HIGHLIGHTS REPORT 2011-2014

ACADIA UNIVERSITY • CAPE BRETON UNIVERSITY • COLLÈGE COMMUNAUTAIRE DU NOUVEAU-BRUNSWICK • COLLEGE OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC • DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY • HOLLAND COLLEGE • MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY • MOUNT ALLISON UNIVERSITY • MOUNT SAINT VINCENT UNIVERSITY • NEW BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE • NOVA SCOTIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE • NSCAD UNIVERSITY • ST. FRANCIS XAVIER UNIVERSITY • SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY • ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY • UNIVERSITÉ DE MONCTON • UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK • UNIVERSITY OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND • ACADIA UNIVERSITY • CAPE BRETON UNIVERSITY • COLLÈGE COMMUNAUTAIRE DU NOUVEAU-BRUNSWICK • COLLEGE OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC • DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY • HOLLAND COLLEGE • MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY • MOUNT ALLISON UNIVERSITY • MOUNT SAINT VINCENT UNIVERSITY • NEW BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE • NOVA SCOTIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE • NSCAD UNIVERSITY • ST. FRANCIS XAVIER UNIVERSITY • SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY • ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY • UNIVERSITÉ DE MONCTON • UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK • UNIVERSITY OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND • ACADIA UNIVERSITY • CAPE BRETON UNIVERSITY • COLLÈGE COMMUNAUTAIRE DU NOUVEAU-BRUNSWICK • COLLEGE OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC • DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY • HOLLAND COLLEGE • MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY • MOUNT ALLISON UNIVERSITY • MOUNT SAINT VINCENT UNIVERSITY • NEW BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE • NOVA SCOTIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE • NSCAD UNIVERSITY • ST. FRANCIS XAVIER UNIVERSITY • SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY • ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY • UNIVERSITÉ DE MONCTON • UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK • UNIVERSITY OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND • ACADIA UNIVERSITY • CAPE BRETON UNIVERSITY • COLLÈGE COMMUNAUTAIRE DU NOUVEAU-BRUNSWICK • COLLEGE OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC • DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY • HOLLAND COLLEGE • MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY • MOUNT ALLISON UNIVERSITY • MOUNT SAINT VINCENT UNIVERSITY • NEW BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE • NOVA SCOTIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE • NSCAD UNIVERSITY • ST. FRANCIS XAVIER UNIVERSITY • SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY • ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY • UNIVERSITÉ DE MONCTON • UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK • UNIVERSITY OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND • ACADIA UNIVERSITY • CAPE BRETON UNIVERSITY • COLLÈGE COMMUNAUTAIRE DU NOUVEAU-BRUNSWICK • COLLEGE OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC • DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY • HOLLAND COLLEGE • MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY • MOUNT ALLISON UNIVERSITY • MOUNT SAINT VINCENT UNIVERSITY • NEW BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE • NOVA SCOTIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE • NSCAD UNIVERSITY • ST. FRANCIS XAVIER UNIVERSITY • SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY • ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY • UNIVERSITÉ DE MONCTON • UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK • UNIVERSITY OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND • ACADIA UNIVERSITY • CAPE BRETON UNIVERSITY • COLLÈGE COMMUNAUTAIRE DU NOUVEAU-BRUNSWICK • COLLEGE OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC • DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY • HOLLAND COLLEGE • MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY • MOUNT ALLISON UNIVERSITY • MOUNT SAINT VINCENT UNIVERSITY • NEW BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE • NOVA SCOTIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE • NSCAD UNIVERSITY • ST. FRANCIS XAVIER UNIVERSITY • SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY • ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY • UNIVERSITÉ DE MONCTON • UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK • UNIVERSITY OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND • Table of Contents

Introduction...... 3 Springboard Board of Directors...... 3 Message from the Chair...... 4 Message from the President & CEO...... 4 Springboard in Numbers ...... 5 Programs...... 7 The Power of Collaboration...... 8 Mentoring Makes A Difference...... 12 Rural R & D...... 16 The Evolution of An Idea… ...... 19 Moving Forward...... 20

Springboard’s Impact - “Atlantic companies spend 19.8% of their R&D dollars on research performed by universities, most of which is conducted by Springboard members, compared to 5.3% for Canada. [Impact Group, 2005-2010 data].

Springboard’s Strength - Over 30 individuals work amongst our 18 network member institutions, creating one large ‘virtual’ tech transfer and industry engagement office throughout the region. Our network has access to resources that would usually not be available to individual, small & medium-sized universities and colleges.

