|
What's Inside
Letter from ED
Innovation and Entrepreneurship is alive and well in BC!
We have nine months to go until the 2010 Olympic Games! Ready or not we have less than seven months, that's 213 days, to deliver on our 2010 Showcase and Service initiative. This is an exciting time with lots of new initiatives and activities taking place at WINBC.
This past month I have been privileged to look at some of the best companies we have in BC wireless and new media and, as a serial entrepreneur at heart, I have to say that we have some of the best ideas, creativity and environment in the world to create innovation and generate change. If there were some Olympic Games for wireless and new media, I bet we'd finish on the podium more than once.
We closed April with a successful BC Demo Day. In May we submitted the final business proposal for the Wireless & New Media 2010 Showcase and Service initiative to Western Diversification Programs (thank you Michael Lee and Dennis Bruchet for your continuous support); we selected and shortlisted companies; we organized two very well-attended industry meetings and, together with NRC-IRAP representatives, we also looked at presentations from SMEs from the services side, some of which will be able to access IRAP financial support to develop and deliver their service. WINBC has also held discussions with Wavefront to help with technical support and testing services.
Bottom line, we now have more than 40 BC companies involved in the process, an in-kind commitment of more than 4,000 hours (or the equivalent of $500,000) in development and creative services, and $100,000 in cash from the industry. The BC government and Western Diversification are fully supportive of our initiative and have made considerable efforts to speed up their due diligence processes to help our industry-lead initiative.
Some of the select activities that I was involved in this month include:
- Round table with our Canadian Trade Commissionaires from Australia and New Zealand regarding Wireless World Sydney 2009 and a possible trade mission in September.
- Meeting with Life Sciences BC to discuss the convergence between health and wireless, the big opportunity for our two industries, and planning of a Wireless Health Forum in Vancouver in July and a tech mission to San Diego in October.
- Vancouver Digital Week (Vancouver Int'l Partner Forum and PopVox Awards) courtesy of New Media BC.
- Started planning the international events in May 2010 (wireless + digital media) at the new Vancouver Convention Centre (i.e. Mobile Monday Global Summit from Helsinki, GDC from the US, PICNIC from Amsterdam). Suggested themes: green technologies, education, health and entertainment!
- VIATeC Tech Awards in Victoria (thank you Dan Gunn).
- Helping Wavefront promote their new location, launch their services and meet potential customers from our community or from abroad.
- Wishing Happy Retirement! to Neil Callow and George Green, our long time supporters from Industry Canada.
- Thank you! to Val Swannell for serving as Director for three years in our board.
- Planning the joint AGM with Wavefront and end of season MoMoVan on June 22nd (hosted by Nokia Vancouver).
- WINBC's annual strategic planning retreat (hosted by Fasken Vancouver). Your board is at work. Special thanks to Jim Mutter, Robert Forget, our board, and all the executives who offered input.
Before I close this letter I need to thank Brian Krieger and his excellent team at the 2010 Commerce Center, Kenton Low and Phil Filiatreault from New Media BC, Christina Chowaniec from WINBC, Jeff LaPorte from Sorreno Digital Group and YOU, the amazing wireless and digital media community for your support of our 2010 initiative.
Thank you for reading,
Michael Bidu
Executive Director, WINBC
2010 Showcase & Service Update
BC Demo Day at Vancity Theatre, Vancouver, BC |
BC Demo Day Vancity Theatre Presentations |
BC Demo Day Vancity Theatre Presenters |
After the BC Demo Day on April 30, the Industry Advisory Board selected 43 unique companies to continue in the 2010 Showcase and Service initiative. With some overlap, 23 companies are on the Showcase side and 34 companies are on the Service side. Companies like, Bardel Entertainment, SPIN West VFX, 2C Visual Communications and Invoke Media on the new media side and Sierra Wireless, Nokia, Handi Mobility, In Motion Technology, and Clevest Solutions on the wireless side.
Click here to see the full list of selected participants.
