National Research Council photonics expertise helps clients generate $500 million in revenue — impact analysis reports

October 27, 2009 (Ottawa, ON) – The National Research Council Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre (NRC-CPFC) assists clients to develop and commercialize innovative photonics technologies.  Client firms to generate about $500 million in the next five years, according to an Impact Analysis Report released today at a photonics industry event hosted by the Ottawa Photonics Cluster.

Key findings from the Impact Analysis of the Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre – Final Report, prepared for the National Research Council Canada by KMPG LLP, indicate NRC-CPFC is providing a highly sought-after and important service to its client firms translating into revenues of about $500 million. Since 2002, the federal government has invested $52 million in NRC-CPFC and the rough estimate of gross commercial value to 12 companies surveyed from 2009 through to 2014 is $500 million. 

“In order for start-ups to grow, they need patient, long-term investment,” said Ottawa Mayor Larry O’Brien. “It is quite clear in the report that NRC-CPFC is not only delivering valuable assistance to these companies, who are in need of prototyping services and commercialization expertise, but is also providing Canada excellent value for money.“

Photonics is a $710 billion global industry that impacts every sector of the economy.  Across Canada, there are approximately 400 photonics companies that employ 20,000 people and generate close to $4.5 billion annually. The core photonics producer sector is comprised primarily of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups with revenues in the $1 million to $10 million range.  Canada’s photonics industry has the potential to become a significant engine for national economic growth. The work conducted by NRC-CPFC plays a critical role in the nation’s ability to capitalize on and leverage the expertise in this industry by helping to facilitate and expedite the commercialization process of new products and develop companies with world-class capabilities and appeal.

“Since 2002, CPFC has been instrumental in helping clients demonstrate their technology and raise capital—about $87 million to date. In fact, OneChip Photonics, an Ottawa-based company and CPFC client, holds Ottawa’s only disclosed VC deal of 2009,” said Michael Lebby, President and CEO, Optoelectronics Industry Development Association (OIDA) “We look forward to developing more successful and long-term partnerships with CPFC, industry clients and start-ups across the country in order to explore new technological possibilities and conduct advanced research and development.”

Other notable findings of the Impact Analysis indicate:

• over the past year alone, CPFC has worked with 45 clients, 28 of which were repeat customers;
• additional benefits of working with NRC-CPFC, aside from the services of prototype fabrication, include: consultation; testing and technical assessments; advice on technology development and marketing; risk reduction; networking and linkages; and professional development;
•  the staff are viewed as exceptionally competent and professional, and the infrastructure as state-of-the-art;
• according to clients, there is no other feasible alternative to NRC-CPFC within Canada;
• by working with NRC-CPFC, clients are able to develop technologies that would otherwise be impossible; and
• NRC-CPFC carries an implied “seal of approval” which is impressive to potential investors.

This positive impact analysis report provides valuable recognition for the important collaborative work undertaken by NRC-CPFC.  Going forward, NRC-CPFC will enhance and improve services and procedures in order to ensure that the photonics industry in Canada continues to build momentum and gain credibility on a global scale.

NRC-CPFC is a world-leading photonics prototyping and training facility that provides commercial grade fabrication services dedicated to the creation of photonic device prototypes. NRC-CPFC  supports the growth of the Canadian photonics sector by offering clients and partners cutting-edge photonics fabrication services; and simulation, design, fabrication, testing and prototyping services which help move innovative photonics devices to market.

Today’s event was presented by OCRI on behalf of the Ottawa Photonics Cluster (OPC). The OPC is part of the Ontario Photonics Industry Network (OPIN) and a member of the Canadian Photonics Consortium (CPC).

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About OCRI:
Leading the way for Ottawa, OCRI is the city’s economic development agency. OCRI is the rallying point to bring business, education, research and talent together to create the winning economic conditions that allow Ottawa’s knowledge-based companies to thrive locally and compete globally. At OCRI we promote sustainable economic development to maintain our high quality of life. For more information on OCRI visit our website at www.ocri.ca and for more information on the Ottawa Region please visit www.ottawaregion.com.

For more information please contact:

Kim Cunningham
Manager, External Communications
OCRI
Business: (613) 828 6274 ext.256
Cell: (613) 851 0768

Email: kcunningham@ocri.ca

OCRI’s Entrepreneurship Centre Releases Annual Trends Report

October 23, 2009 (Ottawa, ON) – The most recent summary of small business trends in the Ottawa region was released today. The annual survey of clients illustrates that activity at OCRI’s Entrepreneurship Centre has dramatically increased over the same time last year and that the percentage of clients who have been in business for two years or more is also up indicating a trend toward long term success.

“The annual survey provides us with a very clear picture of the types of businesses and people that we serve on a daily basis at the Entrepreneurship Centre. This information is very valuable as it enables us to stay in synch with the entrepreneurial community and fine tune our services to meet a very specific set of needs,” explains Stephen Daze, Executive Director, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, OCRI. “Although the percentage of people who have followed through with starting their own business has decreased, the overall demand for our services has continued to escalate as people considered their options during a year of challenging economic times.”

