BCRSTN Members

Date:  June 17, 2013

Around the office we've often wondered: Why do so many good things come in threes? Three-piece suits. Hat tricks. The Indiana Jones trilogy (at Atomic we will go to our graves insisting the fourth movie never happened).

Media Contact Name:  Dale Campbell Phone:  (250) 721-0319 Email:  dale@atomiccrayon.com

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Throughout the past year KAST, and our project partners KRIC (Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council), CBT ( Columbia Basin Trust) and the CBRDI (Columbia Basin Rural

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Time:  June 17, 2013 - 12:00 - 13:00

Throughout the past year KAST, and our project partners KRIC (Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council), CBT ( Columbia Basin Trust) and the CBRDI (Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute) have conducted an in-depth survey, analysis and report on the manufacturing and technology sectors within the Columbia Basin.

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The Cascadia Summit is a fast and furious pitch competition that connects tech entrepreneurs across the Cascadia region. Get ready for 20 startups, 1 minute pitches, and a crowd of 300, coming to together in a head to head battle where the audience votes in their favourites. The Cascadia Summit takes the best startups from incubators and accelerators in Alberta, British Columbia, Washington and Oregon, and showcases them to investors, tech VIPs, media and industry professionals. The event unites a dynamic and vibrant community of entrepreneurs and investors to discuss big ideas, formulate solutions and disrupt proven markets.

The following companies are Accelerate Okanagan’s Venture Acceleration Program Clients. We are so excited to see them take the stage at Cascadia! There are still a few free community tickets left.

Register Here

Corey Wagner- Bananatag
@bananatag
Bananatag is for anyone who never gets replies and needs to know if their emails have actually been read. It’s an email extension that lets you track emails directly from the email program you already use, so that you know when they’re opened. After a tagged email is sent, users are automatically notified when a contact has opened the email or clicked on a link. Along with email tracking, the software comes with a user friendly dashboard that displays in depth analytics showing where and how people interact with the email.

Chris Priebe- 2HatSecurity
Two Hat Security is a professional penetration testing company with a unique twist. Lead by Chris Priebe who is highly experienced in not only breaking web apps but also has over 12 years in professional web development. This allows Two Hat Security to not only conduct professional penetration tests but also create some powerful tools, patches or just train your staff.One hat is the hat of a whitehat hacker The other is a construction worker who builds great stuff. The other unique twist is that Two Hat Security is among the first to specialize not only in normal web apps but also in children’s safety online. Chris has extensive experience in children’s online virtual worlds including architecting and writing the moderation tools for Club Penguin which started the whole online flash virtual worlds for kids. Following that he has worked full time in securing 3 of the top 10 children’s virtual worlds for the Walt Disney Company and the miriads of services that support them.

Rob Bartlett- WTFast
@WTFast
WTFast is the Gamers Private Network (GPN)TM!  We have a global network of servers that we use to optimize online game connections for a huge potential market of nearly 1 billion online gamers worldwide.  Our client/server technology literally makes the difference between a winning and losing move!  We service gamers directly with a freemium model, giving them a free solution to make a big difference in their online game play.  Users are monetized with online ads, and they also have the option to make a paid upgrade to unlock better performance and additional features.  WTFast has great traction B2B with six deals closed to date with Gravity Interactive, Overwolf, Xfire, GuildLaunch, Sox Serbian Open Exchange and MWEB.

Ivan Balconi- MiTaxi
@MiTaxi_Colombia
MiTaxi is an application intended to mitigate the risks of riding in a Taxi in Latin-American, as well as to provide Taxi companies information about the trips and people that board there fleet. Our team is committed to develop applications that provide a real benefit to you and to the people around you. We are young, we are smart, and we are ambitious. A mix of countries brings to this team a wider vision of action and the will of pursuing foreign markets. We believe that providing technology products to third world countries we can contribute to the development of the region.  We are the young energy in the building and we are here to stay for a while.
We are currently launching in Colombia but with plans to expand to Mexico, Brazil and Argentina.

