting partnership with OCE. Together, under the Quebec-Ontario corridor, we fund the best possible research in our two provinces. Our strong inter-provincial collaboration fortifies the Canadian life sciences ecosystem and makes the co-funding of these unique and very innovative projects possible. We have pulled our strengths and resources together to build strong research networks in Quebec and Ontario,” said Dr. Diane Gosselin, President and CEO of CQDM. “We are very pleased to be working in partnership with CQDM with the shared goal of enhancing the capacity of our two provinces to commercialize research and increase global competitiveness in the important area of drug discovery,” said Dr. Tom Corr, President and CEO of Ontario Centres of Excellence. “This is an excellent program that enables researchers to undertake unconventional research that challenges established practices in the drug R&D process and has the potential to transform current models and ways of thinking.” “Through these research projects, Québec and Ontario are once again joining forces to further foster drug discoveries that will enhance the quality of life of many Quebecers and Canadians. I would like to pay tribute to CQDM’s outstanding contribution to the establishment of the partnerships, which are further bolstering Québec’s expertise in the life sciences industry,” Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy Dominique Anglade noted. “I am excited about these six new projects, which will accelerate groundbreaking discoveries and strengthen our innovation ecosystem. I am grateful to both OCE and CQDM for their sustained efforts to foster collaboration between Ontario and Quebec.” said Reza Moridi, Ontario’s Minister of Research and Innovation. “Both provinces have ever-expanding life sciences sectors, and a lot to offer each other, including knowledge and expertise that can shape an enhanced tomorrow. By working together, we remain focused on the future, and committed to driving discoveries that change people’s lives.” The supported projects are: Michael Thompson of McMaster University – Screening Methods for Thermally Stable Spray Dried Vaccines Vaccines can have a profound influence on the health and longevity of a population; because of their heat sensitivity, however, they also introduce complex manufacturing issues for pharmaceutical companies. The development of thermally stable vaccines would improve their storage and distribution efficacy by diminishing or even eliminating the costly needs related to cold-temperature management. This project combines the expertise of pathology and engineering to create new thermally stable vaccines that will translate to spray drying processes. Jason Maynes of the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and University of Toronto – Novel Methods to Evaluate the Cardiac Activity of Pharmaceuticals: Identifying New Therapies and Predicting Cardiac Toxicity New heart disease therapies are challenging to develop due to the complex functions of heart muscle and the difficultly of modelling heart cell behavior. Developing systems that are better able to recreate how heart muscle works in the body will facilitate the discovery of new cardiac therapeutics and help scientists better predict how drugs affect the heart. Dr. Maynes and his team of researchers are looking to develop a system that will measure the comprehensive function of human heart cells, by combining novel engineering techniques with cutting-edge methods in regenerative medicine. Mick Bhatia of McMaster University – Human sensory neurons directly converted from blood for assaying chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and drug discovery One of the side effects of life-saving chemotherapy is damage to sensory neurons, which transmit information from the brain to every other part of the body. The damage is known as “chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy” (CIPN) and results in pain so severe, chemotherapy is often stopped before the cancer cells have been fully eradicated. There are currently no medications to prevent CIPN. McMaster’s Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute hopes to change this with a process that converts human blood to peripheral nerve cells, which will allow for the testing of thousands of FDA-approved drugs for their ability to reduce the damage to peripheral nerves. This project aims to deliver between two and three new drug candidates to repurpose for CIPN; new insights and new targets for CIPN; and a platform to test for peripheral neuropathy (PN) side-effects for the next generation of chemotherapeutics. Robert Batey of University of Toronto – Innovative technology platform for small molecule fragment screening and lead development against protein-protein interaction drug targets Disrupting some of the more than 350,000 protein complexes identified in genome sequencing is a viable therapeutic strategy for finding cures for many human ailments. Historically, targeting these protein-protein interactions (PPIs) has proven to be very challenging. Multiple techniques and technologies have been tested, but they have not been very successful. This project is focused on an innovative and high throughput technology that will enable the identification of small molecules (oral pills) that can be developed into drugs. Yves St. Pierre of Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique – Dimer Interfering peptides (DIPs): A novel platform for targeting the immunosuppressive functions of prototypic galectins Galectins play a central role in many diseases, most notably cancer. When produced in excess by cancer cells, prototypic galectins suppress the local and systemic immune response in patients by eliminating cancer-killing T cells. This project targets one of the 15 members of the galectin family, which is expressed at abnormally high levels in aggressive forms of breast and ovarian cancer, and for which there is currently no effective treatment. Daniel Larocque of PAIRimmune Inc. – A new flow cytometry platform to evaluate the efficacy of immunotherapies and vaccines The most successful area in drug development for cancer, infectious diseases and chronic disorders over the last several years relates to the development of effective therapies, vaccines and drugs related to the immune system. Proof-of-Concept studies for a platform known as Immune Complex Phagocytic Assessment (ICPA) will be performed in a way that is similar to those developed for Alzheimer’s therapy, HIV vaccines, cancer immunotherapy and microbial infections. This approach could find implications in future immunotherapies and could be used to develop new assays and biomarkers to monitor the immunological response to candidate therapeutics. About CQDM CQDM is a pharma-based consortium active in early research whose mission is to fund the development of innovative tools and technologies to accelerate drug discovery. Unique in the world, CQDM’s business model is based on a collaborative approach where all stakeholders share the costs of biopharmaceutical research and benefit from its results. CQDM also provides a common meeting ground where academia, governments, and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries converge to address numerous complex medical challenges. CQDM receives financial support from Merck, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, GlaxoSmithKline, Eli Lilly Canada, Janssen, Novartis Pharma Canada, Sanofi Canada, as well as from Quebec’s Ministry of Economy, Science and Innovation (MESI) and from the Government of Canada under the Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence Program (BL-NCE). For more information: <a href="http://www.cqdm.org/">www.cqdm.org</a>. About the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research across key market sectors to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario’s global competitiveness. In doing this, OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario’s industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, investors and government ministries. A champion of leading-edge technologies, best practices and research, OCE invests in sectors such as advanced health, information and communications technology, digital media, advanced materials and manufacturing, agri-food, aerospace, transportation, energy, and the environment including water and mining.  Funded by the Government of Ontario, OCE is a key partner in delivering Ontario’s Innovation Agenda as a member of the province’s Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE). For more information: <a href="http://www.oce-ontario.org/">http://www.oce-ontario.org</a>.   