Innovation Night at McMaster

The Greenlid and Lotus Leaf Tech take home “Best Business Idea” and “Best Pitch” at Innovation Factory’s First Innovation Night at McMaster University
Competition provides entrepreneurs and innovators with the opportunity to pitch their idea to the Hamilton community

Hamilton, ON (March 6, 2014) – On March 5 over 130 people gathered at TwelvEighty Pub at McMaster University to hear 12 innovators pitch their business ideas at Innovation Night.

Co-hosted by Innovation Factory, the McMaster Entrepreneurship Association, the McMaster Social Innovation Lab and the McMaster Engineering & Management Society, Innovation Night brought together students, innovators and business professionals from the community.

As Hamilton’s key event for innovators and entrepreneurs to develop their ideas and practice and perfect their pitch, attendees enjoyed an evening of presentations, networking and light refreshments.

“Innovation Night is a great way to learn about new and interesting ideas,” stated David Carter, Executive Director at Innovation Factory. “Participation from the entire community is important as the audience ultimatley chooses the winners.”

The prize for “Best Pitch” was awarded to Lotus Leaf Tech for their hydrophobic toilet seat that will actively repel liquids, and keep a seat dry. The Greenlid was voted as having the “Best Business Idea,“ for their compostable organic waste container that requires no bag liners or cleaning.

This is the first time the event has been held at McMaster University.

“We were thrilled by the number of students that pitched their ideas as well as those who were in attendance tonight,” stated Carter. “We’re always looking for better ways to engage with student entrepreneurs and holding the event at McMaster was a great way for us to showcase our resources to this important demographic.”

Other presenters included: BookAMeeting.com, SportBuddy, McMaster Institute of Music and The Mind, Tooth Colour, The Greenlid, Roboteurs, Fitness Test, Rota Novus, Smart Garden, Sales Best Practice, and Go Wrench Auto.”

About Innovation Factory

Innovation Factory is the Regional Innovation Centre for Hamilton in the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs, leveraging funding and support from all three levels of government and the city’s top private sector and institutional partners. Our goal is to stimulate economic activity in this city by helping Hamilton businesses embrace the principles of innovation.
A member of the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), we are focused on strengthening Hamilton’s next generation of job generators. innovationfactory.ca

Media Contact

Emily Kinread, Marketing & Communications Manager, Emily.kinread@innovationfactory.ca; 905.667.2611 x233

Young Entrepreneurs Night in Hamilton

On March 6th The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business in partnership with the Hamilton Hive hosted Young Entrepreneurs Night in Hamilton.

The networking event featured a group of early stage small business owners, and students who aspire to be entrepreneurs.

Check out the links down below of the individuals in this Interview

Jeff Boulton

Home

Alex Verdurmen
http://www.hifyre.com/

Andrew Holden & Robert Porter

Operations Management Software

Michael Marini

Invest in Hamilton

Related Links:

https://www.picatic.com/yenHamilton2014

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/photo-blog-young-entrepreneurs-night-in-hamilton/article17325423/

Derek Braid of devocracy.org at DemoCampHamilton15

Devocracy.org is web app for students to crowdfund their own scholarship. It has a school database, currently software development bootcamps, with interactive sortable maps and statistics to help students find their ideal school and funders support the students of their choice.

http://www.softwarehamilton.com/democamp/democamphamilton15/

“Devocracy helps you find and fund scholarships for development bootcamps.

If you’re a development bootcamp, creating a scholarship can help you offer tuition assistance to the students you believe can succeed in your program.

We believe that crowdfunded scholarships can be one tool among many to bring people with more diverse backgrounds into the IT sector. In the future, we would like to allow any student to create a scholarship, as well as offer sponsored scholarships from companies looking for tech employees with specific domain skillsets.

We believe that software is eating the world Devocracy exists to put technical skills into the hands of those could otherwise be left behind.”

For more information about Devocracy visit their links:

Website: https://www.devocracy.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Royal_Arse

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Doing Media Differently – Hamilton Media Guild Event

“Doing Media Differently” was a panel discussion with some of Hamilton’s most prestigious media trailblazers, having carved their own path and unique course and thus changing the way we look at journalism today in Hamilton.

The panel consisted of Ryan McGreal of Raise the Hammer, May-Marie Duwai-Sowa of Illuminessence, Jamie “Gunner” Smith of In the Neighbourhood, Martinus Geleynse of MGI Media and Mathew Ingram of GigaOm. It was moderated by Jim Poling, managing editor at the Hamilton Spectator.

The vision of the Hamilton Media Guild is to align the stars, in our wonderfully ambitious city, arranging important open discussions between the knowledgable and trendsetters with those who wish to learn more about the changing media landscape that is growing here in Hamilton.