2 Introduction

Springboard Atlantic is a not-for-profit corporation owned by its 18 university and college member institutions with a mandate to support and maintain the regional commercialization network. Springboard increases collaboration among its members in Atlantic Canada, facilitates industry partnerships and accelerates the transfer of research and development to the private sector.

With access to the entire post-secondary research capacity of Atlantic Canada, Springboard creates commercial value by working with the private sector, government and academia including admin, faculty and students to foster innovations that enrich our communities and benefit the Atlantic region.

Springboard supports a network of knowledge and technology transfer and business development professionals. Springboard excels at mobilizing innovation by working on the application of a broad range of knowledge and technology opportunities.

Springboard receives core support from its members and from the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

Springboard Board of Directors UNIVERSITY MEMBERS Dr. David Burns - University of New Brunswick (Chair) Dr. David MacKinnon - Acadia University (Treasurer) Dr. Robert Gilmour - University of Prince Edward Island (Secratary) Dr. Ray Gosine - Memorial University Dr. Karen Grant - Mount Allison University Stephen Hartlen - Dalhousie University

COLLEGE MEMBER Brian Tobin - College of the North Atlantic (Vice-Chair)

PRIVATE SECTOR MEMBERS Wes MacAleer - Wesmac Holdings Ltd. Brian Lowe - First Angel Network Barrie Black - Intelivote Systems Inc. Patrick Keefe - Atlantic Venture Fund Wayne Chamberlain - AnyWare Group Michael Maguire - Currach Consulting Ltd.

EX-OFFICIO Chris Mathis – Springboard Atlantic Inc. (President & CEO) (2011-2014 Board) 3 Message from Message from the Chair the President Dr. David Burns & CEO University of New Brunswick Chris Mathis

As Chair of the Board of Directors of Springboard Atlantic Inc., This Highlight Report showcases that we have a lot to celebrate. Not I am pleased to acknowledge the success of the organization having only is it a review of our last 3 years, but it also marks the beginning of completed the end of Phase 3 three and begun a successful Phase 4. a new foundation of opportunity for our network, for our partners and our region. Springboard’s success reflects the combination of a committed leadership of central staff, passion of the distributed network of First the success of the last three years is undeniable. We have Industry Liaison Officers and Technology Transfer Officers at our achieved major organizational change in terms of program delivery, member institutions, and of course the contribution and guidance financial position and governance. It is worth celebrating when an from our academic-industry board of directors. organization moves from financial weakness to strength, with new program ideas being trialed and those that succeed being sustained, Over the past years, Springboard Atlantic Inc. has implemented and with governance to provide confidence to our stakeholders. many enhancements to programming, governance, budget structure and our engagement activities with industry. This means we have greater long term potential for improving our economy. In addition, the growth we have helped to achieve in Thanks to these efforts, we continue to be recognized as an R&D (totally over $1 billion, a 10% increase over phase 2) efficient, value-added enterprise propelling innovation and is sustaining existing jobs and helping to generate new ones. commercialization of research throughout Atlantic Canada. Measures of performance continue to grow, and the organization There is no arguing that we are driving both current economic is well positioned to show further successes in the years ahead. gains and long term economic potential as we work together with our member institutions, the private sector and the various levels of There is no arguing that we are driving both the current economic government in the region. gains and long-term economic potential of the region and I look forward to working with all of you in our shared responsibility to Tied hand in hand with our growth is the repeatable proof that so deliver on that expectation. many R&D projects in the current environment simply wouldn’t happen without industry partners, reinforcing that R&D growth in the region is tied to our industry engagement efforts, which have been tremendous.

It is my privilege to be able to work with the Springboard Network, made up of a world-class team of professionals. This team has undeniably changed the way the region looks at R&D and its potential impact on Atlantic Canada. The foundation we have been able to lay in the first 9 years of operation has begun to change the conversation about R&D, about commercialization and, most importantly, about what is possible here.

4 Springboard in Numbers

Key Metrics of Success Institutional Totals 2011-2014

Metrics 2011-2014 Springboard Network Performance 3 Year Totals Target Metrics Total Annual Research 385,473,280 355,152,641 331,040,977 1,071,666,898 Revenues ($) * this number represents actual *Industry Engagement 1,755 1,905 1,582 5,242 industry/academic collaboration contracts Activity (#) Workshops with Industry - an over 100% increase from phase 2 75 74 107 256 (#) ACOA AIF Projects& 14 9 7 30 Sub-Contracts (#) Technology Transfer: - Number of Tech Transfer 264 273 211 748 Agreements: (#) Revenues from Assignment, Option, 1,389,075 2,354,449 494,289 4,237,813 Licensing and Royalty Agreements ($) New Spin Off 7 5 6 18 Companies: (#)

