Alberta Innovation Voucher Program Re-launch
Jul 5, 2011 – Jul 31, 2012Alberta – Alberta Innovates-Technology Futures has re-launched the Alberta Innovation Voucher Program across the province. This time around there will be a few positive changes including an increase in the value for feasibility and opportunity assessment vouchers and more frequent competitions for companies to apply for the program. The program was launched in 2008 as a pilot project to aid small technology and knowledge driven businesses in Alberta to get their ideas and products to market faster. Companies that are eligible can apply for vouchers worth up to $15,000 for services such as feasibility study/ opportunity assessment or services required to assist the business in development for the purpose of supporting the advancement of technology. The opportunity still exists for businesses to qualify for larger vouchers up to $50,000 for more substantial technology development. Examples of these services could include prototype development, product testing, intellectual property protection, and product certification and demonstration. The aim of the program is to enhance the ability of small businesses operating in Alberta to be successful in the global marketplace. When the Innovation Voucher Program was originally launched, the program only accepted applications twice a year. The program now runs quarterly competitions increasing in frequency of awarded vouchers. This will not only increase access to the program and alleviate extended waiting times, but it will also allow the businesses sufficient time to put forth high quality applications. Due to a program review, an additional competition is being offered with a deadline of August 1, 2011. This is followed by a second competition deadline date of October 1, 2011 with subsequent deadlines every three months. The Innovation Voucher Program was first launched in November 2008 as part of Alberta’s Action Plan: Bringing Technology to Market. In the first round, 179 companies from across Alberta were awarded innovation vouchers totalling over $5 million. To date, 363 vouchers have been provided to 330 companies in 43 communities across the province. Of the 204 provincial vouchers awarded last year, seven were from the South East Alberta region. Locally, this program has provided companies much needed access to specialized expertise that may not have otherwise been utilized. The Innovation Voucher Program helps Alberta entrepreneurs and small businesses move more rapidly from concepts and ideas to commercial products or services, thereby gaining a competitive advantage in domestic and export markets. For more information on the Innovation Voucher Program or to apply online please visit www.albertatechfutures.ca. Technology on your mind? Visit Apex Alberta at www.apexalberta.ca for more useful programs and resources, and to get connected to South Eastern Alberta’s technological community.
A Greener Solution to Flood Control
Apr 5, 2011Since June 18, 2010, flooding has been an ongoing hot topic in the Southeast Alberta region. What originally began as discussions surrounding immense damages, impending repairs and government compensation, has now shifted as concerns over repeat flooding are on the rise. This winter’s increased level of snowfall in combination with heavily saturated grounds have many local residents worried that conditions could be optimal for history to repeat itself. Many flood prevention strategies are being considered and one Southern Alberta Company is looking to provide a “greener” alternative to those wishing to mitigate flood risk. Candam Systems Inc., a Canadian Company, has developed an environmentally friendly, easy to assemble, flood control and water diversion system. Traditional methods like sand bags can not only be harmful to the environment, but extremely labor intensive, expensive, and ultimately ineffective as a logical water diversion solution. The Candam is a cost effective, temporary, portable water diversion and flood control system that replaces conventional methods like sand bags and earthen berms. Locally manufactured by Form-tech Machining, the Candam System is comprised of engineered interlocking components that form an impervious, temporary dam. Constructed utilizing a combination of A-frames, galvanized steel panels and waterproof PVC fabric, the dam is lightweight, reusable and may be configured to handle varying depths of water and diverse terrain. The segments can be linked together to form any length of dam, in any configuration required. The Candam is also versatile enough to be used in a wide variety of construction projects like bridge and dock repairs and shore reclamation. Additional applications include use in the Oil & Gas services sector as well as the Mining industry as an environmentally sound method of containment of toxic fluids prior to disposal. Because the Candam System requires no special training or equipment, it is easily assembled and dismantled using only basic tools. One of the main features of the Candam System is that the A-frame structure of the dam is collapsible allowing the dam to be conveniently transported and stored for future use. With a world-wide market for flood control and water diversion systems in excess of $80 billion annually, Lyle Rowland knew there was potential for the