Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and his new Ministry of Research and Innovation (with himself as Minister) have been making waves for the past few years in the Ontario innovation community. McGuinty appears to genuinely love the innovation policy file, and speaks quite passionately on the subject.
While in the past, the Ontario government’s emphasis has been on commercializing University-based research, the mandate for the new Ministry is much broader and bolder – building a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the Province, which is good news to the grassroots startup community here at StartupNorth. Awards are one way to recognize and signal this direction.
The Catalyst Awards provide five awards of $200,000 annually for developing a commercially successful new, or significantly improved, product or service based on a breakthrough technology. Innovations must have the potential to impact Ontario’s economy, society and/or sustainable development.
If your startup is doing something new and exciting in technology, you should apply. Please see the page for the Premier’s Catalyst Awards for eligibility criteria and the application process. The deadline is November 1st, but you may as well start now. Good luck!
great initiative. you guys are lucky!
great initiative. you guys are lucky!