Total Research Revenue

Year 3 - 331,069,262

Year 2 - 355,152,641

Year 1 - 385,473,280

0 100 200 300 400 (thousands) Total: 1,071,695,183 10% growth over phase 2

5 Phase 3 Metrics & Impact UNB

By Members/Province UdeM

STU

Industry Engagement Activities NBCC

Workshops with Industry Mt.A

Tech Transfer Agreements CCNB New Spin Off Companies 100 200 300 400 500 600 New Brunswick Industry Engagement - represents deals with industry Workshops - represents bringing industry and researchers together through partnership & educational StFx opportunities Tech Transfer Agreement - represents form agreements SMU around IP and technology transfers from institutions NSCC to industry NSCAD Spin Off - represents the formation of a company around IP that has been licensed through the institution MSV

DAL* *3,064

Industry Number CBU Engagement of Tech & ACOA Workshops Transfer New Spin Off Acadia AIF Projects with Industry Agreements Companies 100 200 300 400 500 600 CCNB 128 16 60 0 CONA 73 18 0 0 Nova Scotia Holland College 97 8 4 0 NBCC 25 11 0 0 NSCC 107 11 1 0 DAL 3,064 36 506 6 MUN MUN 562 37 92 4 CNA UNB 589 24 13 3 UPEI 153 18 27 2 100 200 300 400 500 600 NSCAD 14 2 0 0 Acadia 200 19 11 0 Newfoundland CBU 54 23 1 0 Mt.A 20 2 3 1 MSV 10 7 1 0 UPEI SFX 29 8 12 1 SMU 91 13 16 1 HC STU 10 1 0 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 UdM 46 2 1 0

6 Prince Edward Island Programs

FTE CONTRIBUTION PROGRAM INNOVATION MOBILIZATION PROGRAM

Objective: The FTE Contribution Program is the lifeblood Objective: The Springboard Innovation Mobilization (IM) of our organization. This program funds the professionals on program is an internal Network program that provides the ground who execute the mandate of Springboard Atlantic. services to all Springboard Members to advise and advance Their role is many faceted but their main objective is to knowledge transfer in any form be it a push or pull activity positively impact the local economy and the research mandate and supports industry engagement. of their institution. The goal is to advance as many technologies as possible and Springboard helps support 26 full-time equivalent (FTE) to mobilize the knowledge/skill-based expertise resident in positions at universities and colleges throughout Atlantic Member institutions into industry, in order to help industry Canada. The funding for these comes from ACOA’s Atlantic engage with researchers and commercialize institutional Innovation Fund and is matched by contributions from opportunities. the participating Member institutions. Most Springboard Members receive salary and operational funding for Industry INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT Liaison Officers (ILOs), Technology Transfer Officers (TTOs) Promotes the development of effective regional partnerships and Intellectual Property positions under this program. All with industry. A maximum project cost of up to $15,000 members receive significant benefits by participating in the per project is available (including matching funds). Up to network. $50,000 may be awarded for projects involving the majority of Springboard Members. I-USRA PROGRAM Objective: The Industrial-Undergraduate Student Research PATENT AND LEGAL Award (I-USRA) Program is unique in Canada. The goal of the Accelerates the pre-competitive development of promising program is threefold: one, it allows companies the opportunity technologies and contributes to technology validation and early to “try out” potential new employees; two, it allows companies market connection. A maximum project cost of up to $15,000 who are new to R&D to work on projects at minimal risk to per project is available (including matching funds). the company; and three, it gives students interested in research strong concrete experience that goes beyond a traditional co-op PROOF OF CONCEPT program placement. Analyses, establishes or strengthens an early IP or patent Springboard Atlantic has partnered with the Natural Sciences position. A maximum project cost of up to $20,000 per project and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and is available (including matching funds). the National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance MARKETING SUPPORT Program (NRC-IRAP) to help increase regional opportunities for Atlantic companies to work with undergraduate students To build and/or develop a prototype of a technology for to conduct research activities. Under this partnership, small marketing purposes. Supports marketing, market research, and medium-sized Atlantic Canada companies can apply to market demonstrations, consulting. A maximum project cost of work with undergraduate science and engineering students, up to $25,000 for market consulting, and $15,000 for prototypes on a 16-week research project and receive a reimbursement of is available (including matching funds). up to $6,500 per undergraduate student ($4,500 from NSERC and $2,000 from IRAP.) Springboard Atlantic administers the reimbursements of these funds for NRC-IRAP. Students must be paid a minimum salary of $7,625 over the 16-week period. Newfoundland

7 The Power of Collaboration

COLLABORATIVE POWER While it takes a mighty collaboration of the sun, the moon, and the earth to create the powerful ebb and flow of Bay of Fundy tides, just as mighty is the collaboration between private industry and academic researchers working to harness that power into renewable energy. Such is the case for Brier Island-based (FTI) and researchers at Acadia University, where partnerships on small-scale tidal projects are now returning big results.