This is a fantastic opportunity to elevate the awareness of Vancouver and BC wireless and new media in the world and make known the incredible depth of talent we have in the region. The initiative seeks not simply to show what BC products and services are available, but to demonstrate how they can impact individuals and businesses.
We thank all the participants for making this a priority and dedicating the necessary time to make this happen. To some extent, we are not there yet. The whole initiative has been a process of discovery. At times it seems like things are confusing, but we’re shooting towards a clear, meaningful vision. And it is the questions we are trying to address that are the real driver of our initiative:
- What is the meaning of our 2010 initiative? How do we build legacy?
- How can wireless and digital media make Vancouver, BC, Canada a better place?
- What can the BC wireless and new media industries do to make a difference in the experience of the people who will be here before, during and after the Games?
- How can we attract more people who love to innovate and create change?
- What can we do to get locals to participate, share, and enjoy our wireless and new media projects?
We will figure it out together and the commitment and enthusiasm from the participants and partners is a motivating force.
What's the status today? We are looking for a Project Director, and a Creative Director; waiting for the decision from Western Diversification; finalizing the technical and creative vision; setting deadlines and focusing on execution and results. This is just another opportunity for us to serve our membership and tell the world what we already know: that wireless and new media are big in Vancouver. We are a diverse, talent rich, entrepreneurial and creative city and above all, we are innovative. It is a great story to tell.
There continues to be interest from companies that wish to participate and in the fall we will hold a second BC Demo Day and open the door up to new applications. For the moment, we are creating momentum and figuring out how to best to use the space and the channels available to us and serve the interests of the companies involved.
WINBC / Wavefront AGM and MoMoVan Party
 The joint Annual General Meetings of WINBC and Wavefront will take place on June 22 at Nokia's offices at 9200 Glenylon Parkway, in Burnaby. We are combining the AGMs with the end of season MoMoVan party. The event will run from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, and the AGMs will be held at 6:15 pm.
We will thank the volunteer Board members and elect those who will guide WINBC and Wavefront through the year ahead. Add your vote to elect the new Board members, and help us to celebrate the success of WINBC and Wavefront during the last year.
There will be beer, there will be burgers, there will be awards, games and prizes, entertainment, and lots of familiar faces. Come and help us kick off the summer. Register now!
 NOTE: Pre-registration is mandatory. Nokia will be checking photo ID against your registration so please come prepared.
Call for WINBC Board of Directors Nominations
The Nominating Committee of WINBC invites nominations as well as statements of interest from individuals for the 2009-2010 WINBC Board of Directors. All nominations must be submitted no later than June 15, 2009.
You must be a member of WINBC in order to submit a nomination. If you know someone who you think would make a good addition to our WINBC Board for the coming year, please contact Michael Bidu michael@winbc.org.
Wireless Health Forum & CTIA San Diego
The convergence taking place between medicine and wireless technology can "profoundly change the quality and cost structure of medicine" (Dr. Eric J. Topol) and represents an extraordinary opportunity for the wireless industry. It is possible to positively impact healthcare delivery, help individuals lead healthy, independent lives; enable physicians, end-users and caregivers to cost-effectively prevent, diagnose and monitor health conditions; manage treatment; and help hospitals and healthcare systems be more cost-efficient.
 WINBC, in partnership with LifeSciences BC, would like to explore the opportunity for BC companies in mobile health.
Step 1: Organize a Wireless Health Forum in Vancouver in July. We would like to start a conversation with carriers, developers, health authorities, government, and academia and determine if this is a strategic direction that we should pursue, both as an association and as a Province. The West Wireless Health Institute in San Diego, a new entity created in affiliation with Scripps Health and Qualcomm, has a mandate to advance health by identifying, validating and accelerating the use of innovative and cost-effective wireless solutions. We are bringing some of the leaders in this space to Vancouver to generate some awareness about what is possible.
Step 2: Bring a delegation to San Diego in early October, prior to CTIA Wireless IT & Entertainment to connect BC wireless, life sciences, and digital media companies with wireless health opportunities to our San Diego partners.
