FALL EDITION
Western Research Parks
Western University's Research & Development Park: A Leading Science & Tech Park in Canada
Welcome to the fourth volume of "The Connector," Western Research Parks ' quarterly newsletter and the gateway to staying informed about our innovation-driven community.
In this fall edition, we are excited to showcase updates, news, and events and share the remarkable progress achieved by our community members and partners. From highlighting innovative projects to spotlighting success stories and new opportunities, "The Connector" aims to foster collaboration, connect research and industry, and provide a platform to support our community’s growth.
Thank you for your ongoing support and readership. Now, please see the following message from our Executive Director, Gailene Tobin VanDenHeuvel, PhD .
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
"It is with great enthusiasm that I share with you our commitment to launching a series of community initiatives aimed at strengthening the ties between Western Research Parks and the Southwestern Ontario region.
In the past few months, we have engaged in several exciting ventures, including the formation of impactful global and local partnerships, the introduction of an ongoing?community networking and speaker series, and a host of other projects. Our mission is to unlock the potential of our Western Research Parks, ensuring they serve you—our valued Research Parks community members,?partners, the community at large, and beyond.
Together, we envision a future of collaboration and shared success, driving discoveries to continue to make?a tangible impact.
With warmest regards,
Gailene"?
BUSINESSES OF THE PARKS: INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURIAL TRIUMPHS
ICLR?Joins Western Discovery Park
We are thrilled to welcome the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) to Western Discovery Park. ICLR is a world-class centre for multi-disciplinary disaster prevention research and communication. ICLR was established by Canada’s property and casualty (p&c) insurance industry as an independent, not-for-profit research institute affiliated with Western University. We extend a warm welcome to ICLR as they settle into their new home at the NRC Centre.
Empowering Young Innovators: OCFTD Launches Futurpreneurs 101 Workshop Series & Pitch Competition
Through the support of Western Research Parks, Ontario Centre for Talent Development (OCFTD), located in the Convergence Centre,?has successfully launched the Futurpreneurs 101 Workshop Series & Pitch Competition. This program is a key component of the OCFTD Ivey-Morrissette Youth Entrepreneurs Initiative, specifically designed to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among students in grades 7-12 across Southwestern Ontario.
The OCFTD Ivey-Morrissette Youth Entrepreneurs Initiative is an outstanding opportunity for young, aspiring entrepreneurs to gain valuable skills, knowledge, and experiences related to technology, business, leadership, and entrepreneurship. By participating in this initiative, students will be better prepared to tackle the challenges of the business world and turn their innovative ideas into reality.?
This exciting learning opportunity is made even more valuable by the expert guidance of Deniz Edwards , Director, Internal of Morrissette Entrepreneurship , who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to these workshops.?Stay tuned for further details on how to participate in this exciting initiative!
Learn more about OCFTD?here.
BOS Receives Prestigious Certified System Integrator (CSI) Accreditation
Automation and advanced robotics integrator BOS Innovations Inc. has been awarded the Certified System Integrator (CSI) by the vision and imaging division of A3 (Association for Advancing Automation).
To earn this certification, BOS demonstrated their advanced knowledge and exceptional expertise in the integration of vision technologies and solutions and were supported by glowing customer and partner testimonials. After a rigorous application process, BOS became the fourth?integrator in Canada, and 23rd in the world to earn this prestigious CSI certification.
Learn more about BOS’ vision, experience and capabilities here!
Learn more about our?Western Advanced Manufacturing Park businesses here.?
Spotlight on SSW: Canada’s Leading Surface Analysis and Materials Characterization Laboratory?
Surface Science Western (SSW) is a research and consulting laboratory specializing in the analysis and characterization of surfaces and materials. Located in the Convergence Centre at Western Discovery Park, SSW is staffed by a dedicated team of 13 full-time research scientists, collectively amassing over 300 years of experience serving both industrial and academic clients.?