Thanks to an NSERC Engage grant, Acadia and FTI kicked off their first project by constructing high-resolution, hydrodynamic computer models of tidal resources in the Grand and Petit Passages on Digby Neck, to determine the viability of tidal power developments and identify any further research and For the past two years, researchers at Acadia have also been analysis that may be required. The findings also helped calculate working on the development of a community tidal energy the impact of tidal power development on the tides, currents, resource toolkit. Using the results and observations from the and surrounding environment. work with FTI and the communities of Digby Neck, the toolkit is a valuable resource for communities and businesses in In 2011, Acadia, FTI, and Dalhousie University partnered on Nova Scotia who are interested in undertaking their own a second project, this time involving the assessment of tidal tidal energy projects. energy as a resource in southwest Nova Scotia. This project implemented observations garnered from the previous project, Most recently, Natural Resources Canada made a $1.63-million updating the numerical model and gathering bathymetric contribution through its 2012 ecoEnergy Innovation Initiative and current profile data from potential tidal sites throughout competition towards a $3.30-million project involving Acadia, southwest Nova Scotia over a two-year period. FTI, and four other institutional and private sector partners. This three year research and development project will focus on identifying the best locations, installation and management for small-scale tidal power projects in Digby County that will help maximize energy potential and minimize costs.

For FTI and its communities, collaborations with researchers have meant access to resources that could transform their future. Every project and every new finding is leading them one step closer toward taking control of their own resources and sustainability, potentially reversing the decline of their rural communities.

8 MOUNT SAINT VINCENT WORKS TO BOOST CURIOSITY IN CHILDREN Trial Balloons, a concept developed by Dr. Beverlie Dietze, Assistant Professor in the Department of Child and Youth Studies at the Mount, “floats” ideas to children as a way to trigger their curiosity and expand their play experiences.

With the assistance of Holland College’s Applied Research department and the Mount’s Industry Liaison Office, the Early Childhood Care and Education program and the Early Learning Centre/Lab School have partnered with Dr. Dietze to test her trial balloon concept.

The first of four Trial Balloon sessions asked the question, “What do we observe if the outdoor play space is an option “We set up a ticket system. The child could pick a ticket to play during area time?” outside when he or she arrived in the morning. Throughout the morning we check in with the children to see if they would Previously, all 44 of the children in the study would go outside like to go inside and ask those who are inside if they would like at the same time, so outdoor play wasn’t an option for the the opportunity to play outside. This helps to encourage more smaller groups that are part of area time. Although it’s a outside play as well as increases the fluidity within the day,” seemingly simple alternative to include in the children’s choices, Riehl explained. when one considers the logistics of ensuring that two to four- year-olds require a certain number of supervisors per group, The children were thrilled to be able to play outside in smaller that there may be an occasional diaper change that requires groups, and for many it became the highlight of their day. The taking a child inside, and that, in addition to 10 to 12 children first Trial Balloon was deemed a success, and now Trial Balloon 2 playing outside, there are 30 or so more playing inside that also is being implemented: “When children are offered/provided with require supervision, offering the outdoor option becomes a a variety of outdoor experiences, what do we see in their play?” logistical challenge. The results of the project will be used to influence best practices Sarah Riehl, director of the Early Learning Centre, said a fair in Early Childhood Education. amount of planning was required during the launch of the first trial balloon to ensure the appropriate number of early childhood educators were with each group. Additionally, there needed to be a way to regulate the number of children outside at any given time.

SUSTAINABLE MARINE HARVESTING Fundy Dulse, a small, family-run dulse harvesting business in Digby County, N.S., wanted to expand its business through increased harvestable dulse resources, but only in a sustainable, ecologically-sensitive way.

The solution was found through a partnership with St. Francis Xavier University’s biology professor, Dr. David Garbary, three students, Leah Beveridge, Andrea Flynn, Katie White, and StFX math professor, Dr. Ryan Lukeman. The research, which is still in process looks to define what makes a good dulse growing site. Fundy Dulse to identify what in-house processing capabilities This work will provide further insight into how to increase the and restrictions they had. From this information, four product harvesting of the resource while still making it sustainable formulations were developed at CSK and transferred to Fundy Dulse for the purpose of expanding their product line. As well, through connections within the Springboard network, These products will help to ensure the continued growth and Fundy Dulse has also partnered with Holland College’s Canada’s sustainability of a small local business in Atlantic Canada. Smartest Kitchen to create four new value added products to add to their current product list. The CSK worked closely with 9 The Power of Collaboration

DIGNITY FOR HEALTHY AGING

Gary Markle started thinking about how clothing design could be modified for seniors after creating a bathrobe for his mother.

