If you didn't have time to read the 600 page report from the National Academy of Science titled "Rising Above the Gathering Storm" this great article from the Knowledge @ Wharton webiste is a great summary of how the economic turmoil taking place around the Globe could be a boon for creative destruction.
The article starts off by stating that US dominance isn't just slipping in manufacturing, energy and finance...it is slipping in "Good old American Ingenuity". I'd argue that here in Canada this slide isn't as significant, but you can't argue with the fact that China, Singapore and Finland are blowing us out of the water when it comes to fostering innovation within their borders.
The good news, as this article postulates, is that companies in North America will be forced to re-evaluate their business plans in order to first "stop the bleeding" and then begin the process of re-alignment. This will provide a platform where innovation can thrive.
The article moves on to discuss some of the ways companies can take advantage of this opportunity...my personal favorite is the analogy of innovating to firing a shotgun, not a rifle. Since we're talking innovation, what about microwaves or laser beams?
When Calgary Technologies Inc. (CTI) launched the TechRev program last year the goal was to elevate the profile of Calgary’s Technology Sector by celebrating local successes. It can be hard for our Tech Companies to get the recognition they deserve, and all too often great success stories are obscured in the shadow of Alberta’s huge Oil & Gas Sector. While TechRev isn’t going to change the world, it is a great podium from which we spread the Tech Gospel. (amen brother)
The next TechRev event coming up on November 18th, 2009 will be spotlighting three Calgary companies and their experiences in CleanTech innovation. New Energy Corporation and Sustainable Energy Technologies are leading edge CleanTech solution developers while ENMAX is recognized as a pioneer in CleanTech development and deployment (check out each Company’s profile below).
This event is SOLD OUT but if you are a CleanTech Entrepreneur or an Investor who’s interested in CleanTech plays, you can call Pam Boytinck and get your name on the waiting list. Pam can be reached at 403- 284- 6417.
For more information and to sign up for the TechRev newsletter visit www.techrev.ca.
Presenting Company Bio’s:
Michael Carten, Founder and CEO,
Sustainable Energy Technologies
Sustainable Energy Technologies designs, manufactures and distributes advanced power inverters for grid connected solar power systems. The unique system design can be installed anywhere by anyone, increasing the energy yield from solar power systems while reducing the installed cost.
Clayton Bear, Founder, President and CEO,
New Energy Corporation Inc.
New Energy is a manufacturer of in-stream hydrokinetic power generation systems. The company's proprietary EnCurrent Turbine is an economical hydroelectric generating product that has an extremely small environmental footprint and can be used in a large variety of settings where traditional hydro plants are not practical.
Doug Sullivan, VP Distribution Services,
ENMAX Energy Corporation
As an industry leader with a history of deploying CleanTech solutions, ENMAX is committed to evaluating alternative energy technologies that have the potential to fundamentally change the way people consume energy. They are committed to providing environmentally responsible energy solutions to the communities they service and to improving their environmental performance as well.
Calgary Technologies Inc. (CTI) works with entrepreneurs to help them accelerate the success of their technology company, and looks for... [more]
CCAT’s latest breakfast event yesterday was an engaging panel discussion about the future of technology and aerospace, focusing on air travel and the expansion plans for Calgary’s growing International Airport.
Sharon Edwards (former CBC host and currently with the Voice of Influence) played the role of moderator, and posed several interesting questions about how we are affected by cabin technologies, the mechanics of aircraft, and safety in today’s airports.