Media contacts: Eugénie Bergeron-Côté Communications Advisor CQDM Tel.: (514) 766-6661, ext. 2196 <a href="mailto:ebergeron@cqdm.org" style="line-height: 1.5;">ebergeron@cqdm.org</a> Stuart Green Manager, Media Relations Ontario Centres of Excellence Tel.: (416) 861-1092, ext. 1022 <a href="mailto:stuart.green@oce-ontario.org" style="line-height: 1.5;">stuart.green@oce-ontario.org</a>urn:uuid:78b31bd3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 News ReleasesOntario Centres of Excellence and Emissions Reductions Alberta collaborate to reduce GHG emissionsOntario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and Emissions Reductions Alberta (ERA) are partnering to bolster cross-provincial efforts that support innovative technology breakthroughs for reducing carbon emissions.Thu, 26 May 2016 19:37:18 Z<img src="http://70.38.34.216/images/default-source/news/oce-ccemc-signing.jpg?sfvrsn=0" displaymode="Original" alt="Tom Corr, President and CEO of Ontario Centres of Excellence and Steve MacDonald, CEO of Alberta’s Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation sign agreement to collaborate on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. " title="OCE-CCEMC signing" /> TORONTO/EDMONTON, May 26, 2016 - Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and Emissions Reductions Alberta (formerly known as Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation) are partnering to bolster cross-provincial efforts that support innovative technology breakthroughs for reducing carbon emissions. In an announcement in Edmonton today, Premier Rachel Notley and Premier Kathleen Wynne announced the signing of an agreement between OCE and ERA to focus on the strengths of both provinces to accelerate solutions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Five months ago, the Ontario government entrusted OCE with managing and executing its $74 million greenhouse gas innovation initiative. This multifaceted program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging large GHG emitters to adopt leading-edge technologies and by supporting entrepreneurs in developing creative solutions. In an effort to provide increased support for projects and drive improved outcomes, OCE is leveraging additional financial investments from industry and other public sector partners. They include longstanding partner the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and a new partnership announced last month with Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). "We welcome this opportunity to work in partnership with ERA as a means of maximizing the impact of clean technology innovation," said OCE President and CEO Dr. Tom Corr. “We share their strong commitment to working collaboratively with industry to commercialize creative new technologies that help to address today's climate change challenges while stimulating economic growth." ERA has committed more than $320 million in funding to over 100 projects to help Alberta address climate change. Funding for ERA comes from Alberta’s Large Final Emitters who choose to pay a levy into the Climate Change and Emissions Management Fund to comply with legislation that sets emissions limits for facilities. “ERA will continue to work with industry and our newest partner, OCE, to advance the development of new clean technologies that we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Alberta,” said ERA CEO Steve MacDonald. “By strategically investing the carbon levy, we will help create jobs, diversify the economy and advance Alberta’s Climate Leadership Plan.” On Tuesday, Alberta introduced the Climate Leadership Act. The Act will ensure the carbon price currently applied to large emitters will be invested to the benefit of all Albertans. Alberta will continue to pursue technologies and initiatives that help large emitters reduce their carbon footprint. “Alberta is taking a leadership role in combating climate change with our Climate Leadership Plan, which values partnerships and knowledge sharing,” said Alberta Premier Rachel Notley. “This collaborative effort will ensure knowledge and expertise crosses borders to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create new high tech jobs, and protect the health of Alberta’s and Ontario’s residents.” Last year, Ontario became the first province in Canada to set a mid-term greenhouse gas emission reduction target of 37 per cent below 1990 levels by 2030.  The province can also boast the largest greenhouse gas reduction initiative in North America to date by putting an end to coal-fired power. “Ontario is already a North American leader in clean energy solutions,” said Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne. “This new agreement will open the door to more joint initiatives between top innovators and scientists from Ontario and Alberta to help reduce carbon emissions and create more economic opportunities.” OCE already has a valued partnership with Alberta Innovates, which brings industry and academia together in cross-provincial collaborations to solve key industry challenges in both Ontario and Alberta through research and development.  About ERA (<a href="http://www.eralberta.ca">http://www.eralberta.ca/</a>) ERA (formerly known as CCEMC - Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation) is a board-governed, not-for-profit organization established in 2009. Its mandate is to identify and accelerate innovative solutions that secure Alberta’s success in a lower carbon economy. ERA funding comes from Alberta’s Large Final Emitters who choose to pay a levy into the Climate Change and Emissions Management Fund to comply with legislation that sets emissions limits for their facilities. The ERA model enables Government to leverage industry funds to support climate change innovation and help drive improvements in environmental and economic outcomes.  About OCE (<a href="http://www.oce-ontario.org/">www.oce-ontario.org</a>) OCE drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario’s global competitiveness. A champion of leading-edge technologies, best practices, innovation, entrepreneurship and research, OCE invests in such areas as advanced health, information and communications technology, digital media, advanced materials and manufacturing, agri-food, aerospace, transportation, energy, and the environment including water and mining. We foster the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and are a key partner with Ontario’s industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, domestic and foreign investors, and government ministries. OCE is a key partner in delivering Ontario’s Innovation Agenda as a member of the province’s Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), which helps Ontario-based entrepreneurs and industry rapidly grow their companies and create jobs.                                                                                                                              Media contacts: ERA: Celia Sollows Media Relations 780-239-4150 (cell) <a href="mailto:csollows@eralberta.ca">csollows@eralberta.ca</a> OCE: Andrew Robertson Manager, Media Relations 416-861-1092 x 1092 andrew.robertson@oce-ontario.orgurn:uuid:c39a1bd3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 News ReleasesOntario Centres of Excellence and Futurpreneur Canada join forces to support young entrepreneursOntario Centres of Excellence (OCE), one of Ontario’s top start-up support organizations, and Futurpreneur Canada, a leading national non-profit organization supporting entrepreneurs, are making it easier for aspiring business owners to find essential early stage funding.Wed, 04 May 2016 20:08:55 ZTORONTO, May 4, 2016 – Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE), one of Ontario’s top start-up support organizations, and Futurpreneur Canada, a leading national non-profit organization supporting entrepreneurs, are making it easier for aspiring business owners to find essential early stage funding. Under a new agreement, applicants to OCE’s SmartStart Seed Fund program who are accepted for a full review after initial screening have the option to be fast-tracked into Futurpreneur’s program application stream. OCE and Futurpreneur have previously partnered to help recent graduates access low interest loans and through a fellowship program. “OCE and Futurpreneur are pleased to be able to support Ontario’s ambitious young entrepreneurs through this enhancement to our existing partnership,” says Dr. Tom Corr, OCE’s President and CEO. “We see some truly inspiring and dedicated young Ontarians come through our SmartStart program and while we can’t support them all, being able to help them find alternate funding sources is important to helping them succeed and contribute to the province’s economic prosperity.” OCE’s SmartStart fund supports entrepreneurs with awards of up to $60,000. Applicants to Futurpreneur’s program are assessed for low-interest loans of up to $45,000 and mentoring. ”We know that access to financing is one of the top challenges facing Canadians as they consider starting or buying a business, so we’re happy to partner with OCE to make our financing available to even more entrepreneurial Ontarians.” says Scott Bowman, Senior Director, Ontario, Futurpreneur Canada. For more information, visit OCE’s <a href="http://www.oce-ontario.org/programs/entrepreneurship-programs/smartstart-seed-fund">SmartStart page</a>. About Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. (www.oce-ontario.org) Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario’s global competitiveness. OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario’s industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, domestic and foreign investors, and government ministries. A champion of leading-edge technologies, best practices, innovation, entrepreneurship and research, OCE invests in such areas as advanced health, information and communications technology, digital media, advanced materials and manufacturing, agri-food, aerospace, transportation, energy, and the environment including water and mining. OCE is a key partner in delivering Ontario’s Innovation Agenda as a member of the province’s Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), which helps Ontario-based entrepreneurs and industry rapidly grow their company and