“I was taking care of my mom who has Alzheimer’s and dressing was becoming an issue for her,” explains Prof. Markle, assistant professor, in NSCAD’s Textiles/Fashion Department.

“I wanted to make something for her that she could put on herself and that was beautiful—that didn’t have the stigma that says ‘I’m old, infirm and I’m losing my memory.’”

The bathrobe he made appealed to his mother’s taste; it was simple and elegant. Instead of buttons or zippers, it fastened easily at the side with a cloth twill tape tie. She loved it.

It made him think of what else could be designed especially to meet the needs of seniors. NSCAD professors Gary Markle and Glen Hougan are collaborating on the “So much of what is aimed at seniors is undignified, clumsy research project, Design for Healthy Aging. and ugly. I got thinking about what kind of modifications could “I think this is the important part,” adds Prof. Markle. “We will be made that allows for independence and boosts self esteem.” be working directly with seniors from Northwood, another He calls it “designing for dignity.” That research, in collaboration partner on the project, talking to the people who could benefit with NSCAD’s Industry Liaison Office and Glen Hougan, and asking them what they need, what they want, and letting Associate Professor in NSCAD’s Design Division, was recently that feedback guide the development of design.” successful in attracting $200,000 in funding support over two Another important aspect of the research is the potential to years from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). attract graduate students to NSCAD who would be interested There are three aspects to the professors’ project called in paid internships and research experience. Not to mention “Design for Healthy Aging.” One stream, as mentioned, is the opportunities for collaborations with other universities functional clothing design and accessories for seniors. The and the commercial potential of products that may come second, on medication management systems, extends out of out of the research. Prof. Hougan’s research fellowship in healthcare innovations “I think there is something bigger in play here for NSCAD— at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. And the third, in that we have the expertise to offer in the healthy aging field and collaboration with the Nova Scotia Community College for can push the research along,” says Prof. Hougan. “And what an prototyping and development, has to do with assistive aids opportunity for design. We can be at the forefront in terms of for the bathroom. finding solutions for the aging population and understanding Prof. Hougan, a leader in design for aging populations, says the issues they’re facing.” the research will involve what he calls “ground-up designing.”

“In other words, we’re not designing based on assumptions, but

on research and collaboration,” he says. “That means a lot of listening and asking questions.”

10 BARK TO GET A NEW LIFE Dr. Matthias Bierenstiel, Associate Professor, Inorganic field of organic chemistry from Memorial University Chemistry at Cape Breton University was recently awarded of Newfoundland, St. John’s, and has expertise in $90,000 in applied research funding from the Mitacs natural products. Accelerate program and industry partner, B.W. BioEnergy Inc. (BioEnergy) of Sydney, NS. “It is great to have the opportunity to work with an industry partner on applied research,” says Bierenstiel. “It is satisfying Dr. Bierenstiel’s research team will work with BioEnergy on to solve problems creatively and to impact a company and this two-year project to explore how tree bark, a by-product its employees, ultimately benefiting the Canadian economy. of the company’s patented activated carbon manufacturing The postdoctoral researcher Dr. Hisham Sleem has excellent process, can be used in other value-added product streams. opportunities and is learning necessary skills with our industry partner B.W. BioEnergy Inc. that cannot be learned at the BioEnergy produces bark from a variety of trees such as university alone.” alder, birch, maple and willow, which contain a variety of natural compounds. This research project focuses on detailed “We at BioEnergy are extremely excited to have partnered analysis using state-of-the-art equipment available at CBU with Dr. Bierenstiel and Dr. Sleem at CBU,” says Ryan Duff, and processing methods that can be readily implemented former Business Development Manager at BioEnergy. “This from the laboratory bench to an industrial scale. Potentially research will be invaluable for us going forward by taking diverse applications of bark products range from natural glues something that would otherwise be a waste stream to be and wood treatment applications to extraction of natural managed, and helping us turn it into value-added, natural compounds, which have medicinally active properties. products. At BioEnergy we are committed to conducting business in an environmentally responsible manner, and this Dr. Bierenstiel’s team includes postdoctoral researcher project fits perfectly with that philosophy.” Dr. Hisham Sleem, who is a recent PhD graduate in the

ENHANCING TRUCK DRIVER PERFORMANCE In partnership with ACOA, CCNB and the University of Moncton have embarked on a three-year project to research and study health issues in professional truck drivers.

The goal is to commercialize a suite of health science-based software applications designed to help drivers improve their overall work performance.