Pete Matejcek- Hustream
@HuStream
HuStream is a full service video production agency that is ridiculously passionate about creating exceptional video products at affordable rates. We live and breathe video. We have extensive experience in building video solutions and our talented team of video experts are there to ensure our clients are successful with their online video strategy. Our company has video production teams in Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary, and Toronto so that our agency can provide our customers with greater flexibility, convenience and affordability. Whether we are producing creatively scripted and visually inspired corporate videos, product promos, and YouTube clips or building our innovative, award winning interactive videos, we take the same professional approach and are proud of the work we produce. With 40+ customers to date including Microsoft, Lenovo, and Intel, we encourage you to check out our customer portfolio to see the sample of videos we have produced for other businesses.

Geoff White- Progeny Bio
Regional agricultural sustainability is a significant concern worldwide. Producers are faced with increasing pressures from climate change, pests and diseases, as well as competition from international markets. A need for agricultural support services continues to grow within the province of BC to help manage these issues.
ProgenyBio Agricultural Services Inc. is a new BC company set to deliver laboratory-based services to the agriculture sector. Split into three complimentary divisions, ProgenyBio will be providing Agricultural Consulting Services (ACS), plant Tissue Culture Services (TCS), and plant Virus Testing Services (VTS) out of a new lab facility in Penticton, BC. By offering specialized services and expertise, ProgenyBio is positioned to help protect and advance agriculture in the province.

Scott McMillan- Blur
@blurhockey
Blur Hockey (Penticton, BC) is a sport innovation company that has developed a game-changing skating analysis system for hockey players. The Blur Skating Analysis System provides hockey players, coaches and teams with objective data about their skating performance that they have never been able to attain before. Regular analysis allows them to improve game performance, optimize training, minimize injuries and enhance rehab training programs. The analysis system is a cost effective approach for teams since they spend a lot of money on talent identification, developing players, rehab programs and on salaries for players who are injured and not able to play.
Blur’s sensor platform can also provide meaningful data and analysis for all major sports including football and basketball. Their skate specific sensors can be developed into snow and ice sport equipment.

Jonathan Whiting- StreetText
@StreetText
The StreetText Platform and its surrounding services are the core focus of Simple Engine Media, a software automation company based in Canada whose story goes back to 2005. Back then, Art Bosma, one of StreetText’s founders, started various successful online marketing channels for Real Estate and Travel agencies. Since then Simple Engine Media has worked with numerous companies and has created product solutions to improve targeted marketing offerings and systems. With the tech industry experience we have gained with almost a decade in the business, we have a deep understanding of what our clients want – be it the tech savvy Realtor, small business retailer, or the creative marketing agency. It was from the lessons we learned and the tools we needed that we came to create StreetText – an affordable, current and accessible solution for any type of marketing scenario.Our mission is to provide our clients with a full-scale mobile marketing automation platform that will give them a competitive edge and solid platform for future growth. Our product is designed to be much more than a marketing product; it is an interactive interface that gives our clients the ability to turn once-off customers and inquiries into repeat clients. Our business is about empowering your business with the tools to build a life-cycle marketing engine. We want all our clients to be successful.

The post Who Is Pitching at Cascadia? appeared first on Accelerate Okanagan.

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John Jacobson has been appointed Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services.

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Date:  June 13, 2013

BC can now have their most important and up-to-date test results, appointments, and healthcare stats integrated with their smart phone, laptop or tablet thanks to Cloud Practice Inc.,

Media Contact Name:  Dina Ramon Email:  dinaramon88@gmail.com

On June 10th, Raghwa Gopal, EiR, entrepreneur extraordinaire and Angel Investor, told his story to a packed house at the Streaming Cafe and to an online audience of over 200.

Check out the photos here. 

Gopal, one of 8 kids growing up in a town of 60 in Fiji, came from very modest beginnings. His average day growing up consisted of  2 hours of farm chores, a 5 mile walk to and from school then farm work until 9pm followed by dinner, homework and then bed. It is obvious where Raghwa gets his work ethic from.

He told the story of how he paid his way through school, moved to Canada and joined Vadim Software. He started off by working for free to show he was worth his salt. A natural entreprenuer, Gopal proved himself as an out of the box thinker that could help drive the company forward.

Raghwa said “I had a tremendous amount of fun growing the business.” He is incredibly proud of the fact that he helped to create hundreds of jobs and invest in many companies in Canada and in Fiji. He went on to say that over 260 companies have come to him for mentoring, guidance, help or investment.