OCRI’s Entrepreneurship Centre, located at Ottawa City Hall, provides services to local entrepreneurs in order to help them make educated decisions about starting and growing their own businesses. The Centre aims to promote Ottawa’s economy through the development of products and services that encourage entrepreneurship and support business growth. The Centre is a one-stop source of business information and planning services including: satellite kiosks in Barrhaven, Kanata and Orleans; walk-in resource centre; business consultations; mentorship; free and fee-based seminars; and youth entrepreneurship programs.

Overall, activity at the Centre increased by approximately 80 per cent with 12,815 client contacts and close to 5,000 email and phone inquiries. Throughout the course of the year, 104 seminars and 903 business and professional consultations were held serving 1,200 individuals. Other notable findings from the report include: the creation of 2,996 net new jobs; total sales by EC clients reported at an estimated $247 million; and capital investment has increased to more than $166 million. The diversity of our business community is well represented across 14 unique industry sectors including: accommodation and food services; retail; and professional scientific or technical services representing 20 per cent, 13 per cent and 15 per cent respectively.

The complete report can be accessed online and is also available in hard copy from the OCRI Entrepreneurship Centre.

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About OCRI:

Leading the way for Ottawa, OCRI is the city’s economic development agency. OCRI is the rallying point to bring business, education, research and talent together to create the winning economic conditions that allow Ottawa’s knowledge-based companies to thrive locally and compete globally. At OCRI we promote sustainable economic development to maintain our high quality of life. For more information on OCRI visit our website at www.ocri.ca and for more information on the Ottawa Region please visit www.ottawaregion.com.

For more information please contact:

Kim Cunningham
Manager, External Communications
OCRI
Business: (613) 828 6274 ext.256
Cell: (613) 851 0768
Email: kcunningham@ocri.ca

Ottawa Named Semifinalist in Intelligent Community of the Year Awards Program

Ottawa, ON – Wednesday October 21, 2009 – OCRI is pleased to announce that the City of Ottawa has been selected as a finalist in the Intelligent Community of the Year awards program. The Smart21 Communities of 2010 were announced on Friday, October 16 by the Intelligent Community Forum to acknowledge communities that are actively using broadband and information technology to excel in today’s global economy.

“Just one week ago, the Ontario Technology Corridor, a program in which Ottawa plays a key role, was recognized by the International Economic Development Council for regionalism and cross-border collaboration,” said Ottawa Mayor Larry O’Brien. “Being named one of the world’s Smart21 Communities by the Intelligent Community Forum brings us one step closer to being recognized as Canada’s Creative Economy Capital.”

In the statement issued by ICF, Ottawa was praised for its ability to: respond and adapt to change; leverage collaborative partnerships among government, educational institutions and the business community to remain globally competitive; and promote technology entrepreneurship through lifelong learning, digital literacy, business incubator and accelerator programs, small business mentoring projects, school-to-work initiatives and a global marketing campaign.

The theme for this year’s competition is “The Education Last Mile – closing the gap from School to Work.” Communities were encouraged to demonstrate projects and initiatives that help to prepare young people for careers in the local community. Claude Haw, President and CEO, OCRI, along with representatives from the City of Ottawa saw this competition as a logical fit for the city considering the work within the city to foster successful businesses and generate interest in technology and engineering programs. “It is an honour for Ottawa to be recognized as one of the most Intelligent Communities in the world. This is a testament to our resiliency and dedication after enduring a tumultuous decade that has impacted both our founding technology – telecommunications and our largest employer,” explains Mr. Haw. “Ottawa’s ongoing success is a direct result of our entrepreneurial spirit and ability to recognize viable opportunities and ultimately turn them into successful enterprises. We look forward to capitalizing on this momentum and becoming one of the Top Seven for 2010 as we did in 2007.”

The next step involves a second, more detailed application to identify the Top Seven Intelligent Communities of the Year. The Top Seven will be announced January 20, 2010 at the annual conference in Hawaii. One of the top seven will be chosen as the Intelligent Community of the Year on May 21, 2010 at ICF’s Broadband Economy Summit.

The Intelligent Community Forum (www.intelligentcommunity.org) is a New York-based think tank that studies the economic and social development of the 21st Century community. Whether in industrial or developing nations, communities are challenged to create prosperity, stability and cultural meaning in a world where jobs, investment and progress increasingly depend on broadband communications. The Intelligent Community Forum seeks to share best practices and offer research and insights into the success of the world’s Intelligent Communities. ICF conducts research, hosts events, publishes reports and newsletters and produces an international awards program.

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About OCRI:
Leading the way for Ottawa, OCRI is the city’s economic development agency. OCRI is the rallying point to bring business, education, research and talent together to create the winning economic conditions that allow Ottawa’s knowledge-based companies to thrive locally and compete globally. At OCRI we promote sustainable economic development to maintain our high quality of life. For more information on OCRI visit our website at www.ocri.ca and for more information on the Ottawa Region please visit www.ottawaregion.com.

For information contact:

Kim Cunningham
Manager, External Communications
OCRI
Office: (613) 828-6274 ext. 256
Cell: (613) 851-0768
kcunningham@ocri.ca