The Healthy Driver Toolkit project is managed by Dr. Michel Johnson of Université de Moncton (U de M)’s School of Kinesiology and Recreation with the Collège Communautaire du Nouveau Brunswick (CCNB)’s Dieppe campus as key collaborator. The funding supports the creation and staffing of a university- based research facility at U de M, along with a CCNB- Jean Marc Picard, executive director of the Atlantic Provinces managed mobile research unit to travel throughout Atlantic Trucking Association (APTA) says, “This is excellent news Canada, in order to gather industry-specific data from APTA’s for the trucking industry in Atlantic Canada. The APTA membership regarding health and driving performance. members realized the importance of this project immediately and gave their full support on the proposal from U de M and the CCNB.”

11 Mentoring Makes A Difference

ACADIA UNIVERSITY Colibri Software is an innovative software development Frostbyte Interactive joined the Acadia Centre for Rural company led by Dr. John Read, a former Computer Science Innovation in 2013; In just this short period of time amazing faculty member of Acadia University. Now housed in the things have already resulted! They were immediately Acadia Centre for Rural Innovation, Colibri has achieved introduced to other companies within the Centre, which significant success, largely because of its strong relationship has resulted in a successful joint software development with Acadia. Colibri now employs four full-time and three project (Nunavut Wildlife Management Project) between part-time developers – former Acadia students – and a number three Centre tenants. Introductions have also been made of part-time student employees/interns through programs such to various Computer Science faculty members on campus, as the I-USRA Program (currently managed by Springboard). resulting in a recent NS Productivity & Innovation Voucher Through the efforts of Acadia’s Office of Industry & Project submission and a proposed NSERC Engage project. Community Engagement (ICE), and more recently the Acadia Through efforts from Springboard, they have also met with key Centre for Rural Innovation, Colibri has accessed a variety government representatives, and will be soon submitting an of programs and services and networking activities that have application for marketing support through the NS ERDT BDP resulted in dramatic growth for the company and accelerated program and an IRAP application. Most recently, Springboard its time to market with its flagship tourism software product. has provided mentoring support through a new innovative This product is currently undergoing BETA testing at various idea/application for the I3 competition. wineries as a direct result of the help of Acadia’s Atlantic Wine Institute.

COLLEGE OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC When Michael Campbell, president of Humber Valley Potato Company, decided to develop a new agrifoods product, the college’s Office of Applied Research (OAR) delivered just the right combination of facilities, expertise and innovative personnel to help bring his Fresh Fry™ to life. Working with Sharon McLennon, Industry Liaison and Centre for Agrifood Development team members Leona Raymond and Cindy Morrissey in Carbonear, Humber Valley Potato was able to develop a Modified Atmospheric Packaging (MAP) process, extending the shelf life of their fresh French fry product by four weeks in comparison to similar products already in the market.

The MAP packaging process developed in partnership with the OAR is being implemented as a core process at the company’s new production facilities in Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador. Regarding the success of the partnership with the OAR, the company is quick to point to the innovative and collaborative spirit that drives OAR staff. The success of the project has Humber Valley Potato thinking “We have a great working relationship! The college staff took beyond potatoes to packaging other fresh, extended shelf life a high interest in our project, showing enthusiasm and helping vegetable products in the future. In the meantime, Humber to enhance our process for creating our new product, the Valley is hard at work bringing their new production facility Fresh Fry. Lab scheduling, flexibility, and professionalism online and readying for their new product launch. Partnering were outstanding,” says Campbell. with the college has enabled the company to accelerate their development goals. “I believe the most unique capability of the Centre for Agrifood Development is the ability of the staff to give personal “The process of developing MAP packaging for our product attention to each project and to also demonstrate genuine validated our product’s potential, and defined our shelf life interest in what we were trying to achieve. They were very capabilities,” says Campbell. accommodating to supply needed equipment, and understood our requirements for product development.”

12 REAL TIME ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING STARTS THROUGH MENTORSHIP EMSAT Corporation, a startup born from Memorial The EMSAT management team of Dan Brake and Philippe University continues to experience success with several LeBlanc combined their respective software development, new partnerships and opportunities since graduating from business administration and environmental management skills Genesis Centre. to build an innovative and exciting new company.

