Canada is continuing to adopt more clean technologies, batteries included. The battery industry has grown worldwide, particularly in the clean tech sector for electric vehicles and renewable energy. Allowing for more innovative businesses to produce and commercialize batteries is an important step forward for Canada, as the industry is valued at $23 billion. There is…
Few automotive trends require foresight into technology development, consumer preferences, and regulatory requirements like connected and autonomous vehicles. For C/AV technologies to reach mass market adoption, all three of these elements must align, with consumers and government regulators being confident in the technologies used. Without tested and proven high-quality systems, governments won’t let C/AVs on…
Did you know that the manufacturing sector is the second-largest industry targeted by cyber criminals? Hackers know that manufacturers often use outdated software and do not invest in advanced network security and this makes them a very easy target. A study by Deloitte found that 40% of manufacturing firms have experienced a cyber-attack in the past year…
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) is a federal government agency that fosters innovation by encouraging companies to collaborate in post-secondary research projects. After recently changing the way NSERC administers funding, businesses can now choose between two new/updated funding programs, including NSERC Engage Grants and NSERC Alliance Grants. NSERC Engage supports research projects…
Ontario has had no shortages of severe winters. As this season renews each year, these harsh environments provide many opportunities for businesses to develop and test innovative technologies to help increase road safety for drivers and pedestrians. The Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network (AVIN) has recently announced the AVIN WinterTech Development Program, which is allocating funding…
Former U.S. President Barack Obama got it exactly right: “The World Needs More Canada.” In the context of my role as a Business Funding Analyst at Mentor Works, I am reminded every day of our nation’s agricultural, technological, and manufacturing strengths as I assist Canadian SMEs in preparing their government funding application packages. Their growth…
The Government of Ontario recently announced a suite of changes to Employment Ontario programming and services. The government is launching a new system that will improve Ontario employment services by focusing on the needs of local communities, workers, and employers. Employment Ontario provides a range of programs, services, and funding opportunities to help Ontarian workers…
UPDATE: This program was previously called Going Global Innovation (GGI). The content has been updated to reflect the new name, CanExport Innovation (CXI). Canadian companies are internationally recognized as some of the most creative, innovative firms in the world. But despite this reputation, Canada is falling behind in terms of its opportunities to spur innovation….
How would your team describe your leadership? What words would they use? Supporter? Motivator? Director? Servant? The concept of a servant-leader, while it seems like an oxymoron, is straightforward; servant-leaders encourage the development of their teams and prioritize the needs of others and avoid focusing on their own control and personal success. The concept of…
Canadian SME manufacturers strive to scale profitably while coping with global economic shifts, trade rules, and constantly morphing competition. A common obstacle to profitable growth is inefficiency caused by error-prone data entry, paper-based tracking, inaccurate inventory, quality challenges, and unnecessary waste. The situation is compounded by multiple combinations of disconnected or outdated systems – and…