Innovator Idol, the tenth and final installment of the “Growing Your Business” breakfast sessions presented by the Research Innovation Commercialization (RIC) Centre and Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Advancement (OCETA), was held this week at the University of Toronto, Mississauga Campus. The event was inspired by the popular television show American Idol where ‘contestants’ (companies) presented their ‘talents’ (innovations) to a panel of industry judges and an enthusiastic audience, and even incorporated the audience vote through SMS.
Shirley Speakman, Henry Vehovec, and Michael Curry provide feedback to contestants at Innovator Idol. Photo: Sonia Ojha
Mindfirst President, Henry Vehovec, served as one of three judges who commented on and critiqued the presentations. Alongside Mr. Vehovec on the judging panel were Shirley Speakman of the OCE’s Investment Accelerator Fund (IAF) and Michael Curry of Investeco.
Four emerging companies were chosen to present their business and technologies. First to present was Jodi Glover of RealTech Inc., a company with an innovative wastewater testing technology already used in 23 countries around the world. Their product overcomes a major deficiency in existing technologies by reducing the time to attain test results at a fraction of the price.
Next up was Casey Goossens of idAlerts. idAlerts seeks to provide a solution to the growing problem of identity theft by alerting clients to changes or requests to the credit bureau, such as an application for a loan.
Third was Hugh Molyneux of Refined Data Solutions (RDS). RDS provides a XML software solution to streamline reporting activities and save time through integration with existing enterprise data systems.
Finally, Ken Will of ThoughtSpeed presented his company’s technology, an online solution for health service providers which integrates supplier ordering methods into a consolidated system. Their technology has received RCMP and Health Canada approval and has an advantage over competition by being the only company able to provide online ordering of narcotics.
When the presentations came to an end, audience members cast their vote via SMS, and by a landslide, RealTech took home the $20,000 grand prize.
Innovator Idol winner Jodi Glover of Real Tech Inc. with Mindfirst President Henry Vehovec. Photo: Sonia Ojha
Mr. Vehovec enjoyed the event and thought that it was “great to see these innovative new products and emerging companies well on their way to commercial success. The format for the event was educational, entertaining, and worthwhile for all concerned. The prizes which come in the form of various services from industry professionals should be very useful in helping the companies accelerate their growth plans”.
Mindfirst develops custom strategic business solutions designed to help our clients achieve sustainable growth and success. For more information or to set up a meeting, please contact us.