create jobs. Learn more at <a href="http://www.onebusiness.ca/">www.onebusiness.ca</a> About Futurpreneur Canada Futurpreneur Canada (formerly the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, or CYBF) has been fueling the entrepreneurial passions of Canada’s young enterprise since 1996. We are the only national, non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39. Our internationally recognized mentoring program matches young entrepreneurs with a business expert from a network of more than 2,800 volunteer mentors. Futurpreneur Canada is a founding member of the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance, the Canadian member of Youth Business International, and the Canadian host of Global Entrepreneurship Week. Learn more at <a href="http://www.futurpreneur.ca/">www.futurpreneur.ca</a> -30-   Media contacts: Stuart Green Manager, Media Relations Ontario Centres of Excellence 416-861-1092 x 1022 <a href="mailto:stuart.green@oce-ontario.org" style="line-height: 1.5;">stuart.green@oce-ontario.org</a> Meghan Paton Manager, Public Relations Futurpreneur Canada 416-408-2923 x 2207 <a href="mailto:mpaton@futurpreneur.ca" style="line-height: 1.5;">mpaton@futurpreneur.ca</a>urn:uuid:19bf1ad3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 ITBNews ReleasesOntario’s small and medium-sized businesses to benefit from advanced computing initiativeOntario Centres of Excellence (OCE) is teaming with IBM Canada to support the economy and job creation by bringing advanced computing technologies and resources to the province’s small and medium-sized businesses.Wed, 24 Feb 2016 15:09:06 ZTORONTO, February 24, 2016 – Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) is teaming with IBM Canada to support the economy and job creation by bringing advanced computing technologies and resources to the province’s small and medium-sized businesses. This morning, Premier Kathleen Wynne announced the $54.5 million I3 Project, a multi-tiered initiative that will help 500 small and medium-sized Ontario companies become more globally competitive. “The I3 Project is a partnership that will see start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs get the tools, technology and expertise they need to grow their business,” says OCE President and CEO Dr. Tom Corr. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to oversee this leading-edge initiative, and deliver it across the province with our partners in the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs. With nearly 30 years of experience delivering collaborative programs for the Province of Ontario, we are pleased to have been entrusted to oversee this leading-edge initiative.” In addition to providing unprecedented access to IBM’s technical resources including, IBM Cloud, IBM Watson cognitive business technology and the IBM Bluemix cloud development platform, the I3 Project will, under OCE’s management, deliver innovative demonstration projects, incubation activities, internships and fellowships. The initiative builds on OCE’s existing work in the high performance computing field. As a member of the Southern Ontario Smart Computing Innovation Platform (SOSCIP), along with IBM and 14 of Ontario’s academic institutions, and as a founding partner of Toronto’s OneEleven big data incubator, OCE has a track record of success in connecting SMEs with advanced computing technologies. In the past three years, those two initiatives have supported more than 60 companies leading to the creation or retention of nearly 350 highly skilled jobs in Ontario. The I3 project was developed through Ontario’s Jobs and Prosperity Fund and is expected to create up to 2,600 jobs and generate $410 million in follow-on investment. “Our government has helped transform Ontario into a thriving tech hub by investing in an educated, talented workforce and fostering a culture of innovation,” says Premier Kathleen Wynne. “Today’s announcement reinforces our province’s position as an ideal place to develop and launch innovative new technologies and concepts, and will help strengthen our economy and create highly-skilled jobs.” “Leveraging the expertise and technologies of anchor firms like IBM will help Ontario create jobs and strengthen the economy,” says Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure. “The I3 Project will give our small and medium enterprises exposure to larger firms and the tools and skills they need to rapidly scale up to meet global demand and create jobs.” “Our government is proud to support this unique and cutting-edge collaboration, which will reduce barriers for SMEs to leverage IBM’s expertise and information technology,” says Reza Moridi, Minister of Research and Innovation. “Combining this access with OCE’s experience in efficient program delivery will make the I3 Project a great example of how to help our businesses spur innovation, increase productivity, and connect to new highly skilled markets around the world.”  For more information, visit <a href="http://70.38.34.216/programs/strategic-initiatives/IBM-Innovation-Incubator-Project">OCE's website</a>.  About Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. (www.oce-ontario.org) Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario’s global competitiveness. OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario’s industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, domestic and foreign investors, and government ministries. A champion of leading-edge technologies, best practices, innovation, entrepreneurship and research, OCE invests in such areas as advanced health, information and communications technology, digital media, advanced materials and manufacturing, agri-food, aerospace, transportation, energy, and the environment including water and mining. OCE is a key partner in delivering Ontario’s Innovation Agenda as a member of the province’s Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), which helps Ontario-based entrepreneurs and industry rapidly grow their company and create jobs. Learn more at www.onebusiness.ca -30- Media contact: Stuart Green Manager, Media Relations Ontario Centres of Excellence 416-861-1092 x 1022 stuart.green@oce-ontario.orgurn:uuid:d7b01ad3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 ITBNews ReleasesOntario Centres of Excellence tasked with managing province’s new emissions reduction programOntario Centres of Excellence’s (OCE) decades of experience in the energy and environment fields will be put to use helping the Government of Ontario reduce industrial pollution through the introduction of innovative new technologies.Wed, 17 Feb 2016 14:24:56 ZTORONTO - February 17, 2016 — Ontario Centres of Excellence’s (OCE) decades of experience in the energy and environment fields will be put to use helping the Government of Ontario reduce industrial pollution through the introduction of innovative new technologies. Earlier today, Premier Kathleen Wynne announced the $74 million emissions reduction program with OCE assuming responsibility for managing a cleantech innovation initiative. The initiative will encourage large industrial plants to adopt leading edge technologies that will cut greenhouse gases through demonstration projects and also provide support for Ontario entrepreneurs to bring forward creative new cleantech solutions. “We are excited and honoured to assume this important role for the provincial government and the people of Ontario,” says Dr. Tom Corr, President and CEO of Ontario Centres of Excellence. “Our strong track record over many years in forging collaborations, supporting entrepreneurs, and working cross-provincially and with multiple levels of government to foster innovation has uniquely equipped us for this role.” OCE has a longstanding focus on cleantech, having supported many hundreds of cleantech-related companies. Over the past two years, OCE has supported 243 clean-tech related projects leading to the creation and retention of close to 900 jobs. The cleantech innovation initiative is part of Ontario’s $325 million Green Investment Fund. “Our government is taking action to stop climate change by helping our business sector create prosperity and jobs for today and tomorrow,” says Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario. “Through this investment, we will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while promoting the innovative and disruptive technologies that will improve productivity and secure our economic future.” “Our government understands the incredible opportunity that exists to create good jobs and grow our economy in the innovative sectors that are helping us move towards a greener environment,” says Reza Moridi, Minister of Research and Innovation. “By partnering with Ontario Centres of Excellence to promote the next generation of clean technologies that reduce emissions and increase efficiency, we can improve Ontario’s environment and our thriving innovation ecosystem at the same time.” For more information, visit <a href="http://www.oce-ontario.org/programs/strategic-initiatives/cleantech-innovation-initiative">OCE's website</a>.  About Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. (<a href="http://www.oce-ontario.org">www.oce-ontario.org</a>) Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario’s global competitiveness. OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario’s industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, domestic and foreign investors, and government ministries. A champion of leading-edge technologies, best practices, innovation, entrepreneurship and research, OCE invests in such areas as advanced health, information and communications technology, digital media, advanced materials and manufacturing, agri-food, aerospace, transportation, energy, and the environment including water and mining. OCE is a key partner in delivering Ontario’s Innovation Agenda as a member of the province’s Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), which helps Ontario-based entrepreneurs and industry rapidly grow their company and create jobs. Learn more at <a href="http://www.onebusiness.ca/" target="_blank">www.onebusiness.ca</a> -30-   Media contacts: Stuart Green Manager, Media Relations Ontario Centres of Excellence 416-861-1092 x 1022 <a href="mailto:stuart.green@oce-ontario.org">stuart.green@oce-ontario.org</a>urn:uuid:bba41ad3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 News ReleasesOntario advancing nine medical research projects in cancer, heart disease and sleep apnea to marketNine Ontario-based medical research projects built on great science with potential for significant economic impact are advancing a step closer to market entry thanks to funding from Ontario Centres of Excellence’s Medical Sciences Proof-of-Principle (MSc PoP) program. The projects range from cancer to heart disease to sleep apnea in children.Thu, 04 Feb 2016 15:19:41 ZTORONTO (February 4, 2016) — Nine Ontario-based medical research projects built on great science with potential for significant economic impact are advancing a step closer to market entry thanks to funding from Ontario Centres of Excellence’s Medical Sciences Proof-of-Principle (MSc PoP) program. The projects range from cancer to heart disease to sleep apnea in children. The MSc PoP program helps commercialize promising intellectual property (IP) in life sciences and medical technology developed at Ontario’s publicly funded academic research institutions (universities, colleges, and research hospitals). It seeks to deliver substantial and sustainable economic benefits to the province by allowing new Ontario-based companies to build businesses upon this IP or by licensing the IP to an existing Ontario-based company. “The MSc PoP program is producing some truly game-changing research for the life sciences space,” says Dr. Tom Corr, President and CEO of Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE). “These projects are great examples of what happens when publicly funded institutions and the private sector work together to advance ideas and support innovation.” As the commercialization agent for 15 of Toronto’s research hospitals and institutions, MaRS Innovation (MI) is a key OCE partner in delivering the MSc PoP program. “The MSc PoP program has a long, successful history with applicants from MaRS Innovation’s member institutions,” says Dr. Rafi Hofstein, MaRS Innovation’s president and CEO. “Past start-up recipients include Encycle Therapeutics, ScarX Therapeutics, XOR Labs and 7D Surgical, among others. We’re pleased to see five of our institutional members represented in this year’s successful applications and look forward to working with their founding teams to advance these technologies to create social, health and economic benefits for Ontarians.” "Ontario is known around the world for its innovative research in life sciences, and our government is proud to support this hugely important sector," says Reza Moridi, Minister of Research and Innovation and Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. "Through the MSc PoP program, researchers and companies are working together to advance disruptive and life-saving technologies and products that will have tremendous social and economic benefits.” OCE recently announced a call for the next round of projects eligible for grants of up to $70,000 each, which must be matched with industry funds for a total of $140,000. The application deadline is Feb. 25; more information can be found on <a href="http://www.oce-ontario.org/programs/commercialization-programs/medical-sciences-proof-of-principle-(msc-pop)/how-it-works">OCE’s website</a>. The 2016 projects to be funded are: <ul> <li>St. Michael’s Hospital and LifeLabs are developing a non-invasive test to accurately predict aggressive tumor behavior in prostate cancer patients to seek alternatives to unnecessary surgery with reduced costs, complications and side effects. </li> <li>The University Health Network (Princess Margaret Hospital) is examining mitochondrial proteasome (ClpP) as a new therapeutic target for patients with acute myeloid leukemia. </li> <li>University Health Network and BresoTec Inc. are exploring a new way to test sleep apnea in children using a cordless, portable device. </li> <li>The University Health Network is investigating brain cancer treatment improvements. </li> <li>The Hospital for Sick Children, IRICoR and Blueline Bioscience are advancing drug discovery work related to heart arrhythmia. </li> <li>The University of Toronto and Pfizer Canada Inc. are working to improve the flow of drug treatments across the blood brain barrier. </li> <li>Sunnybrook Research Institute and Johnson & Johnson Innovation are working to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy treatments. </li> <li>The Hospital for Sick Children, IRICoR and Universite de Montreal are continuing their work on brain cancer treatments. </li> <li>McMaster University and Triumvira Immunologics Inc. are working on data collection and demonstrations of cancer treatments.</li> </ul>  About Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. (www.oce-ontario.org) Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario’s global competitiveness. OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario’s industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, domestic and foreign investors, and government ministries. A champion of leading-edge technologies, best practices, innovation, entrepreneurship and research, OCE invests in such areas as advanced health, information and communications technology, digital media, advanced materials and manufacturing, agri-food, aerospace, transportation, energy, and the environment including water and mining. OCE is a key partner in delivering Ontario’s Innovation Agenda as a member of the province’s Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), which helps Ontario-based entrepreneurs and industry rapidly grow their company and create jobs. Learn more at <a href="http://www.onebusiness.ca/">www.onebusiness.ca</a> About MaRS Innovation (www.marsinnovation.com) MaRS Innovation is the commercialization agent for 15 leading academic institutions in Ontario. It provides investors and licensees with a single point to access technology assets emerging from its members, who receive $1.4 billion in annual research and development funding. Supported by the Government of Canada through the Networks of Centres of Excellence, by the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Centres of Excellence, and by its 15 member institutions, MI is a transformational partnership that turns research strengths into commercial opportunities through industry partnerships, licensing and company creation. Learn more at <a href="http://www.marsinnovation.com/">www.marsinnovation.com</a> or follow us on Twitter @marsinnovation.     -30- Media contacts: Stuart Green Manager, Media Relations Ontario Centres of Excellence 416-861-1092 x 1022 stuart.green@oce-ontario.org  Elizabeth Monier-Williams Director, Marketing and Communications MaRS Innovation 647-537-9097 <a href="mailto:emonierwilliams@marsinnovation.com">emonierwilliams@marsinnovation.com</a> @marsinnovationurn:uuid:25a41ad3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 News ReleasesNew program will advance innovation in Ontario’s public education systemA new $5 million program launched today by Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) will bring new innovative technologies, products and services to Ontario’s public education system.Wed, 03 Feb 2016 18:34:32 ZTORONTO, February 3, 2016 – A new $5 million program launched today by Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) will bring new innovative technologies, products and services to Ontario’s public education system. OCE’s AdvancingEducation program will support up to 10 projects connecting Ontario’s English and French public elementary and high schools, and post-secondary institutions with Ontario companies to test early market engagement models and demonstrate innovative products and technologies in an education setting. “We are pleased to be part of this exciting program which will bring great made-in-Ontario innovations into classrooms and school boards across the province,” says Dr. Tom Corr, President and CEO of Ontario Centres of Excellence. “Ontario is already a great place to be a student and a teacher and this program will take our public education system to the next level.” Key objectives of the program include: <ul> <li>Improving student learning and wellness outcomes, introducing innovative teaching methods, increasing student engagement, improving educator and administrator experience, and providing experiential learning opportunities for students in innovation and entrepreneurship</li> <li>Identifying and bridging barriers to sustainable and long-term adoption and procurement of innovation</li> <li>Further establishing Ontario as a model for innovative public education and a global leader in edtech (education technology).