Now a staple AO event, Enterpreneurs Unplugged has attracted members from across the community to be inspired by entrepreneurs that share their stories and lessons learned in an up close and personal setting. Originally branded, ignITE, Enterpreneurs Unplugged has hosted an amazing group of entrepreneurs including Ryan Holmes, David Quail, Kevin Swan, Paul DeJoe, Julien Sellgren, Rasool Rayani, Lane Merrifield, Lance Priebe, Jeffrey Hayzlett and David Burke.

Next up in the series is Al Hildebrandt President & CEO QHR Technologies Inc.

Register here

The post Gopal Talks Upselling, Investing and the First Time He Saw Snow appeared first on Accelerate Okanagan.

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179 manufacturing & tech business gave us the goods on what they need to succeed: Read the MATS BR&E report. View the Report Summary HERE

View the full Report HERE

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Date:  June 12, 2013

SSL, a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that it was selected to provide a communications satellite to SKY Perfect JSAT, a leading satellite operator based in Japan, with a fleet of 16 satellites.

John Jacobson has been appointed Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services. The announcement was made Monday in conjunction with the swearing in of the new provincial cabinet in Victoria.

Mr. Jacobson will serve as Deputy Minister to the Hon. Andrew Wilkinson, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services. BCIC is part of this new ministry.

“I’m very pleased that John Jacobson has been named our new Deputy Minister,” said Andrew Wilkinson, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services. “Mr. Jacobson’s professional experience working with innovative organizations such as the BC Innovation Council will be a great asset to our ministry, and I look forward to working collaboratively with him to deliver on our government’s commitment to control government spending, build a stronger economy, and create more jobs and opportunities for British Columbians.”

BCIC thanks Mr. Jacobson for his contribution as President and CEO of BCIC. Since his appointment in August 2012, Mr. Jacobson has overseen the expansion of BCIC programs, in particular the Venture Acceleration Program, which is now helping more than 100 tech startups through programs and services offered by 10 partners province-wide.

“Under John’s leadership, BCIC has made great strides in delivering on our promise to make BC a great place for technology entrepreneurs,” said Jill Leversage, Chair of the BCIC Board of Directors. ”We look forward to working with John in his new role and continuing to support the BC Jobs Plan.”

About BCIC

BCIC accelerates the commercialization of technology in the priority sectors of the BC Jobs Plan, through the support of startups and the development of entrepreneurs. Together with its partners, BCIC delivers programs and initiatives that promote startup growth and speed to market, resulting in jobs, revenue and economic development. BCIC is a Crown Agency of the Province of British Columbia.

The post John Jacobson appointed Deputy Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Service appeared first on Accelerate Okanagan.

Find it EZ announced a special offer exclusive to members of the Annex Alliance, as well as extending this same offer to members of Accelerate Okanagan and start-up affiliates Nation-wide.  Find it EZ develops and markets its award winning source code change management product to software developers throughout the world.

For a limited time Annex Alliance consultants, Accelerate Okanagan Members and nation-wide affiliates can purchase Find it EZ Code Search at 50% off of normal web pricing now through to the end of June, 2013. Contact Find it EZ for the code: info@finditez.com.

Find it EZ Code Search specializes in managing change involving Business Intelligence and Database software products such as Crystal Reports, Oracle Reports, SSRS, SQL Server, Oracle, DB2, MySQL and is a certified Microsoft, IBM, Oracle and SAP partner.

Ken Gnazdowsky

“Find it EZ is committed to improving business intelligence, database analysis and development processes with the world’s first fully integrated software change management tool.  It is  productivity software for developers,”  said Ken Gnazdowsky, co-founder and CEO of Find it EZ Software Corp. “I can’t imagine a better fit for our software then an Annex consultant hired to analyze and plan changes to application source code that more often than not, they did not originally author.  Yet they are relied upon and expected to deliver the highest level of productivity with impeccable quality, on time and within budget for every engagement.”

“Find it EZ Code Search creates timely, pin-point accurate change estimates with little knowledge of the existing software architecture,” said Stacey Cerniuk, President & CEO, Annex Consulting Group Inc. “Teaming up with Find it EZ will allow us to know EXACTLY what code needs to change and therefore what developer resource expertise is needed to fulfill change requirements.  Find it EZ creates comprehensive check-lists across all software layers so that we instantly know what types of code is affected.  There is nothing like it currently on the market for searching relational databases.”