Australia and New Zealand Trade Mission September 2009
 The Consulate and Trade Office in Auckland, New Zealand (NZ) together with the Consulate General in Sydney, Australia is working with the Ontario Ministry of International Trade and Investment and WINBC to create a joint BC/Ontario initiative that will see a trade mission of wireless companies traveling to New Zealand and Australia in September 2009.
The trip is timed so that participants can go to Wireless World Australia 2009 in Sydney (Sept. 9-10) followed by business meetings in Melbourne and Auckland. This trade mission can help the Canada brand in that part of the world.
The Australian mobile services market grew 9.6% in 2008 to $14.4 million as of June 2008; by 2011 the market is expected to be worth $18 million. NZ broadband market saw 21% annual growth in 2008; mobile subscriber growth was 4%. The Australian government just announced the creation of the National Broadband Network Corporation, to build and operate the new national high-speed broadband network expected to cost an estimated $38B (CDN). The NZ government made a pledge of NZD$1.5 billion fibre-to-the-home rollout in 2009.
There are opportunities for Canadian companies in these infrastructure projects, in the supply of network equipment, provision of applications for health, education, financial services, digital and interactive entertainment, and remote management of IT services.
Our goal is to help BC wireless companies export their technologies, grow their market share, or penetrate niche markets. Member companies like Sierra Wireless, AirG, WebTech Wireless, Digital Dispatch Systems are already successful in Australia and NZ.
More details to follow. Contact WINBC if you are interested in participating.
Welcome our new member
Clevest Solutions
Clevest is the fastest-growing provider of Mobile Solutions to the electric, water and gas utilities. We deliver innovative, flexible solutions that increase workforce safety and support the transformation of field operations into optimized, real-time service and incident response groups. Our software sets itself apart by being able to serve the operational needs of ALL workgroups with our patented form and workflow design tool. Clevest is playing a leading role in the Smart Meter revolution as the software of choice in planning, coordinating and deploying of Smart Meters around North America. Incorporating the latest technologies we serve all sizes of utilities. www.clevest.com
BC Wireless Industry News
Tranzeo Receives Additional Purchase Order Valued at US$1.1M From Aperto for WiMAX Subscriber Units
Vancouver, BC, May 28, 2009 — Tranzeo Wireless Technologies has received a purchase order valued at US$1.1M from Aperto® Networks to deliver Aperto-branded WiMAX subscriber units. » More
TELUS Awarded $31.5 Million Contract to Deliver Electronic Health Record Solution
Vancouver, BC, May 27, 2009 — TELUS today announced a $31.5 million expansion of its contract with the Montreal Region Health Authority to accelerate and expand the implementation of the Oacis Electronic Health Record solution to healthcare facilities across the region. » More
Vecima Signs DOCSIS 3.0 Module Supply Agreement with Major OEM Customer
Vancouver, BC, May 26, 2009 — Vecima Networks today announced it has signed an agreement to supply DOCSIS 3.0 modules to a leading, US-based original equipment manufacturer. » More
WebTech Wireless Announces Sale of 5,000 Locators and New Partnership in the Brazilian Market
Vancouver, BC, May 8, 2009 — WebTech Wireless announced the delivery of 5,000, model WT5000 Series Locators to Sat Company, a local Service Provider based in Sao Paulo, Brazil. » More
Destiny Media Announces Partnership Between Play MPE® and AIR
Vancouver, BC, May 8, 2009 — Destiny Media Technologies announced that Australian partner, The Shooting Star Picture Company, has established a partnership with the Australian Independent Record Labels Association to provide media distribution services for Australia's 300+ indie record companies through the Play MPE® music delivery software. » More
Tranzeo and TRG Are Producing First WiMAX Units for Indonesian Carriers Worth US$840K to Tranzeo
Vancouver, BC, May 7, 2009 — Tranzeo Wireless Technologies and PT. Teknologi Riset Global will begin shipping WiMAX subscriber units in June 2009 in support of the recent Indonesian ministry decree for operators to migrate existing services operating at 3.5GHz to the 3.3GHz spectrum. » More