system. Rowland, one of Candams’ primary owners, observed that in the flood control industry, products seemed to be segmented with no dominant player or product. Most companies operating in the market are smaller without global impact which of course Rowland viewed as an opportunity. When asked what makes Candam unique, Rowland states, “Other products are variations of inflatable, water filled tubes that are only applicable to certain situations; they have a short life span and are not safe in higher water levels. The Candam provides a more logical and environmentally friendly alternative to outdated and harmful water diversion and emergency flood control methods; when used proactively, it can prevent substantial property and infrastructure losses.” In 2009/2010, Candam participated in a significant water diversion project in Saskatchewan which required an environmentally friendly solution to residents of Fishing Lake. In need of a permanent retaining wall to hold back waters that caused perennial flood problems, residents did not want to utilize sand bags or permanent berms that would have a negative impact on their beaches, fisheries and the environment. The Candam was easily able to fill that need. This past year, Candam has been able to access a $50,000 Innovation Voucher through Alberta Innovates Technology Futures which has allowed them to conduct an engineering study, modify the system, and apply for patents in both Canada and the US. More information on Candam Systems Inc. is available at www.candam.ca.
Entrepreneurs Benefit from Business Incubation
Apr 1, 2011As most every entrepreneur will tell you, starting up a small business can be quite a challenge, and the more support a business can receive during their crucial early development phase, the better. With Statistics Canada estimating that over 30% of businesses will not survive beyond five years, entrepreneurs should consider equipping themselves with a support network that will help nurture their company until they have established themselves firmly in the community. The new entrepreneur can look to a Business Incubator for the expertise and hands-on experience that can help them develop a successful long term business venture. Business Incubation defined You may be asking, what exactly is a Business Incubator? Business Incubators are support systems designed to accelerate the successful development of an enterprise by providing a unique environment of guidance through shared office space, mentorship, and an array of business support resources for aspiring entrepreneurs. A Business Incubator assists new businesses in accessing valuable information which could include management consultation, education, access to programs, technical and business services, networking resources and financial advice. Currently there are over 130 Business Incubators in Canada and 67% of those are technology based. Statistics have shown that as many as 87% of businesses that go through a Business Incubator succeed. How a Business Incubator helps The primary goal of an incubator is to increase the success of small business start-ups and to nurture confident graduates that are financially educated and secure in their ability of how to run a productive independent business. Typically Business Incubators come in two forms; the traditional “bricks and mortar” facility and the virtual incubator. Traditional incubators are attractive to new businesses because they offer physical shared office space. By sharing office space businesses are lowering initial overhead costs such as utilities, office equipment, computer services, conference rooms and laboratories. The sharing of common resources is then complimented with appropriate training and business coaching opportunities. Residents in a traditional incubator also benefit from networking with other incubator clients which facilitates the sharing of best practices, aids in problem solving, and ultimately expands the aspiring entrepreneurs support network. On the other hand, virtual incubators provide all of the same mentoring support services of a traditional incubator without being housed in a single physical location. Clients receive assistance via email, video conferencing, internet, telephone, webinars, workshops or face-to-face meetings. It is common to find that clients in a virtual incubator have established their business out of their home but are still in need of the nurturing environment and individualized help in strategizing to build a strong viable company. Apex Alberta is proud to provide direct access to Southeast Alberta’s technology Business Incubators. Physical Incubators include the Business First Technology Incubator- focusing on software development companies, and Red Tec Enterprise Centre- founded to provide lab space, research and expertise for science and technology companies. Virtual incubation services can be accessed through the Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta- offering specialized expertise and links to essential business resources, and Tourism Futures- providing professional assistance, guidance, and training to the tourism industry. If you have a new and innovative idea that you want to bring to life, or would like more information on the regions Business Incubators, contact Chris Deering at Apex Alberta 403-528-2824 or visit www.apexalberta.ca.