By facilitating opportunities for networking, panel discussions and undoubtedly workshops in the near future, the HMG is creating potential collisions to help grow a self-sustaining infrastructure that will keep future media students here in our city, sharing knowledge and expertise and fostering talent and resources to create better storytellers out of us all.

I am super-ecstatic that something of this nature was created here in Hamilton, where I might find local, like-minded individuals with whom I can connect and form potential partnerships on future projects.

I also enjoy being inspired by other creative minds and hearing their stories of trial and tribulation, relatable conundrums we all face in this fast-paced digital media realm, where not even corporate companies are safe anymore and forcibly have to downsize.

So kudos to the team at HMG for stepping up to the plate and delivering a unique two-way discussion where we all can tap into and learn from one another.

Stay Connected with Hamilton Media Guild with the following Links

Website: http://www.hamiltonmediaguild.net/
Follow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ham_mediaguild
Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HamiltonMediaGuild

Related Stories:

Ignite News – Recap
http://www.ignitenews.ca/hamilton-media-panel-discusses-new-media-landscape/

Raise the Hammer – Recap
http://www.raisethehammer.org/article/2096/doing_media_differently

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Adrian Duyzer CTO of Factor[E] keynote speaker at DemoCampHamilton15

Adrian Duyzer CTO of Factor[E] gave an intense keynote at DemoCampHamilton15, both inspiring and informative message on how both the Tech community and civic leaders should be working hand and hand together to create growth and prosperity.

Find out more about Adrian Duyzer
http://factore.ca/company/5

Visit Factor[E] Website
http://factore.ca/

Check out SoftwareHamilton’s Interview with Adrian Duyzer

Interview with Adrian Duyzer of factor[e]

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Finalists Announced for Hamilton’s First Life Science Competition

Finalists Announced for Hamilton’s First Life Science Competition
Life Science innovators competing for over $20,000

Hamilton, ON (December 13, 2013) – Innovation Factory, The DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, the Xerox Centre for Engineering Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Mohawk College are pleased to announce the finalists in the 2013/2014 Synapse Life Sciences Competition.

Over 30 applications were received from Life Science innovators, all vying for a chance to compete for $15,000 in cash and over $5,000 in professional services. After careful evaluation, thirteen finalists were selected to move forward in the competition. Finalists include: Advanced Theranostics, Culture Made Faster, EMR Middleware, Genesis Health Light, Miami Mice, Pain-QuILT, Pairwise Affinity, Pre Clinical Schizophrenia, Therapeutic Surface Solutions Inc., iSnap, Lenstacker, MELOCAS and PAOPA.

Each finalist has been teamed up with one or two top DeGroote MBA or Xerox Engineering Entrepreneurship and Innovation students. Together, each team will develop an executive summary of their innovative concept, which will be evaluated by a panel of industry judges in January 2014. The executive summary review will result in eight teams who will be selected to submit a commercialization plan in February 2014. The top three teams will then compete in a pitch competition on March 7, 2014, where a panel of industry professionals will determine which team will take home the grand prize. Investors, business people and the life science community from the greater Hamilton and Toronto area will also be in attendance at the final event.

“We were thrilled by the calibre and diversity of submissions we received in our inaugural year of this competition,” stated David Carter, Executive Director of Innovation Factory. “The finalists represent various disciplines within life science research including: medical devices, pharma, biotech, diagnostics, and e-health. This competition will not only showcase the innovations being developed in Hamilton, but also help researchers and innovators develop commercialization plans, which are vital for the advancement of their research.”

To keep up-to-date with the competition and the finalist’s progression visit: www.SynapseLifeScience.com.

About Innovation Factory
Innovation Factory is the Regional Innovation Centre for Hamilton in the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs, leveraging funding and support from all three levels of government and the city’s top private sector and institutional partners. Our goal is to stimulate economic activity in this city by helping Hamilton businesses embrace the principals of innovation.

A member of the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), we are focused on strengthening Hamilton’s next generation of job generators. innovationfactory.ca

Funded by the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE) is Ontario’s innovation system. The ONE is made up of regional and sector focused organizations designed to help Ontario-based entrepreneurs rapidly grow their companies, and create jobs.  For more information visit oneinnovation.ca.

Media Contact
Emily Kinread, Marketing & Communications Manager, Emily.kinread@innovationfactory.ca; 905.667.2611 x233

Discovering Government Funding for Small and Medium Enterprises

LiFT program is designed to help enterprises focus on innovation-based growth strategies

Hamilton, ON (December 2, 2013) – On December 5, 2013, Innovation Factory, Hamilton’s Regional Innovation Centre, is hosting a seminar on government funding opportunities as part of their LiFT program. LiFT has been designed to help Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) focus on innovation-based growth strategies.

Financing for small businesses is of critical importance. Government funding programs assist small businesses tackle the barriers of financing in order to achieve growth goals and prosper. Whether it is to serve the need of working capital, expanding business offerings, software or hardware investment or to purchase manufacturing equipment, there are government programs to extend and enhance financing to solve innovation challenges.