Over the past decade, the expert scientists at SSW have authored and co-authored over 250 publications in the field of materials and surface analysis.?SSW proudly showcases their staff through personal profiles on LinkedIn, highlighting not only their remarkable expertise but also their individual research interests and contributions.
For direct interaction with this dynamic team of highly skilled professionals, and to explore their extensive analytical capabilities, visit SSW's website. Discover the instrumental capabilities and explore their new science showcases and publications by visiting the following links: Our Team, Analytical Services, and Research Highlights. Uncover the world of surface analysis and materials characterization with SSW!
Connect with Western Continuing Studies on LinkedIn
The Western Continuing Studies LinkedIn page is a hub for professionals to engage in insightful discussions, exchange industry-specific insights, and stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in Professional Development and Continuing Education.
By joining the Western Continuing Studies community, you will gain access to a network of accomplished individuals who can contribute to your professional growth and open doors to exciting opportunities.
WESTERN RESEARCH PARKS ANNOUNCEMENTS
From Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park: Lambton College Launches Canadian Extrusion Research Laboratory (CERL)
Lambton College is proud to announce the establishment of the Canadian Extrusion Research Laboratory (CERL), a cutting-edge facility dedicated to the development of sustainable and circular economy-focused materials, located at the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park .
Made possible through a two-phase investment exceeding $3.4M from the Canada Foundation for Innovation/Fondation canadienne pour l'innovation and the Ontario Research Fund (ORF), the new lab aims to foster partnerships between academia and industry, supporting up to 40 companies annually. Additionally, the CERL lab has the capacity to provide up to 50 students per year with access to research opportunities and real-world learning, leveraging the state-of-the-art equipment available via the CERL.
Learn more in the?Press Release, CTV News article, and?in the?Sarnia Observer.
Western Research Parks Joins Global Innovators at IASP Luxembourg
We are pleased to announce our new membership with the IASP - International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation and our recent participation in the 40th World Conference held in Luxembourg. The conference brought together a diverse community of science parks, research areas, and innovation hubs from around the globe.
Our?team members also had the opportunity to engage with several prominent science parks and incubators before and after the conference, including Amsterdam Science Park - Science & Business organisation and Startup Village Amsterdam , Wetenschapspark Universiteit Antwerpen , and HERE EAST .
For more information, visit our website.
Fostering Collaboration: Western Research Parks Partners with LEDC to Launch the 2023-24?Connector Sessions
领英推荐
The launch of the inaugural Connector Session, “Building an Innovation District in London, Ontario”, was a success! This remarkable event on September 28th marked?the beginning of a speaker and networking series made possible through a dynamic partnership between Western Research Parks and the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) .
We have an exciting lineup of speakers, including local, national, and international experts.?Sean Moffitt, the Managing Director of Futureproofing : Next , Cygnus Ventures, and Grey Swan Guild - Making better sense of the world together is scheduled for November 15th, 2023 as noted below in the 'Upcoming Events' section.?We are excited to announce the following incoming experts:
For details about the upcoming event on November 15th, featuring keynote?speaker Sean Moffitt, please see our 'Upcoming Events' section below. The sessions scheduled for January and spring?2024 will be featured in our next quarterly newsletter in January.
The Connector Sessions were created to provide a space for community networking and to showcase engaging speakers. The series aims to provide valuable and engaging content that drives our community’s innovation and economic development forward.
For more details on our first session, please read the post-event recap.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Western Research Parks Partners with London Community Artists?
We are committed to supporting the vibrant London, Ontario community and fostering a creative and inspiring environment. In line with this dedication, we are thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with the London Community Artists to present a showcase that celebrates the work of over 75 local artists?with a continuous display that rotates every three months.
This art exhibit is housed at the Convergence Centre at Western Discovery Park, with art pieces thoughtfully placed throughout the main lobby and in The Connector Suites (located across from the Black Walnut Bakery Café).
For more information, please visit our website.
UPCOMING EVENTS
From Western Research Parks:?The Connector Session "What Colour is Your Innovation?" on November 15?