Criterion Showcases Technology in Nano Form
Mar 31, 2011When one thinks of the broad term technology, many types of technology come to mind; information technology, medical technology, assistive technology and even nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is defined as the science of manipulating materials on an atomic or molecular scale especially to build microscopic devices or products. One would think that this type of innovative technology would happen in big centres like Calgary and Edmonton but interestingly, a local company, Criterion Catalysts and Technologies, is using this advanced technology to compete on the global market. Criterion Catalysts and Technologies is an international company owned by Royal Dutch Shell that supplies catalysts for a wide range of refining applications. The Medicine Hat plant, one of eight Criterion plants worldwide, employs approximately 50 full-time staff and additionally employs numerous contractors, making it amongst one of the top payrolls in Medicine Hat. Nanotechnology at work right here Criterion Catalysts and Technologies is a great example of nanotechnology at work. The company produces catalysts which are used in oil refineries to help clean up the oil by removing nitrogen, sulphur and contaminant metals. At first sight a single catalyst may appear to be the size of one candy donut sprinkle. However if you were to dissect the catalyst and be able to lay out the internal porous surface area end to end you would literally have hundreds of feet of surface area. The efficient use of this internal surface area, from that single catalyst pellet (sprinkle), qualifies it as nanotechnology. Located on 17 acres of land in the Brier Park area of Crescent Heights, Criterion produces over 24 million lbs. of catalyst per year and supplies various forms of the product to every oil refinery in the world. Having located in Medicine Hat almost 30 years ago due to its central location to eight major refineries at the time, Criterion continues to supply catalysts to places as far away as South America and Russia, from here in Medicine Hat. Safety is top priority When operating a plant of this size and scope, safety is indeed a priority. Criterion Vice President and General Manager Rick Redmond has managed the Medicine Hat plant for the past 4 years and is most proud of the safety program they have in place on-site. With an impressive record of 10 years with no lost time incidents, it is easy to see that the safety program is working. Redmond states, “Safety is our #1 concern and we promote a culture of safety within our organization. Initiatives like Lean Manufacturing further enhance our monthly safety recognition programs and help employees to establish that core value of safety.” As evidence of their safety practices, Criterion has been recognized with four consecutive Alberta Workplace Health and Safety Awards. In addition to the Health and Safety aspect of their business, Criterion also devotes much time and effort to the research and development side of the business. With R&D sites located in Houston, Singapore and Amsterdam, Criterion is on the cutting edge of technology. They are the leaders in hydrotreating catalysts and have recently produced a new catalyst which is amongst the most energy efficient catalysts in the world.
Pilot program launches Alberta companies internationally
Sep 14, 2010News Release September 14, 2010 Pilot program launches Alberta companies internationally Munich, Germany... As a Canadian leader in optical satellite imagery, Alberta-based Iunctus Geomatics Corp. has always set its sights high. Now, the Lethbridge company is hoping to take its business to the next level, with a little help from Alberta Innovates Technology Futures and the German Aerospace Centre. Iunctus, along with Edmonton-based health information company Metabolistics Inc., are piloting a new International Innovation Vouchers Program. The program provides small technology-driven companies with vouchers redeemable for up to $50,000 worth of services at globally-recognized high-tech facilities and access to international business development expertise. Iunctus will use its international voucher at the German Aerospace Center, to explore business opportunities in the European and global space-related industry. Metabolistics will work with the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics in Geneva, Switzerland to improve its diagnostic test for screening people in developing countries for tuberculosis. Alberta’s Minister of Advanced Education and Technology, Doug Horner, joined Iunctus at the German Aerospace Center near Munich to get a first-hand sense of the pilot project’s potential. “This pilot gives Alberta companies access to the world,” said Horner. “It will also bring the world to Alberta especially in areas we have global expertise, like nanotechnology and geomatics.” The international pilot initiative expands the highly successful Alberta Innovation Voucher Program to include international organizations as service