</li> </ul> With funding from Ontario’s Ministry of Government and Consumer Services (MGCS), AdvancingEducation is modelled on the successful AdvancingHealth program which supported 10 projects driving innovation in public healthcare. “Our government is committed to further developing our collaboration with OCE by bringing together public and private sector partners to demonstrate ground breaking products and services,: says David Orazietti, Minister of Government and Consumer Services. “This program will help bring together innovative solutions to the public education sector while also supporting Ontario’s economy.” Expressions of interest are now being accepted with selected full proposals due in June. The first round of five successful applications will be announced and begin work in September. On February 24, OCE will hold a partnering forum to bring together the education sector, industry and academic partners to learn more about the program and foster project collaborations. More information on the <a href="http://www.oce-ontario.org/programs/commercialization-programs/advancingeducation-program">program</a> and on <a href="http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ebytar5b92038f13&llr=9fr4x4qab">how to register</a> for the forum is available online. About Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. (www.oce-ontario.org) Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario’s global competitiveness. OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario’s industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, domestic and foreign investors, and government ministries. A champion of leading-edge technologies, best practices, innovation, entrepreneurship and research, OCE invests in such areas as advanced health, information and communications technology, digital media, advanced materials and manufacturing, agri-food, aerospace, transportation, energy, and the environment including water and mining. OCE is a key partner in delivering Ontario’s Innovation Agenda as a member of the province’s Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), which helps Ontario-based entrepreneurs and industry rapidly grow their company and create jobs. Learn more at www.onebusiness.ca -30- Media contact: Stuart Green Manager, Media Relations Ontario Centres of Excellence 416-861-1092 x 1022 stuart.green@oce-ontario.orgurn:uuid:73651ad3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 ITBNews ReleasesNew partnership will advance cybersecurity innovationAs security in online information storage, networking communications and commerce becomes a global priority, enhancements to the technology that keeps information safe are more important than ever.Fri, 18 Dec 2015 15:27:34 ZTORONTO/MONTREAL, Dec. 18, 2015 – As security in online information storage, networking communications and commerce becomes a global priority, enhancements to the technology that keeps information safe are more important than ever. A new partnership between Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and Canada’s Smart Cyber Security Network (SERENE-RISC) will help by forging new relationships between researchers and companies that will lead to collaborative and innovative cybersecurity solutions. “Working with SERENE-RISC will allow us to build the foundation for new industry-academic collaborations in the cybersecurity sector,” says Dr. Tom Corr, President and CEO of OCE. “In Ontario, tremendous gains are already being made in this important area. This partnership will lead to the commercialization of new cybersecurity technologies by expanding the national network of companies and emerging applied research.” Together, OCE and SERENE-RISC will share knowledge of the companies and researchers working to mitigate cybersecurity threats and look for opportunities to build a community that will enhance the capacity of Canada’s cybersecurity ecosystem to manage digital risks while protecting citizens and consumers. “The Smart Cybersecurity Network is always looking for new projects to leverage its expertise in knowledge mobilization and compiled research in cybersecurity,” says SERENE-RISC’s Scientific Director Dr. Benoît Dupont. “This new collaboration will enhance SERENE-RISC’s efforts to reach key stakeholders in the community.” The Canadian Government and the head of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) said in November that strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity protocols is a top priority. About Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc) Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario’s global competitiveness. OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario’s industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, domestic and foreign investors, and government ministries. A champion of leading-edge technologies, best practices, innovation, entrepreneurship and research, OCE invests in such areas as advanced health, information and communications technology, digital media, advanced materials and manufacturing, agri-food, aerospace, transportation, energy, and the environment including water and mining. OCE is a key partner in delivering Ontario’s Innovation Agenda as a member of the province’s Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), which helps Ontario-based entrepreneurs and industry rapidly grow their company and create jobs. Learn more at <a href="http://www.onebusiness.ca/">www.onebusiness.ca</a> About Smart Cybersecurity Network (SERENE-RISC) The Smart Cybersecurity Network (SERENE-RISC) is a knowledge mobilization network created to improve the general public’s awareness of cybersecurity risks and to empower all to reduce those risks through knowledge. SERENE-RISC brings together academics in the fields of computer and social sciences, as well as public and private partners, to mobilize the growing knowledge about online risks and to promote the most effective strategies and minimize the consequences of cyber attacks. SERENE-RISC partners include 26 academics from 14 universities across Canada, public and private sector members, and not-for-profit organizations. The Network is funded by Networks of Centres of Excellence of Canada (NCE) and is hosted by Université de Montréal. Learn more about the latest scientific research in cybersecurity or how to stay safe online at <a href="http://www.serene-risc.ca/">www.serene-risc.ca</a>.   -30- Media contacts: Stuart Green Manager, Media Relations Ontario Centres of Excellence 416-861-1092 x 1022 <a href="mailto:stuart.green@oce-ontario.org" style="line-height: 1.5;">stuart.green@oce-ontario.org</a> Charles Gaudreau Media and Marketing coordinator Smart Cybersecurity Network 514-343-6111 x 41015 <a href="mailto:charles.gaudreau.1@umontreal.ca" style="line-height: 1.5;">charles.gaudreau.1@umontreal.ca</a>  urn:uuid:7f5b1ad3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 News ReleasesFive OCE-backed projects that will improve remote patient monitoring and careMore than $3 million is being invested in five public-private partnerships through an Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) program focused on use of technology to remotely monitor and care for Ontario patients.Tue, 01 Dec 2015 16:28:25 ZTORONTO, December 1, 2015 – More than $3 million is being invested in five public-private partnerships through an Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) program focused on use of technology to remotely monitor and care for Ontario patients. “Our AdvancingHealth program is providing an unprecedented opportunity for the public and private sectors to work collaboratively to pilot innovative products that will improve the patient experience in Ontario’s healthcare system,” says Dr. Tom Corr, OCE’s President and CEO. “Ontario has a wealth of tech innovations that are ideally suited to modernizing the healthcare sector.” This is the second round of projects approved under the AdvancingHealth program with this round focused on use of technology to enhance virtual care and remote patient engagement. The program is fostering innovation in Ontario’s healthcare system through collaborations between Ontario-based public healthcare organizations and companies. It matches healthcare system needs and challenges with exciting information communication technologies. AdvancingHealth is a partnership between OCE and Ontario’s Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. It is funding the five projects for up to $350,000 each with additional cash and in-kind support coming from industry partners and some of Ontario’s top hospitals. It is driving healthcare innovation adoption leading to improved health outcomes, enhanced patient experience and efficient use of the system’s resources. “Our government is proud to support innovation and efficiency in healthcare through increased use of technology,” says David Orazietti, Minister of Government and Consumer Services. “AdvancingHealth is bringing together public and private sector partners to demonstrate ground-breaking products and services. This program will help enable procurement of innovation by the public healthcare sector, while also creating new jobs and supporting the province’s economy.” Also partnering in the program is Dr. Anne Snowdon, one of Ontario’s leading health innovation researchers, who will analyze challenges and opportunities for innovation adoption and the sustainability of early market engagement established through this program. The projects are: <ul> <li>Toronto General Hospital (TGH) and ManagingLife - Post-surgery patients using TGH’s Transitional Pain Service as a post-discharge intervention will use ManagingLife’s “Manage My Pain” mobile cloud-based platform to self-report symptoms and receive support for their pain management as a strategy to reduce ER visits and/or dependence on painkillers.