Find it EZ are an Accelerate Okanagan Premium Member.

The post Find it EZ Teams Up With Western Canada’s Largest IT Consulting to Offer Members Discounts appeared first on Accelerate Okanagan.

PHILOSOPHY
Centre for Arts and Technology has banded together with Digital Marketing Professionals to develop a program that will train you how to bring your online and offline marketing activities together to increase leads, sales, and — most importantly – boost your career.

Established by a number of digital marketing industry leaders, including lead developer Cijaye DePradine, this program focuses on integrating traditional marketing, digital marketing, social media, and content marketing into an approach proven to grow sales and careers.

Their online program follows inbound marketing methodology which can be applied to every organization – regardless of size. This is based on the process of transforming fragmented online and offline activities to make your marketing knowledge work harder for you.

GIVING YOU THE EDGE

The online course is based on an approach created by leading names recognized in online marketing, social marketing, and the online analytic world. Throughout the course you’ll learn how to bring together all your traditional marketing skills to complement digital marketing, social media, and content marketing activities.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this Digital Marketing Program you will be able to do the following:

• Search Engine Optimization/SEO
• Social Media Marketing/SMM
• Search Engine Marketing/SEM
• Reporting and Metrics
• Email Marketing

Apply online at: digitalartschool.com/digital-marketing-online

The post New Digital Marketing Program appeared first on Accelerate Okanagan.

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The province of British Columbia ovffers four key programs to help small businesses in British COlumbia access capital for business startup or expansion.

Venture Capital Program for British Columbia

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Date:  June 11, 2013

News Partnership Network™ Delivers 8 million Digital and Broadcast Views According to Nielsen

Media Contact Name:  David Davies Phone:  (855) 590-1991 Email:  david.davies@sendtonews.com

Media Cooler Innovations Inc. announced today that Andrew Tonner has joined the company to further expand their innovative product line for content creators and publishers.  Andrew Tonner comes with a wealth of experience, having spent the last five years at Procera Networks (formerly Vineyard Networks) where Andrew was instrumental in building software products and time-saving automation that carried the startup from inception all the way to acquisition by a publicly-traded company.

Andrew joins Media Cooler as Senior Software Engineer to continue Media Cooler’s drive to revolutionize the content marketplace for publishers around the world. Andrew comments: “I am excited to start a new challenge with Media Cooler and look forward to working with the team to further develop their product and service suite. I am fortunate to be joining such an exciting and forward thinking company during this critical time in the media industry.”

Bryce Cutt, Media Cooler Co-Founder & CTO, said “Andrew’s wealth of experience and technical knowledge makes him a key addition to the Media Cooler family.  Our commitment to innovation, and the increasing demand from our customers, led us to expand our Development team.  We are fortunate that we were able to find someone of Andrew’s calibre to join us.  I’m confident that Andrew will play a key role in providing and implementing high quality solutions that will continue to drive our products forward.”

About Media Cooler Innovations Inc.

Through their innovative technology, Media Cooler connects Publisher’s content and resources with a broader market, enabling them to achieve sustainable revenue streams. Media Cooler was founded in 2010 by Alison Yesilcimen, a former President & CEO of a multimillion-dollar publishing group in Canada, and Bryce Cutt, who holds a MSc in Computer Science from UBC whose original algorithm is used by millions of people every day.

Media Cooler Innovations Inc. is on Accelerate Okanagan’s Traction Program.

The post Media Cooler Innovations Inc. Expands Their Technology Department appeared first on Accelerate Okanagan.

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Building a business is heavy work, and the Business Sherpa can ease that journey.

launch video

www.businessherpa.ca offers free coaching, targeted resources, and interactive progress-tracking tools designed to take Basin manufacturing or technology businesses to the summit of success.

Located at www.businessherpa.ca, the Business Sherpa is a new, online pool of resources serving innovation, technology-centric and manufacturing entrepreneurs in the Columbia Basin.  While there are many websites designed to help entrepreneurs, locating, navigating and selecting what is useful from what is not, is a monumental task.

The Business Sherpa aims to do much of that heavy lifting for users, and provides additional value with support from real experienced people at the Kootenay Association for Science & Technology (KAST) and the Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council (KRIC).

“KAST and KRIC are striving for growth in the knowledge sector in the Columbia Basin region,” said Kelvin Saldern, Executive Director of the Kootenay Association for Science & Technology.