Darren Marchinko from WestJet and Bob Schmidt from the Calgary Airport Authority weighed in with their vision of where the industry is heading, and what technologies they see on the horizon. Darren is the Manager of Fleet Configuration at Westjet and focused on in-flight Entertainment as one area that he sees a huge potential in. Connectivity is the buzz, and while some airlines are already rolling out in-flight Wi-Fi, Westjet is still in the process of establishing the platform for their service. One interesting thing I learned was that while Aircanada has already rolled out in-flight Wi-Fi in the US they won’t be rolling it out in Canada any time soon. Their platform is based on the old infrastructure left over from the days of the $10 per minute telephones that have now been replaced by LCD’s on the back of seats. In the US this infrastructure was purchased by Aircell and is now being used for Wi-Fi. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your view) in Canada this network was decommissioned so an alternative (and arguably more up to date) solution must be implemented. Hopefully someone reminds them that Wi-Fi should be free…the decision makers can learn something from Starbucks!
Bob’s role as Senior Vice President of Planning & Engineering for the Calgary Airport Authority spurned some interesting conversation on the evolution of how you’ll catch a flight here in Cow-town. Not only are we adding a new 14,000 foot runway to accommodate larger airplanes and direct flights to Asia, but we’re looking at a new international wing as well. While much of the technology at the terminal level is geared toward making you and airport workers safer, Bob talked about a very cool techno-play that could be coming in the near future: RFID tagged baggage. Imagine knowing, not hoping your bags are safely stowed in the belly of the plane!
Soon, as you kick back in B3 with your tomato juice and pretzels, you’ll fire up your laptop (802.11 now enabled) and let out a sigh of relief as you confirm your bags are on the same flight as you. Now how about some complimentary noise-cancelling headphones to protect your ears from that screaming kid across the isle?
CCAT's next event, The Future of Transportation, is coming up on November 19th. The technology behind Calgary's new Park Plus System will be discussed, and one of the fancy new Saturn "camera cars" will be on-site! Visit www.ccat.org for more details.
Calgary Technologies 9th Annual Tech Showcase packed the house last night at the Alastair Ross Technology Centre (ARTC). This year’s event highlighted over 40 local Technology Companies, and proves that even during turbulent global economic times, Calgary’s technology sector is diverse, growing, and always up for a party!
This year’s Tech Showcase had a new attraction – Pitch Corner. Six exciting companies took centre stage to show off who they are, what they do, and why it’s cool. Each company had 7 minutes to deliver their presentations, which included demos, graphics, prototypes, bells, whistles, and even some PowerPoint. Democamp Calgary’s fabulous Sarah Blue MC’d the Pitch Corner, and helped presenters keep their cool amid some interesting technical challenges.
Presenters included:
Also new this year, the soothing sounds of Jazz! As you sipped a glass of chewy Shiraz, or in my case a cold Traditional Ale, the Rick Climans Jazz Trio could be heard above the noise of the 400+ attendees. There were some great networking opportunities (Calgary’s Mayor, Dave Bronconnier, even made an appearance!) and I’m sure there are many people scrambling this morning to follow up on the contacts made last night!
Calgary Technologies Inc. (CTI) works with entrepreneurs to help them accelerate the success of their technology company, and looks for... [more]
Share the web as YOU see it! You can add notes, drop speech bubbles, place stickers and more on top of any web page and share your Tynt with... [more]
Psyko Audio Labs is developing headphones for computer and console gamers. The technology delivers highly accurate directional audio so that you... [more]
Our goal is to inspire the world to learn. But that inspiration must start with you. Be inspired. And let that inspiration flow through everything... [more]
Do you want to increase the chances of your Startup's success? If so, you need to sign up for Startup School this weekend!
Startup School is a practical, how-to course about starting, financing, marketing, hiring, growing, and exiting your startup. It is taught by Michael Sikorsky, CEO of Cambrian House and poster-child for the global Crowdsourcing Community.
The thing I like about MJ's approach is that he is not there to inspire you over the two day course...he is there to significantly increase your chances of being successful. Two full servings of reality smothered in steaming facts.
Another great take away are the take aways...Michael provides most of the files, documents, spreadsheets, termsheets, grant applications and presentations he has created over the last 12 years...including ones that worked and ones that didn't. He's raised over $10 million for his ventures so I'd consider this information priceless!