In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving world, staying at the forefront of innovation is a necessity. Western Research Parks, in partnership with the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) , is committed to empowering Canadian innovators with the tools and knowledge required to achieve success in this complex, sped up, and super-caffeinated world.
We invite you to join us for our second Connector Session,?“What Colour Is Your Innovation?: How Canadian Change Agents Can Futureproof Their Ventures and Next Big Things."?This session will be presented by leading Canadian innovator?Sean Moffitt, the Managing Director of Futureproofing, Cygnus Ventures, and Grey Swan Guild. During this event, we will delve into what the future beyond innovation looks like and explore the question of how to turn Canadian innovation & ventures from “red” into flush with green, impact, and value.
From WORLDiscoveries : Unlock Your Innovation Potential at the Proteus Launch Event on November 15!
Are you ready to transform groundbreaking technologies into real-world applications? The Proteus Innovation Competition is back, offering a unique platform to showcase your business acumen and creativity. Over an intense four-month period, you'll have the opportunity to develop a commercialization strategy for one of five cutting-edge technologies from leading Ontario universities, including Western University, McMaster University, the University of Windsor, the University of Waterloo, and Wilfrid Laurier University.
Don't miss the chance to work with seasoned advisors, gain invaluable business insights, and compete for a cash prize of up to $5,000! Mark your calendar for the Proteus Launch Event on November 15 to kickstart your innovation journey. Reserve your seat now!
From Western Research: The 2023 Cleantech Conference on November 22
Western University is leading a multifaceted approach to accelerating the cleantech industry in Canada. The 2023 CleanTech Conference will bring partners, industry sectors and government together with Western’s leading researchers to focus on key priorities and strategies that will further develop clean tech opportunities. The conference will further discussions and developments in sustainable development, bio-industrial innovation, electrified mobility, and development of innovative Canadian companies.?
Date: November 22, 2023
Location: RBC Place, 300 York Street, London, Ontario
Time: 8:00am-5:00pm
Click here for the agenda and to register.
From Western Research Parks: The Connector Session with Eric Morse
Please hold your calendars for Wednesday, January 31st, 2024, from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. Details to be announced soon.
PEOPLE OF THE PARKS
Meet Omar Pusey, Digital Marketing and Events Specialist at Ivey Publishing
In this edition’s People of the Parks, we’re excited to introduce Omar Pusey , a Digital Marketing and Events Specialist at Ivey Publishing , who is an integral part of our Western Research Parks community.
Omar is a creative problem solver that is passionate about digital media and how people engage with content though various channels. From creating video content to managing Ivey Publishing events, Omar is a jack of all trades. Occasionally you will even find Omar shooting video content in Western Discovery Park.
In addition to his marketing interests, Omar is also a third-degree Black belt in Seikido (Taekwondo & Aikido), runs a blog at surrealopinion.com, and is a coffee enthusiast.?
We're delighted to have you as part of the?Parks community, Omar! Look out for more stories about the incredible individuals shaping our community at Western Research Parks in our next edition.
FEATURED SPACE
Introducing The Connector Suites: Your Venue for Diverse Events
The Connector Suites is a dedicated events room within the Convergence Centre, now available for booking by our Western Research Parks businesses,?academic and external corporate clients, and community-based partners & organizations.?We are currently in the process of finalizing room upgrades and developing a tiered pricing system, which we aim to implement in early 2024. Until that time, we invite everyone to use the space at no charge.
To book The Connector Suites, businesses of the Parks can use our Western Research Parks experience platform, Rise. All other users can book this space by contacting Sarah Dardarian at [email protected].
We invite you to take advantage of this versatile space to host your events, programs, meetings, workshops, and more, all while enjoying the artwork from the London Community Artists on display. Kindly be aware that the Black Walnut Bakery Café is the preferred and exclusive caterer for The Connector Suites, making it the top recommendation.
We appreciate you taking the time to read this volume of our community newsletter.?We look forward to our fifth edition scheduled for January 2024.?