Leading the session is Bernadeen McLeod of Mentor Works Ltd. With considerable expertise in government funding at both federal and provincial levels, Bernadeen has successfully secured grant funding as well as low interest loans for various small-medium size business owners.

“Companies that are eligible for government funding are often unaware of the options available to them,” stated David Carter, Executive Director at Innovation Factory. “This workshop will examine different types of government resources, how to find them, and how to utilize these opportunities to fund your business.”

As a not-for-profit resource, iF offers objective, management-level business advice and support for little or no cost to SMEs.

The upcoming LiFT Workshop: Discovering Government Funding will be held on December 5, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., at McMaster Innovation Park, 175 Longwood Road South, Hamilton. For more details please visit liftfundingworkshop.eventbrite.ca.

About Innovation Factory
Innovation Factory is the Regional Innovation Centre for Hamilton in the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs, leveraging funding and support from all three levels of government and the city’s top private sector and institutional partners. Our goal is to stimulate economic activity in our city by helping Hamilton businesses embrace the principals of innovation. A member of the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), we are focused on strengthening Hamilton’s next generation of job generators. innovationfactory.ca

Funded by the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE) is Ontario’s innovation system. The ONE is made up of regional and sector focused organizations designed to help Ontario-based entrepreneurs rapidly grow their companies and create jobs. For more information visit oneinnovation.ca.

Calling All Entrepreneurs and Hamilton’s Innovation Community For Innovation Night Pitch Competition!

Calling All Entrepreneurs and Hamilton’s Innovation Community For Innovation Night Pitch Competition!
Competition provides entrepreneurs and innovators with the opportunity to pitch their idea to the Hamilton community

Hamilton, ON (October 22, 2013) – Do you have a great idea that you’d love to share with the community? Are you looking for team members with a specific skill set, a co-founder, or just general feedback from the innovation community? Or, do you just want some practice pitching your established business to an attentive audience? If so, Innovation Night is for you!

Innovation Night is Hamilton’s key event for innovators and entrepreneurs to develop their ideas, and to practice and perfect their pitch. It also brings together students, innovators and business professionals to network, enjoy light refreshments and help choose the winners.

Over the course of the evening, presenters will have two-minutes to pitch their idea and then answer questions from the audience. After all the pitches are complete, audience members will vote to award two prizes, “Best Pitch” and “Best Business Idea.”

“Pitching an idea or business at Innovation Night is a development opportunity for any entrepreneur, but it’s also a great night for the Hamilton community,” said David Carter, Executive Director at Innovation Factory. “It is a great networking event, and the audience can learn about some interesting businesses and help us select the winners.”

Innovation Night presenters will have the chance to pitch their idea to upwards of 150 people who live and work in and around the Hamilton community.

To register for Innovation Night, please visit http://www.innovationfactory.ca.

Those interested in pitching an idea at Innovation Night should contact Susan Kozak at intake@innovationfactory.ca before October 28, 2013. Presenters will also receive valuable pitch coaching at a mandatory workshop on October 30, 2013.

About Innovation Factory
Innovation Factory is the Regional Innovation Centre for Hamilton in the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs, leveraging funding and support from all three levels of government and the city’s top private sector and institutional partners. Our goal is to stimulate economic activity in this city by helping Hamilton businesses embrace the principals of innovation.

A member of the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), we are focused on strengthening Hamilton’s next generation of job generators. innovationfactory.ca

Funded by the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE) is Ontario’s innovation system. The ONE is made up of regional and sector focused organizations designed to help Ontario-based entrepreneurs rapidly grow their companies, and create jobs. For more information visit oneinnovation.ca.

Media Contact
Emily Kinread, Marketing & Communications Manager, Emily.kinread@innovationfactory.ca; 905.667.2611 x223

$152,000 Awarded to Four Entrepreneurial Companies

Third annual LiON’S LAIR Awards Gala brings together high profile supporters of the startup community

Hamilton, ON (October 10, 2013) – The Hamilton business community gathered together tonight at Carmen’s Banquet Centre to celebrate entrepreneurship in Hamilton as Innovation Factory and the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce presented the third annual LiON’S LAIR Awards Gala.

The night showcased ten entrepreneurial companies pitching their idea to a panel of top Hamilton business experts, all vying for over $150,000 in cash and professional resources. Among the finalists were OverAir Proximity Technologies, Schopf Innovation (Wedgie), Prevori Flow Control, Roux Commercial Kitchen and Food Truck Commissary, Lusso Living Products Inc., Pain-QuILT, Walkbug, GolfScoring.net, Trend Trunk, and RZR Skate Blades.