</li> <li>London Health Sciences Centre; Ontario Telemedicine Network; Kidney Foundation of Canada and eQOL - eQOL’s eQ Connect supports patients to manage their kidney dialysis treatments at home and tracks all relevant data and progress.  The objective of this project is to demonstrate cost reductions in care delivery, increase adoption of home-based treatments and enhance the quality of care to support patients to remain at home.</li> <li>Southlake Regional Health Centre; South Simcoe Northern York Region Health Link and AlayaCare Inc., CBI Health Group - Utilizing AlayaCare's technology platform, clients will be able to monitor their vital signs and complete a clinician-designed daily self-monitoring workflow. These results are monitored by clinicians in CBI's telehealth call center and are used to provide health and lifestyle coaching to clients/patients. The ultimate goal of the project is to help clients/patients suffering from one or more chronic conditions better manage their own care at home and reduce the number of hospital visits required. </li> <li>Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences and Mozazz Corporation - Increased patient engagement and activation is associated with improved recovery in mental illness, better mental-health self-care, mental and physical health, and quality of life.  Ontario Shores will assess the effectiveness of using mobile technology with the Mozzaz platform to actively engage and monitor a patient’s engagement and activation in their mental health care activities in relation to their treatment outcomes and quality of life.</li> <li>Northhumberland Hills Hospital; Ontario Telemedicine Network and QoC Health – This is a continuation of work on the Northumberland Partners Advancing Transitions in Healthcare (PATH) project. PATH is a community partnership of seniors, caregivers and cross-sector healthcare providers working together to make system-wide changes that will meet the needs and improve the experience of seniors living with chronic conditions as they transition through the healthcare system. Phase 1 of the PATH project is complete, with evaluations underway. This Phase 2 project will further develop and evaluate the PATH e-solutions with telemedicine capability, enabling videoconferencing solutions for appointments, including point-to-point hospital diagnostics, and online booking support.</li> </ul> About Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. (www.oce-ontario.org) Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario’s global competitiveness. OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario’s industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, domestic and foreign investors, and government ministries. A champion of leading-edge technologies, best practices, innovation, entrepreneurship and research, OCE invests in such areas as advanced health, information and communications technology, digital media, advanced materials and manufacturing, agri-food, aerospace, transportation, energy, and the environment including water and mining. OCE is a key partner in delivering Ontario’s Innovation Agenda as a member of the province’s Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), which helps Ontario-based entrepreneurs and industry rapidly grow their company and create jobs. Learn more at www.onebusiness.ca -30- Media contact: Stuart Green Manager, Media Relations Ontario Centres of Excellence 416-861-1092 x 1022 stuart.green@oce-ontario.orgurn:uuid:ab4b1ad3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 News ReleasesOCE and CCAA strengthen Ontario-China investment ties with new partnersTORONTO/BEIJING, November 13, 2015 – Building on an existing partnership, Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and China Canada Angels Alliance (CCAA) are strengthening ties between Ontario-based businesses and the Chinese investment community.Fri, 13 Nov 2015 16:45:28 Z<img src="http://70.38.34.216/images/default-source/news/oce-camp-452.jpg?sfvrsn=0" displaymode="Original" alt="Through a new agreement signed today, OCE and CCAA will partner with Zhongguancun Haidian Science Park (ZHSP) and River Capital." title="OCE CAMP-452" /> TORONTO/BEIJING, November 13, 2015 – Building on an existing partnership, Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and China Canada Angels Alliance (CCAA) are strengthening ties between Ontario-based businesses and the Chinese investment community. Through a new agreement signed today, OCE and CCAA will partner with Zhongguancun Haidian Science Park (ZHSP), a high-tech innovation centre in Beijing, often referred to as China’s Silicon Valley, and River Capital, an investment fund based in China. Joining representatives of the four partner organizations were Premier Kathleen Wynne, Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure and Michael Chan, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade. “We are pleased to be able to strengthen our partnerships in China through this new agreement,” said Dr. Tom Corr, President and CEO of Ontario Centres of Excellence. “By connecting with the hub of high tech activity in China and new investment opportunities, even more Ontario companies will have access to the tremendous opportunities the lucrative Chinese market possesses.” OCE and CCAA are currently partners in the successful China Angels Mentorship Program (CAMP) that has seen 10 Ontario companies benefit from investments of more than $2 million as well as mentoring and training on how to access the Chinese market. “The CAMP initiative has already brought many companies to the attention of investors resulting in deals,” said Mr. Zhishuo (Peter) Liu, Founder and President of CCAA. “With technology being such a priority today, the addition of these two partners will bring greater success for entrepreneurs and investors alike.” Zhongguancun Haidian Science Park is home to more than 10,000 innovative enterprises. “Ontario has some exciting technologies to share with the world and we are excited to be able to bring our expertise to this partnership to help them develop and grow,” said Huang Lei, Deputy Chief of International Cooperation of ZHSP. “There are a lot of promising companies in Ontario and joining this successful partnership is going to give us a chance to meet and invest in companies that we might not have otherwise known about,” said Tong (Tony) Wang of River Capital. About Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. (www.oce-ontario.org) Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario’s global competitiveness. OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario’s industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, domestic and foreign investors, and government ministries. A champion of leading-edge technologies, best practices, innovation, entrepreneurship and research, OCE invests in such areas as advanced health, information and communications technology, digital media, advanced materials and manufacturing, agri-food, aerospace, transportation, energy, and the environment including water and mining. OCE is a key partner in delivering Ontario’s Innovation Agenda as a member of the province’s Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), which helps Ontario-based entrepreneurs and industry rapidly grow their company and create jobs. Learn more at www.onebusiness.ca -30- Media contact: Stuart Green Manager, Media Relations Ontario Centres of Excellence 416-861-1092 x 1022 <a href="mailto:stuart.green@oce-ontario.org" style="line-height: 1.5;">stuart.green@oce-ontario.org</a>urn:uuid:1b4a1ad3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 ITBNews ReleasesNew program will grow agri-based industrial bioproduct development in OntarioOntario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) are fostering innovation in the province’s growing agri-based industrial bioproducts sector.Mon, 09 Nov 2015 15:33:35 ZTORONTO/GUELPH, Nov. 9, 2015 – Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) are fostering innovation in the province’s growing agri-based industrial bioproducts sector. Through the $3 million Agri-Based Industrial Bioproducts (ABIB) R&D Challenge launched today, OCE and AAC will partner with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), academia and the bioproducts industry to fund approximately 10 projects. The program encourages for-profit businesses with innovative industrial bioproduct ideas to collaborate with academic research institutions to foster innovation and drive commercialization. “We are excited to be working with all of our partners on this challenge,” says Dr. Tom Corr, President and CEO of OCE. “OCE is already working with several companies who have seen success with bioproducts and biopharmaceuticals and this challenge will help even more companies succeed.” Agri-based industrial bioproducts are any commercial product derived from agricultural sources such as plant fibres, plant and vegetable oils, plant-based protein and sugar/starch crops.   Anticipated projects will include the development of biocomposite materials to replace petrochemical-derived plastics, renewable plant-based oils to create biobased polymers, and plant-based proteins as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics.  ”The ABIB R&D Challenge will further support Ontario’s developing agri-based products industry value chains from farm field to industrial bioproducts”, says Judy Dirksen, AAC Chair. “The use and interest in agri-based products is growing, and it is imperative that the development of these innovative products and technologies continue to be supported.” Ultimately, it is expected the resulting projects will provide significant economic benefits to Ontario in the form of jobs and prosperity through the development of the next generation of agri-based industrial bioproducts. The province of Ontario has identified the development of bioproducts as having potential for significant economic, environmental and health benefits. Bioproducts typically come in three varieties: bioenergy (liquid fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel, and combustible biomass), biomaterials (plastic, foam, rubber) and biochemicals (lubricants, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics). “This R&D challenge is a tremendous opportunity for Ontario. It brings together our leading research community and agricultural sector to develop and advance bold new innovation,” says Reza Moridi, Minster of Research and Innovation. “Bioproducts have the potential for significant economic, environmental and health benefits and I look forward to the positive results of this collaboration,” The ABIB R&D Challenge is now accepting expressions of interest with applications being reviewed and approved in 2016. Further program information can be found at the <a href="http://www.oce-ontario.org/programs/industry-academic-collaboration/collaboration-voucher-program/VIA/agri-based-industrial-bioproducts-r-d-challenge">OCE website.</a>   About Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. (www.oce-ontario.org) Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario’s global competitiveness. OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario’s industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, domestic and foreign investors, and government ministries. A champion of leading-edge technologies, best practices, innovation, entrepreneurship and research, OCE invests in such areas as advanced health, information and communications technology, digital media, advanced materials and manufacturing, agri-food, aerospace, transportation, energy, and the environment including water and mining. OCE is a key partner in delivering Ontario’s Innovation Agenda as a member of the province’s Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), which helps Ontario-based entrepreneurs and industry rapidly grow their company and create jobs. Learn more at www.onebusiness.ca   About the Agricultural Adaptation Council The Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) is based in Guelph, Ontario, and is a grassroots, industry-driven organization, delivering funding, programs, and services that stimulate growth and innovation. Since 1995, the AAC has been committed to providing outstanding customer service that is efficient, flexible, cost effective and accountable with a primary focus on the Ontario agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products industry. The AAC is a not-for-profit organization that is made up of 67 Ontario agricultural, agri-food and rural organizations, who annually elects the AAC board of directors. The board represents the collective interest of the AAC membership in the direction and guidance of the affairs of the AAC.  Learn more at www.adaptcouncil.org -30- Media contacts: Stuart Green Manager, Media Relations Ontario Centres of Excellence 416-861-1092 x1022 <a href="mailto:stuart.green@oce-ontario.org" style="line-height: 1.5;">stuart.green@oce-ontario.org</a> Laura Feil Programs Lead & Communications Manager Agricultural Adaptation Council 519-822-7554  x629 <a href="mailto:lfeil@adaptcouncil.org" style="line-height: 1.5;">lfeil@adaptcouncil.org</a>  urn:uuid:ed401ad3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 News ReleasesCelebrating the future of academic incubators – UBI Awards in North AmericaOn November 2 and 3, 2015, UBI Global and Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) co-hosted a benchmarking conference & award ceremony for the 2015 top performing university business incubators in North America. The event was held at Toronto’s TIFF Bell Lightbox.Wed, 04 Nov 2015 16:06:19 ZTORONTO, ON, CANADA – On November 2 and 3, 2015, UBI Global and Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) co-hosted a benchmarking conference & award ceremony for the 2015 top performing university business incubators in North America. The event was held at Toronto’s TIFF Bell Lightbox. The event highlighted best practices, hands-on-tools, analyses, success stories, and featured inspiring presentations that allowed those who attended to network, learn from each other and improve performance in order to enhance economic transformation and local, regional and national development.  It has been a very promising year for North American incubators, the third largest region UBI Global benchmarks in terms of sample size. North American business incubators have attracted a total of $1.98b in investment, meaning each of the 60 incubators has received an average of $33m each. With regard to deal flow North America as a whole accept 9.2k applications per year, equating to an average of 154 applications per incubator. In the last 5 years, North America’s business incubators have created 28.4k jobs (473 jobs per incubator) and over the same time period generated $5.3b in sales, equating to an average of $89m in sales per incubator. Top University Business Incubator A Top University Business Incubator is an incubator managed or formal affiliated with a university, that provide better value for the ecosystem and their startup clients than their regional or global peers. They stand out from average-performing incubators with better outcomes on economy enhancement, access to funds and post incubation performance indicators. Top University Business Accelerator A Top University Business Accelerator is an accelerator managed or formal affiliated with a university, that provide better value for the ecosystem and their startup clients than their regional or global peers. They stand out from average-performing accelerators with better outcomes on economy enhancement, access to funds and post acceleration performance indicators.  High Impact Incubation Program A High Impact Incubation Program is a successful business incubator or accelerator that is managed, affiliated or associated with a university, that has high impact on its ecosystem and provides higher value to their startup clients than their regional or global peers. They stand out from average-performing incubation programs with better outcomes on economy enhancement, access to funds and post incubation performance indicators. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- During the event, UBI Global has announced and awarded ten Top University Business Incubators, five Top University Business Accelerators and two High Impact Incubation Programs in North America. These awardees are also shortlisted for the UBI Global’s World Rankings in London, United Kingdom on November 25, 2015.  Ten Top University Business Incubators in North America 2015 are: #1. The DMZ at Ryerson University - Ryerson University; Canada #2. 1871 - Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois, Loyola University, Illinois Institute of Technology, DeVry University; United States #3. Innovate Calgary - University of Calgary; Canada #4. TEC Edmonton - University of Alberta; Canada #5. Western Research Parks - Western University; Canada #6. The Franklin Business Incubator - Paul D. Camp Community College; United States #7. Lead to Win - Carleton University; Canada #8. Ohio University Innovation Center - Ohio University; United States #9. The Kevin M. McGovern Family Center for Venture Development in the Life Sciences - Cornell University; United States #10. VentureLab – Georgia Institute of Technology; United States Five Top University Business Accelerators in North America 2015 are: #1. Entrepreneuriat Laval - Laval University; Canada #2. MassChallenge - Boston University, Northeastern, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; United States #3. York Entrepreneurship Development Institute - York University, Schulich Executive Education Centre; Canada #4. Launch Chapel Hill - University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; United States #5. The INKUBATOR - Northern Kentucky University; North America  Two High Impact Incubation Programs in North America 2015 are:  <ul> <li>Youngstown Edison Incubator Corporation, DBA Youngstown Business Incubator - Youngstown State University, Kent State University, Hiram College, Case Western Reserve University, University of Akron; United States</li> <li>Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) - University of California, University of Southern California, California State University, Northridge, California Institute of Technology, Otis College of Art & Design; United States</li> </ul>   For more information please contact: An Nguyen-Johansson, Director of Operations, an@ubi-global.comurn:uuid:ad3a1ad3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 News ReleasesInnovative companies to be featured as part of Ontario Economic SummitOntario