“Launching and growing a manufacturing and technology business is a true challenge, with all the associated peaks and valleys -- the Business Sherpa is here to help our entrepreneurs conquer those obstacles and achieve their business goals.”

Check out the launch video, and come meet the Business Sherpa at www.businessherpa.ca

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Date:  June 7, 2013

The Technical Refresh of the StarCaster TWEB System involved a complete replacement of the existing system with new hardware and software.

Media Contact Name:  Michael Taplin Phone:  (250) 477-0544 Email:  mtaplin@speechtech.com

Date:  June 7, 2013

BC Technology Industry Association Announces 2013 Scholarship Recipients

Date:  June 6, 2013

Through a full range of support programs, TECTERRA enables Canadian companies and Alberta applied research institutions to bring innovative geomatics solutions to market.

Bawtree Software, the Salmon Arm and Kelowna based mobile application specialist, has just seen the launch of Ace Your Diet into the App Store — the first one-stop app with customized meal plans to promote healthy eating and weight loss developed by a Registered Dietitian.

Developed on behalf of New Jersey based dietitian, Erin Spitzberg, Ace Your Diet allows iPhone users to get three meal plans in a single app. Ace Your Diet is the first app to provide a ‘true’ meal plan based on user profiles and goals. Whether looking to lose 10 pounds or to make long- term lifestyle changes, Ace Your Diet provides all the fundamental principals of losing weight successfully in an easy to read and navigate app. Choose from one of three meal plans depending on your needs or take a survey and the app will guide you to the right plan to get you on the right track.

Dietitian, Erin Spitzberg has spent years handcrafting these meal plans, which have already helped thousands of patients succeed at weight loss. Now with the Ace Your Diet meal plans, it’s possible to have your own expert dietitian to hand at all times complete with suggested shopping lists, an easy tracking method to meet daily goals without the hassle of searching through lengthy food databases, plus an everyday list of food must haves and must avoids and a weight history graph to keep users motivated. Additionally, you receive weekly tips and daily notifications to keep users on track and in-the-know on some of the best secrets for weight loss.

Erin commented, “The beauty of mobile apps is that they work in real time and Ace Your Diet is a vital pocket-sized tool to help empower those who are overweight or chronic dieters to become healthy eaters for the rest of their lives. I am excited to be able to share my weight loss meal plans with anyone struggling with overeating, dieting or simply for those looking to create a more holistic approach to food consumption.”

Better still, research supports using apps to shed weight. A study from Northwestern University in Illinois says that using a mobile app as part of your weight-loss program can help you drop as much as 15 pounds and keep it off for at least a year.

Hugh Bawtree, CEO of Bawtree Software, commented, “We are delighted to see yet another product complete its journey to the App Store. It has been a pleasure to work with Erin on the project and, although our development experience covers a very wide number of sectors, we really do enjoy working with clients on products which can help people change their lives in such a positive manner”.

The Ace Your Diet Quick Start meal plan is available worldwide for free and users can purchase two other customized plans, each for $1.99 or both at $ 2.99 and available at the App Store or by going to www.aceyourdietapp.com.

Headquartered in Salmon Arm, BC, Bawtree Software is a product development business specializing in research, design and software for mobile applications working with a broad range of clients all over the globe. With many years’ development experience the Bawtree Software

team works closely with clients verifying their business at the outset. Using an agile methodology or collaborative approach, the team delivers staged development from day one through to completion and then beyond through technical and marketing support plus planned maintenance and updates. The company’s team is split between the British Columbia cities of Salmon Arm in the Columbia-Shuswap district in the Interior and Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley. Bawtree Software was founded in 2007 and currently employs 10 staff in these locations.

Erin Spitzberg is a Registered Dietitian and dedicates her time to customizing the right meal plan for her clients. Her goal is to motivate them to make better food choices by providing ‘real- life’ meal plans. Erin has seen such great success with these meal plans she has made them available through the Ace Your Diet app now available to anyone, anytime, anywhere. For more information please visit: www.nutritionbydesign.org

Bawtree Software is an Accelerate Okanagan Technology Premium Member.

Tweet it up @bawtreesoftware

The post One-stop healthy eating and weight loss help now in the App Store appeared first on Accelerate Okanagan.