Real case studies from (KW) High-Tech industry

This presentation is about:

Turning an idea into a business

...and beyond

Making Ontario A World Leader In The Digital Economy

McGuinty Government Partners With Communitech To Create Digital Media Jobs In Kitchener-Waterloo (Feb. 2, 2012)

Premier Dalton McGuinty present at newly opened expansion of the Communitech Hub

The Tannery – Kitchener 19th-century tannery transformed into high-tech facility -The Communitech Hub

Communitech Hub

The Communitech Hub is expected to create or retain more than 4,000 jobs. More than 458 new companies have been created since it was launched in 2010.

“Fostering innovation and partnering with business that are creating the next generation of jobs is part of the McGuinty government's plan to strengthen Ontario's economy and create jobs for families.”

What is digital media?Information that is created and shared virtually rather than physically

Required elements for starting a business

Idea validation – Market readiness assessment

FundingLogistic supportConnectionsResourcesTalentEducation

Waterloo Region – Community driven innovation

Business and economic environment

Home to more than 700 tech companies (IT, digital media, biomedical, aerospace, environmental tech and advanced manufacturing)

World class graduates available from University of Waterloo

This is a community that “self-consults,” with one generation mentoring the next.

Iain KlugmanCEO of Communitech

StructureCommunitech

A not-for-profit organization supporting technology companies in Waterloo Region and promotes the area as a technology cluster.

Services: Venture services program; peer connections; Networking; mentorship

“Communitech is powerful example of the kind of entrepreneurship and innovation that is driving the Ontario economy. Our government is proud to support enterprises like Communitech, building confidence in our economy and bringing jobs to Ontario, for Ontario families."

 – Dalton McGuintyPremier of Ontario

StructureBusiness incubators / accelerators:

Accelerator Centre (Waterloo)

Communitech hub (Kitchener)Facility dedicated to the growth and

commercialization of Ontario’s digital media industry

VeloCity (University of Waterloo)Low cost business accelerator services for University

of Waterloo students and graduates

StructureAccelerator Centre facts: 100% of graduate companies remained in

Ontario. 84% remained in local communityover 1400 hours of educational services delivered

to Client companiesclients have added over 600 new jobs to their

communitieshelped the Clients bring in over $72 million in

external fundingclients generated over $45 million in revenue and

counting

StructureCanadian Digital Media Network (CDMN)

Created by Communitech in 2009 as a national Centre of Excellence for Commercialization and Research to create companies, jobs and wealth for the nation

15 regional nodes – Canada wide; Communitech Hub is the headquarters

Still something out there left to be invented?

Another business idea left to be discovered?

The answer is ... YES!

Advancements in various technologies open the path to

new businesses

Miovision TechnologiesFounded 2005Automated Traffic Data Collection system. Intelligent

solutions designed to help data collectors, traffic consultants and municipal governments reduce the cost of collecting, analyzing and reporting accurate traffic data. The product help reduce traffic congestion, minimize environmental impacts and improve the overall safety on the roads.

Capabilities: vehicle count; Traffic studies; Data collection; Signal timing ; Traffic Reporting

Markets:Public Sector Municipal & State GovernmentsTransportation Engineering & Planning firmsTraffic Data Collection Consultants

Aeryon LabsFounded in 2007Design and manufacture small unmanned aerial vehicle

(UAV) systems for aerial sensing applications.Aeryon Scout is an easy-to-use, battery powered,

unmanned aerial intelligence gathering system. A professional tool capable of point-and-click autonomous map-based navigation through a touch-screen user interface, the Scout requires minimal user training and allows a single user to operate both the aerial vehicle and camera payload system. The Scout is targeted at the backpack of every soldier and the trunk of every police car

Markets / applications: Military Law Enforcement Fire safety Civilian

DejeroFounded in 2009Innovative technology for transmitting broadcast-

quality HD or SD live video over bonded cellular networks, WiFi or Ethernet. The revolutionary solution gives greater mobility, including access to locations such as airports, high security areas, rooftop events and can even broadcast from a moving vehicle. Dejero expands broadcast newsgathering capabilities.

Markets / applications:Broadcasting, Media, Surveillance, Military, Education News Journalist, Web Media, Emergency Response,

Education, MilitaryLocal news, Video Blogging, Citizen JournalistsCustomer Support, Remote Medical Diagnostic

Dejero

“CTV’s live coverage of the Torch Relay for 100 days across 27,000 miles of Canada was a hugely popular introduction to the 2010 Winter Games. The innovative technology developed by Dejero will revolutionize how broadcasters cover live events.”

Robert Hurst, CTV News President

Key elements for success:Valid business idea (addresses a demand, open a niche etc.)Market ready – immediate opportunities for

commercialization Innovative (patented) technologyField proven / ReliableRecognition – awards, press releasesCost effective – fraction of the cost of an existing/traditional

solution or new affordable solutionComplex product – powered by proprietary softwareEasy to use – complex technology packed in a friendly easy

to use interface.Solution made possible due to advancements in various

related technologiesBusiness and Tech community support (Communitech)Start with a product with basic functionality that sells

and grow from there

What’s next? - Keep Innovating !Improve the product (quality, features)More compact versionsImprove the processesExpand on alternate markets / verticals

consumer marketnews journalist / web mediaemergency response / diagnosisremote monitoring/ surveillance

Expertise neededInformation TechnologyComputer engineeringSoftware engineeringWeb developmentElectronics /Electrical engineeringWireless / RF engineeringMechanical engineeringManufacturing engineering

Suppliersmachine shopsheet metal shopPCB manufacturing housesPCB assembly housescable assembly housesother custom parts and assembly

Need for any changes in the business model ?increase demand for rapid prototyping

(physical models) when digital prototyping reached certain technological limit or not effective

Take Back ManufacturingTake Back Manufacturing

SOFTWARESOFTWARE

Your TBM ROADMAPYour TBM ROADMAP

YOUR YOUR TBM TBM

EVOLUTIEVOLUTION PLANON PLAN

THOUGHT-THOUGHT-WAREWARE HARDWAREHARDWARE

END

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