Much more info and how to register can be found on Michael's site here.
Launched in 2006, Cambrian House began as a crowdsourcing community using a wisdom of crowds based approach to discover new business and technology... [more]
Calgary Technologies Inc. (CTI) is currently recruiting companies for their Go-To-Market Program set to kick off on October 29, 2008. This is the second year CTI has ran this program which is focused on helping technology companies develop skills needed to maximize successful execution in market entry, product launch and revenue growth.
The Go-To-Market Program can assist companies who are encountering challenges in 3 major areas:
CTI has again partnered with Vancouver based Rocket Builders to bring you this world class, applied learning, Market Readiness Program. The deadline to apply is October 24th, and there are a limited number of spots available, so time is of the essence!
For more information or to apply visit www.calgarytechnologies.com/gtm.
Calgary Technologies Inc. (CTI) works with entrepreneurs to help them accelerate the success of their technology company, and looks for... [more]
Rocket Builders is a Sales & Marketing consulting firm focused on helping technology companies to grow and prosper. [more]
The room was full and the coffee was hot this morning as CCAT kicked off its fall event line up with “the future of Social Computing”.
And why was SAIT Polytechnic’s MacDonald Hall packed at 7:30AM on a cool October morning? To hear one of Calgary’s preeminent Serial Entrepreneurs, Derek Ball, talk about his vision for the future of course! Derek, whose entrepreneurial history spans back over 15 years and 8 different startups, is fully immersed in his latest venture: Tynt Inc.
Tynt is building software that empowers people to share the web as they see it. Their browser based app. leverages relationships with other social networks, online shopping, microblogging and Web 2.0 communities to improve user experience and drive monetization. Translation: you get to mark up other people’s websites using an arsenal of cool Tynt tools and only your friends can see it.
Derek wasn’t there to plug Tynt, he was there to talk about how he sees the future of Social Computing…and that was where things got interesting! Whether it was the relation of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to the evolutionary steps we’ve seen with the internet, or the application of Dunbar’s number when examining how we interact online, the crowd was deeply engaged (especially considering the time of day!) and I was left thinking: Wow this guy really gets the underlying fundamentals of online communities!
So what is the future of Social Computing? That’s a tricky question…assuming we can keep the web safe and keep spreading the love through Facebook, Myspace, Nexopia and other communities, I would have to say the future will be full of sites with names like Creativebook, Myesteem, and Actualizopia. (can I get a Moral or Not?) Derek's vision is much more refined, but based on his presentation I might not be too far out.
If his track record is any indication, they'll all be marked up via Tynt as well!
Share the web as YOU see it! You can add notes, drop speech bubbles, place stickers and more on top of any web page and share your Tynt with... [more]
On Wednesday night I attended CCAT’s AGM where they not only introduced the new Volunteer Board for 2008-2009, they also unveiled a new logo and new website to celebrate CCAT’s 25th Anniversary! With free food and free wine the atmosphere was a buzz… what better way is there to get a room full of techies to network with each other?
The new logo, as seen here, brings a fresh new look to CCAT. They have also incorporated a cool new website… check it out.
As many organizations with 25 years of history may find, things can get stale easily. CCAT has always been about “Bringing technology and business together” but this year’s line up of events promises to put the spotlight on fresh new topics that are not only relevant to the IT Community, but also the broader Business Community here in Calgary. With future looking topics like Social Computing, Aerospace, Transportation, Energy, Gaming, Health Care, Micro-Sustainability and even “The Future of BBQ’s” this year’s line up of events should be both interesting and fun!
The next CCAT event is “The Future of Social Computing” with special guest Derek Ball from Tynt speaking about his company, and the continuing evolution of society through the interweaving of our digital lives with our physical world. The venue is SAIT’s Heritage Hall and the date is October 15th. It’s a breakfast event…and in my physical world that means they better have plenty of strong, hot coffee!