Trinidad International Airport Upgrades Runways with Carmanah Solar-LED Airfield Lights
Vancouver, BC, May 7, 2009 — Trinidad's Piarco International Airport has upgraded its airfield lighting with solar-powered LED airfield lights from Victoria BC-based Carmanah Technologies in a deal valued at approximately $300,000. » More
Orbital Technologies Awards Second Annual UBC Scholarship to Computer Science Student
Vancouver, BC, May 7, 2009 — Orbital Technologies announced today the second annual award of the Orbital Technologies scholarship in Computer Science at the University of British Columbia to Amy Kwok. » More
Upcoming Events
June 9, 2009 - Mobile Marketing for Media Buyers and Agencies, Vancouver, BC
Tagga Media and New Media BC presents "It's Time to Go Mobile" at the Centre for Digital Media, 577 Great Northern Way, Vancouver June 9, 2009 1:00 pm. Learn ways to incorporate mobile marketing across your media mix to drive real results for your clients; discover a product that enables agencies and media buyers to "GO MOBILE" instantly; take advantage of a market expected to grow from $2 Billion to $12 Billion inside of 5 years. For details and to register: www.newmediabc.com
June 17, 2009 – BCTIA 2009 Technology Impact Awards, Vancouver, BC
Join 700+ of your peers and colleagues to celebrate BC's successes at the 2009 Technology Impact Awards (TIAs). The province's largest and most prestigious technology awards night, the TIAs showcase and recognize British Columbia's most innovative and dynamic technology companies. Join in the celebration on June 17! Buy tickets online now or call 604-683-6159. To learn more click here.
June 22, 2009 – WINBC and Wavefront AGM and June MoMoVan, Burnaby, BC
There will be beer, there will be burgers, there will be awards and prizes, there will be an election of our 2009-2010 Board of Directors, and there will be entertainment. We'll recognize volunteers and thank outgoing board members. Add your vote to elect the new Board members who will guide the coming year. Let's end the Momovan season with a kick-off to summer and a celebration of a great year past. It all takes place at Nokia (9200 Glenlyon Parkway, Burnaby) 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm. Register now!
September 9-10, 2009 - Wireless World Australia 2009, Sydney, Australia
Wireless World is Australasia’s 6th annual B2B wireless and mobility exhibition and conference. It brings together mobile workers, business, enterprise and government around the convergence of IT, telecommunication and the delivery of the internet and end-to-end IT solutions. The theme for 2009 is "improving efficiency and driving down costs in today's challenging business environment." More information at: www.wirelessworld2009.com.
September 9-11, 2009 - IEEE International Conference on Ultra-Wideband, Vancouver, BC
This conference provides a forum for the latest UWB systems, technologies and applications in both microwave and millimeter wave bands. The ICUWB program of 2009 will feature invited plenary sessions and symposia by international experts and new product displays by market leaders in the field. Prospective authors are invited to submit technical papers until 23 February 2009. For more information visit the 2009 ICUWB website www.icuwb2009.org.
October 7-9, 2009 - CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment, San Diego, CA
The international conference that brings a community of users, carriers, developers and manufacturers together to generate dialogue, share ideas and debate the economics of mobile business; all with a focus on applications, network architecture and technologies such as LBS, machine-to-machine and WiMAX. For more information and registration at: www.wirelessit.com.
|
|
INDUSTRY EVENTS
Mobile Marketing
New Media BC
Vancouver, BC - June 9, 2009
Technology Impact Awards 2009
Celebrate BC's successes at the 2009 TIAs
Vancouver, BC - June 17, 2009
WINBC Wavefront AGM
Joint event plus June MoMoVan
Vancouver, BC - June 22, 2009
Wireless World 2009
6th annual B2B wireless and mobility exhibition and conference
Sydney, Australia - Sept 9-10, 2009
IEEE International Conference
Conference on Ultra-Wideband
Vancouver, BC - Sept 9-11, 2009
CTIA Wireless IT & Entertainment
Share ideas and debate the economics of Mobile Business
San Diego, CA - Oct 7-9, 2009
|
© 2009 WINBC. All Rights Reserved.