providers. This will broaden the range of services accessible to entrepreneurs to include specialized services at international labs and scientific centres. “This program is part of our strategy to streamline the pipeline that takes new technologies to market, by ensuring that Alberta companies have access to the best expertise, precisely when they need it,” said Gary Albach, President and CEO of Alberta Innovates Technology Futures. “This is how to leapfrog new technologies into new products at the rate that markets demand.” Information gained from this pilot may lead to the award of future international innovation vouchers and has already stimulated reciprocal programs with other countries. A small business from Germany received a similar voucher from the State Government of Bavaria, Germany and is working with the Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Machine Learning located at the University of Alberta. Launched in November 2008, the program, which is the first of its kind in Canada, was developed as part of Alberta’s Action Plan: Bringing Technology to Market. To date, almost 400 vouchers worth approximately $11 million have been awarded to companies across Alberta. For more information about the innovation voucher pilot program and a list of all voucher recipients, visit www.technology.gov.ab.ca. -30- Backgrounder: Information about voucher recipients and international service providers. Editor’s Note: Interviews with voucher recipients are available upon request. Photos from the announcement are available for download at www.flickr.com/photos/aaet. Media inquiries may be directed to: Marie Cusack, Public Affairs Officer, Advanced Education and Technology 780-427-0038 To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000. Sandra Robertson, Communications Alberta Innovates-Technology Futures 780-994-7907
Horner to promote Alberta as a hub for innovating, investing and collaborating
Sep 8, 2010News Release September 8, 2010 Horner to promote Alberta as a hub for innovating, investing and collaborating Europe mission focuses on energy, environment, biotech and advanced technology sectors Edmonton... Pursuing collaborative research projects, marketing Alberta’s knowledge-based industry and innovation capacity and helping build a skilled workforce is the focus of Deputy Premier and Minister of Advanced Education and Technology, Doug Horner’s mission to Germany, France, Finland and Northern Ireland, September 11 - 21. “In today’s global economy, business does not stop at our provincial borders,” said Horner. “To build innovation and competitiveness in our economy, we need to promote Alberta internationally as a preferred partner in research, innovation and commercialization.” Horner will attend the IFAT Trade Show, one of the world’s leading trade fairs for water, sewage, waste and raw materials management. He will also speak to the German-Canadian Business Club, which includes entrepreneurs, businessmen and media looking to promote economic relationships between the two countries. His remarks will focus on Alberta’s energy policies, in particular in relation to the oil sands, technology strategies and the province’s search for solutions to worldwide challenges, such as meeting energy demand and slowing the effects of climate change. Throughout the mission Horner will be meeting with leading-edge multinational companies and research organizations to discuss investment, partnership and commercialization opportunities in Alberta. He will also pursue discussions on expanding Alberta’s innovation voucher program to enable international cooperation. In addition, Horner will be showcasing Alberta’s new provincially funded research and innovation system - Alberta Innovates and the Campus Alberta system, which links Alberta’s major research institutions and gives researchers the ability to collaborate seamlessly together in large, multi-disciplinary groups. Germany is the world’s fourth largest economy and is one of the key partners in the European Union (EU). Over the years Alberta and Germany have enjoyed a strong relationship, including the establishment of a trade office in Munich in 2002. Northern Ireland is one of four countries of the United Kingdom that serves as a preferred entry point for many Alberta companies seeking market access to the EU, due to the common language and similar legal and business environments. In Finland, Horner will be meeting with several companies and the national research organization to advance collaboration with Alberta in water management technologies, fibre-based products, and bio-energy solutions. Alberta’s universities have cooperative agreements to facilitate research, faculty and student exchanges with German, French, Finnish and United Kingdom universities and colleges. Estimated travel costs for Horner and his executive assistant are $35,000. -30- Backgrounder: General itinerary for Minister Horner’s Europe mission Media inquiries may be directed to: Suzana Krpan, Communications Alberta Advanced Education and Technology 780-427-2237
