$50K Online Competition for Ontario Energy App Development

MaRS Discovery District and the province of Ontario have invited the public to vote online for their favourite app in the Energy Apps for Ontario Challenge in a news release earlier this week.  The challenge offers $50,000 in support for best new app using electricity collected by smart meters –as voted on by members of the public. The purpose of these apps is to help both Ontario households and businesses better understand and manage electricity use – resulting in energy conservation and savings.

People’s Choice Awards for Best App Runs for Two Weeks

The online voting for the People’s choice award began on February 3^rd and will run for exactly two weeks. Thirty apps entered this competition, with 26 entries coming from Canadians, and 4 from across the border in the U.S., 8 out of the 30 apps were created by students. Those interested in casting a vote are encouraged to first watch videos that describe each submission.  Visit the challenge website to learn more about the applicants, and to vote for your favourite entry.

Join the Ontario Energy Apps Conversation on Twitter

In addition to the website, the public is invited to join the energy conservation conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #energyapps. In addition to the People’s Choice awards a panel of judges will review the apps and select winners in 5 categories, including: gold, silver and bronze, as well as awards for Best Student App, and Best App Created Outside of Ontario.

Mentor Works Funding for Start-ups & Grants and Loans for Established SMEs

Early stage small businesses and start-ups can learn more about government funding by downloading a free government funding for start-ups checklist. If your business has more than 15 employees, has been incorporated for 2 years or more and manufactures or performs R&D in Canada can learn more about government grants and incentives for Canadian businesses by attending a free government funding workshop or webinar.