Centres of Excellence (OCE) is partnering with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce to present a showcase of some of the best and brightest companies and innovators the province has to offer at this week’s Ontario Economic Summit.Mon, 26 Oct 2015 20:51:24 ZTORONTO/NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Oct. 26, 2015 – Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) is partnering with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce to present a showcase of some of the best and brightest companies and innovators the province has to offer at this week’s Ontario Economic Summit. Four OCE-supported companies considered to be leaders in their field have been selected to display their game-changing innovations as part of the summit that brings together the private and public sectors to consider ways to work together in making Ontario as prosperous as possible. “OCE is pleased to be able to introduce these four incredible companies to attendees of this important event,” says OCE President and CEO Dr. Tom Corr. “Our stellar track record of finding the next great innovation and supporting its commercialization and business development makes us uniquely qualified to be part of this showcase. “These companies are examples of what happens when industry and academia come together to commercialize cutting-edge, Ontario-based research.” Featured as part of OCE’s innovation showcase on Oct. 27 are: <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://theforgehamilton.ca/companies/harvest/" target="_blank">Pizza Pizza/McMaster University</a> - Funded by fast food leader Pizza Pizza, McMaster University students have created HARvEST, the Pizza Oven Waste Energy Recovery (POWER) system. The technology repurposes waste heat from a conventional pizza oven to power lighting, hot water and space heating. The core technology, known as a thermal electric generator, enables the POWER system to be self-powered - even during a power outage. </li> <li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.appliedbrainresearch.com" target="_blank">Applied Brain Research</a> - Originating out of the University of Waterloo, ABR has created the world’s largest functioning computer-based brain model. The program model, known as Spaun, is capable of learning and making decisions based on information it receives. This is the first step toward the democratization of artificial intelligence. </li> <li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.clouddx.com" target="_blank">Cloud DX</a> - Cloud DX is a Top-10 Finalist in the $10 million Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE competition and is the only Canadian finalist. Cloud DX is revolutionizing health care with a device designed to diagnose 15 different medical conditions and monitor vital signs for up to 72 hours. </li> <li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.nymi.com" target="_blank">Nymi</a> - Nymi is a wearable authentication device that uses a person’s cardiac rhythm to authenticate their identity. The Nymi is the first of its kind, combining identity with motion control while also providing privacy, trusted security and convenience. The wristband is equipped with an ECG sensor with two electrodes and a six-axis motion sensor that encompasses simple gesture recognition and user input allowing a person secure access to their identification records or password-protected devices.</li> </ul> The Ontario Economic Summit is presented by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and takes place Oct. 27-29 in Niagara Falls. “Ontario has some truly amazing and inspiring entrepreneurial success stories,” says Allan O’Dette, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “It is essential that business and government come together to support innovators and business owners so that we can accelerate economic growth in the province.”   About Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. (www.oce-ontario.org) Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario’s global competitiveness. OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario’s industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, domestic and foreign investors, and government ministries. A champion of leading-edge technologies, best practices, innovation, entrepreneurship and research, OCE invests in such areas as advanced health, information and communications technology, digital media, advanced materials and manufacturing, agri-food, aerospace, transportation, energy, and the environment including water and mining. OCE is a key partner in delivering Ontario’s Innovation Agenda as a member of the province’s Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), which helps Ontario-based entrepreneurs and industry rapidly grow their company and create jobs. Learn more at www.onebusiness.ca -30- Media contact: Stuart Green Manager, Media Relations Ontario Centres of Excellence 416-861-1092 x 1022 stuart.green@oce-ontario.orgurn:uuid:b9381ad3-a37c-60a4-9b63-ff0000000643 News ReleasesTwo high-potential Ontario startups recognized with OCE awardsTORONTO, Oct. 23, 2015 – Two Ontario companies – one developing off-grid energy solutions and the other providing scientists with better access to research documents – were recognized for their success in creating game-changing innovations at Ontario Centres of Excellence’s Annual General Meeting last night.Fri, 23 Oct 2015 15:09:20 Z<img src="http://70.38.34.216/images/default-source/news/meta-agm.jpg?sfvrsn=1" displaymode="Original" alt="Sam Molyneux, co-founder and CEO of Meta, accepting the Martin Walmsley Award with Michael Nobrega (left), Chair of OCE's Board of Directors and Dr. Tom Corr (right), President and CEO of OCE." title="Meta-AGM" /> TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2015 – Two Ontario companies – one developing off-grid energy solutions and the other providing scientists with better access to research documents – were recognized for their success in creating game-changing innovations at Ontario Centres of Excellence’s Annual General Meeting last night. Clear Blue Technologies was named winner of the Mind to Market award for its innovative approach to providing power to utilities like street lights and railway switching controls where access to an electrical grid is expensive or impossible. The award recognizes collaborations with Centennial and George Brown Colleges. Sam Molyneux, co-founder of Toronto-based Meta (formerly known as ScienceScape) won the Martin Walmsley award for his company’s groundbreaking big data platform that links researchers with the most recent papers and publications in their field in real time. “These ventures are incredible examples of what can be accomplished through Ontario’s innovation ecosystem,” said Dr. Tom Corr, President and CEO of OCE. “They are bright and fearless representatives of the talent in this province who are serving to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.” OCE’s Mind-to-Market Award celebrates the best OCE-supported research collaboration between the business and research communities resulting in effective commercialization of leading edge ideas and solutions. The Martin Walmsley Award supports the development of an Ontario student to create an innovative start-up with an economic impact in Ontario. The award gives a new entrepreneur the financial resources to focus entirely on making their ideas a viable business. The award honours the vision of Dr. Martin Walmsley, who was instrumental in founding OCE in 1987. Both include $25,000 awards to be used to help grow their company. “I’d like to congratulate these two companies, each of which exemplify the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that is propelling Ontario forward in a competitive global economy,” said Reza Moridi, Minister of Research and Innovation and Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. “Through tireless efforts and active collaboration with our postsecondary, business, and research communities, the talented people behind these ventures are creating highly skilled jobs and bringing tangible benefits to Ontarians.” <img src="http://70.38.34.216/images/default-source/news/clearblue-agm.jpg?sfvrsn=0" displaymode="Original" alt="John Tuerk, co-founder of Clear Blue Technologies, accepting the Mind to Market Award with Michael Nobrega and Dr. Tom Corr. " title="ClearBlue-AGM" />   About Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. (www.oce-ontario.org) Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario’s global competitiveness. OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario’s industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, domestic and foreign investors, and government ministries. A champion of leading-edge technologies, best practices, innovation, entrepreneurship and research, OCE invests in such areas as advanced health, information and communications technology, digital media, advanced materials and manufacturing, agri-food, aerospace, transportation, energy, and the environment including water and mining. OCE is a key partner in delivering Ontario’s Innovation Agenda as a member of the province’s Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), which helps Ontario-based entrepreneurs and industry rapidly grow their company and create jobs. Learn more at www.onebusiness.ca -30- Media contact: Stuart Green Manager, Media Relations Ontario Centres of Excellence 416-861-1092 x 1022 stuart.green@oce-ontario.org