Canadian manufacturers depend on innovative technologies new technologies to stay competitive. In fact, a recent survey identified that 55% of Canadian manufacturers are currently investing in technologies, while an additional 32% plan to take similar actions in the future. This is for good reason; by adopting innovative technologies, manufacturers can increase profitability and international competitiveness.
Technology startups have a critical role to play in innovation since not all manufacturers possess the abilities to research and develop products or processes on their own. Further collaboration between manufacturers and tech startups should be encouraged to increase growth potential, both domestically and internationally.
Luckily, Invest Barrie’s Open Innovation Forum on February 22, 2017 will provide technology-focused startups an opportunity to pitch their ideas to local manufacturers. By facilitating collaborating with other entities, manufacturers can drive productivity and market competitiveness.
Ontario-based tech startups that are interested in presenting during Invest Barrie’s Open Innovation Forum must request to pitch by January 21st, 2017.
Invest Barrie’s Open Innovation Forum: Event Details
The concept of Open Innovation refers to inflow and outflow of industry knowledge to improve innovation. By adopting and implementing Open Innovation, businesses can reduce internal expenses, accelerate project timelines that lead to market-ready products, develop new revenue streams and establish product differentiation.
In partnership with Mentor Works, the Invest Barrie Open Innovation Forum will allow 8 local companies to showcase their innovations that solve manufacturing challenges. The event will promote open innovation and identify Canadian government funding to support collaborative research and development projects.
Register for the February 22, 2017 event to pitch your technology to manufacturers and connect with other innovative companies.
Open Innovation Forum: Event Agenda
Participants of Invest Barrie’s Open Innovation Forum can expect the event to run as per the following schedule:
- 7:30-8:00am: Registration & Networking
- 8:00am-8:20am: Introductions
- 8:20-8:35am: Mentor Works Presentation
- 8:35- 8:40am: Centre for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI) Presentation
- 8:40-9:10am: 3 Pitches (8 minutes each) – Jomi, Peytec, Econse, and Q&A
- 9:10-9:15am: Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Presentation
- 9:15-9:45am: 3 pitches (8 minutes each) – GreenShield, Majik, Plum.io, and Q&A
- 9:45-10:00am: Wrap-up & Networking
Request to Pitch – Present Innovative Solutions
Ontario-based startups interested in showcasing their innovative manufacturing-focused technologies may request to pitch during the Open Innovation Forum.
Presenters must demonstrate how their product/process offers can solve manufacturing challenges that lead to productivity improvements.
Please contact Mentor Works by January 21, 2017 to be considered; limited space remains.
Register for the Open Innovation Forum
To attend the Open Innovation Forum, use the button below to register for the event.
When: February 22, 2017; 8:00-10:00am
Where: 100 Caplan Avenue, Unit 1, Barrie, Ontario
Cost: Free
Keynote Speakers – Learn from Industry Leaders
Some of the industry leaders who will discuss open innovation concepts and strategies include:
Dan Ruby – Business Development Manager, Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE)
Prior to joining the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) in 2016 as a Business Development Manager for eastern and northern Ontario, Dan was an Economic Development Manager for the City of Vaughan. In his past role, Dan was responsible for the Innovative Research, Development and Design convergence sector, leading the development of the Vaughan International Commercialization Centre (VICC). He has also founded four companies in his career and one non-profit, the Green Connections Network (GCN), a network of 45 organizations dedicated to sharing environmental business practices.
Mira Ray – Director, Centre for Applied Research and Innovation, Georgian College
Dr. Ray joined Georgian College in 2014 to assist with key strategic initiatives, including a strategy to increase degree delivery in Simcoe County and surrounding regions. In her current role as Director, Dr. Ray is responsible for the co-ordination of all research, scholarship and innovation activities at Georgian College through strategic planning, business development, funding generation, financial management, project management and client liaison. In past consulting roles, Mira has served clients across a wide range of sectors (including finance, insurance, retail, oil and energy, and health care) on a number of projects that involved the redesign of systems and processes, change management and capability building.
Alex Barlow – Business Development Executive, Mentor Works Ltd.
Alex works closely with Canadian businesses to develop a customized grants strategy. Her role allows her to connect with passionate, forward-thinking business owners to learn about their operations, including their challenges to, and opportunities for, growth. She has a strong interest in the continued growth of the Canadian manufacturing sector, as well as seeing Eastern Ontario businesses take equal advantage of funding opportunities. Since joining Mentor Works Ltd in 2012, she has helped companies ranging from small family businesses to some of Canada’s Best Managed Companies access over $25M in funding as a writer and strategic advisor.
Pitch Presentations from Local Startups
Some of the startups who will be pitching their products/services for adoption by manufacturers include:
Econse Water Purification: Helps businesses comply with regulatory requirements, eliminate penalties, reduce costs and save money through water reuse, reduced waste and reclaiming lost product from waste streams. The company’s Small Footprint, and Low Operation & Maintenance Costs combine to provide a quick return on Investments (ROI) for customers, helping them address their wastewater challenges.
MAJiK Systems: Connects businesses directly to capital equipment and existing Factory Information Systems (FIS) by utilizing the company’s existing IT infrastructure. This means that there is no overhead associated with installing additional hardware to monitor a company’s machines, adjusting production schedule in real-time according to plant conditions, or viewing important quality metrics.
Plum: This startup offers Software-as-a-Service platform that uses cutting-edge behavioural science to quantify company culture, optimize teams and predict successful new hires. Plum has over 80 clients which include Volkswagen Germany, RocketSpace, Citrix, Nestle, Agoda, Dejaro, Thalmic Labs and Andela. The company assists other businesses hire with confidence and reduce the amount of time it requires to review applicant submissions.
Green Shields Energy: This project development company specializes in renewable energy initiatives. GSE partners with leading, world-class companies to ensure projects are delivered on time and on budget. The company’s thermal energy system, HONE, is rated #1 in the world for having the highest coefficient of performance (COP) of any renewable energy technology.
Peytec Inc.: Specializing in IoT (Internet of Things) solutions, this company provides businesses with access to industry scale solutions that lead to an increase in inventory accuracy, asset management, and real-time quality control standards. Peytec’s systems improve inventory and quality systems within manufacturing, packaging, processing, warehousing, and distribution facilities.
Jomi Engineering Group: Specializes in overall equipment and manufacturing effectiveness enhancements. The company provides technical services and manufacturing experts who can develop a strategic plan for continuous improvement by focusing on lean development, specialized training programs, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
Please Note: Additional keynote speakers and startups will be listed as they are confirmed.
Register to Attend the Open Innovation Forum
Recent Business Events News:
- Alberta Export Expansion Program: Trade Show Grant Up to $15K
- Mentor Works Rebranding into Ryan: What This Means for You and Your Business
- Businesses Prioritizing Sustainability with Cleantech Tax Credits
- Ontario Creates IDM Fund: Futures Forward Startup Workshops Are Ready for Registration
- Ontario Creates IDM Fund: Global Market Development 2022 Intake is Now Open!