The finalists have participated in training sessions over the summer to help them prepare their pitch to the five Lions: Carmela Trombetta (RBC), Paul Lee-Chin (Manulife Securities), Mike Morreale (CFL Players’ Association), Mark Chamberlain (Trivaris Ltd), and Blair McKeil (McKeil Marine).

After a welcome reception hosted by KPMG and Carmen’s, guests were treated to dinner and a variety of on-stage and previously-recorded entertainment led by Master of Ceremonies Nick Bontis (Bontis on Business). Keanin Loomis (President and CEO, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce), David Carter (Executive Director, Innovation Factory), and Mario Paron (Regional Managing Parter, KPMG) welcomed guests. A light-hearted promotional video was also shown encouraging all innovators in the region to work together to further develop Hamilton’s innovation community (the video can be seen on innovationfactory.ca).

When all the pitches had been shown the audience was asked to vote for the inaugural People’s Choice Award. When all the votes were tallied Trend Trunk was named the People’s Choice Award winner, and was awarded a $10,000 app development package from Weever Apps.

The night concluded with the live on-stage announcement of the Lions’ investment decisions. This year’s Lions awarded prizes to four of the finalists. Walkbug was awarded a $7,000 leadership and team dynamics coaching package from Communica. Trend Trunk received an investment of $27,000: $10,000 of strategic planning services from Value Solutions, $12,000 of search engine optimization provided by KKT Interactive, and $5,000 in cash provided by First Ontario Credit Union, McMaster Innovation Park, Mohawk College, RBC, The Canadian Digital Media Network and Cogeco/Cable 14. The second place winner, Schopf Innovations (inventor of the Wedgie), received $10,000 cash from First Ontario Credit Union, McMaster Innovation Park, Mohawk College, RBC, The Canadian Digital Media Network and Cogeco/Cable 14, $15,000 in accounting services from KPMG, $10,000 in web and tech development from factor[e] design initiative, and a $10,000 brand development package from Kitestring Creative Branding Inc, totaling $42,000!

RZR Skate Blades was named the grand prize winner and was awarded a prize package totaling $63,000: $25,000 in legal services from Gowlings, $10,000 in accounting services from KPMG, $3000 in team dynamics training from Communica, $10,000 video production services from Double Barrel Studios, and $15,000 in cash from First Ontario Credit Union, McMaster Innovation Park, Mohawk College, RBC, The Canadian Digitial Media Network and Cogeco/Cable 14.

While not all of the finalists received a portion of the available funds and services, each participated in valuable training over the course of the competition. They learned about developing a pitch, delivering a presentation, interacting with the media, answering investor questions, creating a compelling narrative, and were given broad exposure to the Hamilton business community.

For more information on the winners and all of the finalists please visit pitch-it.ca.

Lion’s Lair would not be possible without the support of all our partners: the Small Business Enterprise Centre, Hamilton Economic Development, Canadian Business Ontario, and the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment.

About Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, as the voice of ethical enterprise, is committed to making the City of Hamilton and all of its communities a great place to live, work, play, visit and invest; by promoting private sector jobs and prosperity growth of individuals, organizations and businesses. hamiltonchamber.ca

About Innovation Factory
Innovation Factory is the Regional Innovation Centre for Hamilton in the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs, leveraging funding and support from all three levels of government and the cityʼs top private sector and institutional partners. Our goal is to stimulate economic activity in this city by helping Hamilton businesses embrace the principals of innovation. innovationfactory.ca

Media Contact

Emily Kinread, Marketing & Communications Manager, Innovation Factory, Emily.kinread@innovationfactory.ca, 905-667-2611

WordCamp Hamilton June 23, 2013

This will be Hamilton’s first WordCamp, and will be held on June 23rd at the AGH Pavilion (123 King St. W, Hamilton ,ON). For just $25 $20, attendees enjoy 7 speakers on a variety of WordPress-related topics throughout the one-day event, which includes continental breakfast, catered lunch, after-party, and more!

AN INCREDIBLE CONFERENCE VALUE!

All attendees who purchase a ticket enjoy:

Continental breakfast
Catered lunch
Event t-shirt
7 talks from great WordPress speakers on a variety of topics
Panel Q&A session with the speakers
Free WiFi internet access at the venue
“Swag bag” with WordPress and sponsor goodies
New!After party @ Radius Cafe (includes drink & snacks) 6-9pm

THE WORDPRESS COMMUNITY SPIRIT

This non-profit event is being organized by members of the Hamilton web & digital media community.

WordCamps come in all different flavors, based on the local communities that produce them, but in general, WordCamps include sessions on how to use WordPress more effectively.

WordCamps are attended by people ranging from blogging newbies to professional WordPress developers and consultants, and usually combine scheduled programming with conference sessions and other activities.

TWITTER UPDATES!

Follow along on Twitter for the latest updates: @wordcamphamont
Visit http://www.wordcamphamilton.com/ for more details