The Genesis Centre is Memorial’s business support network for “As an important part of the province’s entrepreneurial technology-based ventures that have high growth potential and community, the Genesis Centre provides business resources to are seeking business guidance and capital. client companies, in tandem with the technical and scientific resources of Memorial University,” said Dr. Richard Marceau, EMSAT’s graduation comes as a result of the company’s recent vice-president (research), Memorial University. “The university success with its pilot partner, Alberta Innovates – Technology is proud of EMSAT Corporation’s success, and we look forward Futures (AITF). EMSAT completed phase one of a pilot project to their future growth and commercial prosperity.” with AITF in March of 2013 to develop an interface for an integrated carbon capture and storage (CCS) monitoring system. “The milestone of graduating from the Genesis Centre is very timely for EMSAT,” said Mr. Brake. “2014 is an exciting Due to the success of phase one, EMSAT recently signed a and very important year for us as we move from R&D into partnership agreement to complete phase two of the project commercialization and sales. Significant changes are supporting and, together with AITF, work with industry to implement these efforts with new office space, a growing and talented the solution. The end result of the project will be a system team and fostering important industry partnerships. We for real-time measurement, monitoring and verification of have an innovative pilot project underway in Alberta that a geological CO2 storage site. The pilot project represents a we will leverage for commercial opportunities and are seeing unique application of EMSAT’s technology and will help to real traction with other projects we are developing. Real- launch the company commercially. time environmental monitoring is a relatively new field. We are in a very good position to be leaders in the growth of a new industry. Since forming EMSAT in 2010 we have had tremendous support and guidance from the Genesis Centre and on behalf of the EMSAT staff and board I want to express how grateful we are to the centre.”

EMSAT is the 36th company to graduate from the Genesis Centre since 2000. The centre is currently working with seven other clients. It has helped its clients raise more than $23.9 million in private equity, 60 per cent of that amount coming from outside the province. Graduates include Rutter Technologies, Verafin, Genoa Design, Virtual Marine Technology and ClearRisk.

13 Mentoring Makes A Difference

IPERFECTPUTT iPerfectPutt for iPhone designed by Dr. Samuel Gaudet, a professor from the Université de Moncton’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics in Canada. The app was developed at the university’s Faculty of Science.

The iPerfectPutt app is billed as “a complete putting stroke analysis application that analyzes a golfer’s swing plane, clubface orientation, putt weight and tempo…It provides feedback to the golfer either sonically in real time or statistically, graphically or with simulations that can be played back in video form.”

For example, “The clubface rotation angle is not only calculated at impact, but for every position of the putting stroke and you can view these results, in detail, two different ways: on a graph or watch a video simulation of your stroke.”

The project went from idea to execution thanks to support from Springboard Atlantic including a revenue sharing agreement between Dr Gaudet and U de M.

GREEN IMAGING PAYS FIRST DIVIDEND Almost 3 years after striking its groundbreaking partnership his former Ph.D. graduate Dr. Derrik Green, and his wife Jill with Oxford Instruments of Britain, Fredericton-based Green Green, to move back home to Fredericton from the United Imaging has paid its first dividend to shareholders in 2014. States to help him commercialize the technology.

Green Imaging Technologies, Inc. (GIT) is a nuclear magnetic In 2005 GIT was born. resonance (NMR) solutions company for the oil and gas sector, providing software and core testing services. In 2008, GIT caught the attention of the world’s largest oil company, Saudi Aramco, which invested $3.7 million. GIT has The company was born through research being conducted at secured a Springboard Proof of Concept Award to help fund UNB. As Director of the industrial MRI Centre at UNB, further commercial development of Dr. Balcom’s technology Dr. Bruce Balcom developed a technology that measured and in 2009, earned revenues of close to $1 million. It has capillary pressure in rock formations. now secured more than $250,000 in federal research money to transfer more technology from UNB to GIT. The technology was revolutionary and particularly unique, as it took non-destructive core measurements five to ten times According to Jill Green, the company’s existence and success faster than traditional equipment and provided more accurate would never have happened without the assistance of UNB’s results. This proved to be the type of technology which could Office of Research Services and their Springboard connections. significantly benefit oil and gas companies in their The ongoing partnership with UNB promises to advance exploration efforts. innovation and diversification within the area of magnetic resonance imaging, to the benefit of the regional economy. Working with Springboard members and the Office of Research Services at UNB, Dr. Balcom was able to encourage

14 Rural Research & Development

ALL SAUCED UP & SPICY CRAVINGS In addition to helping facilitate research projects (and other maple and cranberry producers (Hutchinson Maple & Terra forms of funding), Acadia’s ICE Office also plays a key role in Beata Farms) and will be provided an introduction to an making important connections/introductions for companies. established winery who promotes local products. They have Two recent examples include agri-food companies, All also been introduced to the Manager of the Wolfville Farmers Sauced Up and Spicy Cravings. After meeting with each of Market (they have since started showcasing their products these companies to assess their research/business needs, the there) and the owners of Fox Hill Cheese who have agreed to office was able to make key business introductions which will trial the sauce products at the Halifax Seaport Market. dramatically accelerate their time to market. Spicy Cravings is another agri-food company based in Truro, All Sauced Up is a small company based in Truro that has NS. They have produced an innovative baked samosa food developed a line of innovative new sauces. During talks with product. They approached Acadia to access expertise within Acadia’s ICE Office, they articulated a need to forge ties with the Acadia Sensory Centre. During discussions, they voiced local product suppliers. Recognizing potential co-branding their goal of selling their product into the NS school system. opportunities, they subsequently introduced them to local

DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY Agada Biosciences – Being somewhat familiar with the contemplating two other locations in the US, Agada moved expertise available at Dalhousie University, Agada Biosciences, to Nova Scotia in 2013. Agada is now located in the south a company located in Washington, DC, reached out to the tower of Dalhousie Life Sciences Research Institute (LSRI) ILI office to investigate the prospects of transplanting their and employs numerous Dalhousie graduates and has extensive company to Nova Scotia. ILI was pivotal in demonstrating partnerships within the Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine. the tremendous support programs for Nova Scotia companies to help ensure their success. After visiting Halifax and

HOLLAND COLLEGE Holland College recently collaborated with Acadian Machine partnering with Holland College, the flaws have been solved Works, a local company near Tignish, Prince Edward Island, and the company has moved on to building a new prototype to help them solve design flaws they were having with one of that will be in high demand when finished. This will add a new their products. The Precision Machining program at Holland product to their sales line that will make this company much College lent their expertise in 3D design, equipment and time more likely to continue their prosperity. to help this company solve those technical design flaws. Since

MOUNT ALLISON Soricimed Biopharma Inc. is a spinoff company from MTA fighting agents. The company has recently won a NBIF R3 Gala which then moved off campus and has its main office in award; the prize was a $50,000 voucher to purchase research Sackville, NB with a satellite office in Moncton. The company services from an NB-based university, which they used at relies on MTA in a number of ways; they hire students as MTA. Soricimed and MTA have also submitted a Mitacs temporary and permanent employees, and they purchase application and an NSERC Industrial Post-Doc application the scientific expertise of some of MTA’s faculty to carry out which are currently under review. specific experiments to feed their development of cancer

15 Rural Research & Development

MOUNT SAINT VINCENT UNIVERSITY Springboard and MSVU are helping Schoolhouse Gluten-Free Recently the partnership accepted a Tier II Productivity Gourmet, a company in South Shore Nova Scotia, to market a and Innovation Voucher Award for $25,000. The funds new gluten-free product line. MSVU’s applied nutrition expert will support the ongoing partnership between Dr. Bohdan is using key ingredients developed in his lab to formulate Luhovyy, Assistant Professor of Applied Human Nutrition and nutritious and tasty beverage products that will enable the Schoolhouse Gluten Free Gourmet. company to expand into mass markets.

NSCC Working with Vale Packaging, a thermoforming company for they were connected with two programs at the College - packaging in the food industry based in Hubbards,N.S., NSCC the Mechanical Engineering Technology Program and the students are helping solve productivity and design issues. Industrial Engineering Technology Program. A group of 3 students per program are working with the company on issues Springboard helped to connect the College and the company around productivity/layout for growth and design challenges on an IRAP project to support efficiency in their production related to ergonomics. process . After the successful completion of that project

STFX HELPS TIGER WOODS IMPROVE HIS GAME model to shape the golf industry’s understanding Dr. Sasho MacKenzie, a St. Francis Xavier University kinetics of the role the club shaft professor and researcher is now playing a role in Tiger Wood’s plays in the golf swing. daily practice routine. The latest version of Mackenzie is the researcher behind the Boditrak Shift System Sasho’s mathematical - developed to enable any golfer to get their game on. model is allowing us to understand the individual Tiger Woods’s new coach, Chris Como, has worked weekly contributions from each with the StFX golf researcher over the last several years. Now hand during the swing. that the StFX professor’s partner in golf research has been Until the development recruited by Woods as his coach, the golf legend will benefit of his model this was from Dr. MacKenzie’s world renowned research in golf not possible.” biomechanics. Tiger’s coach says Dr. MacKenzie’s research is very relevant to His research focuses on the optimal way to move the club golf instructors. “His paper on the importance of appropriately and body during the golf swing. “Chris and I have a great positioning the center of gravity of the club, relative to the relationship. I’m extremely happy for him to be recruited by path of the hands was eye-opening. If a golf instructor wants Tiger and very excited that some of my research may facilitate to comprehend the cause-and-effect nature of the swing, then Chris’s work with arguably the best golfer to have ever played understanding this concept should be at the top of the list,” the game,” says Dr. MacKenzie. added Mr. Como.

The StFX professor’s research has been called revolutionary “I’ve had hundreds of conversations with Sasho over the by Golf WRX, a leading golf news source. Dr. MacKenzie is past three years,” he said. “Some have been strictly about known as the person at the top in the golf teaching world. understanding biomechanical concepts, while others have been about specific golf swing theories.” “I believe Dr. MacKenzie’s research is at the forefront of golf science,” says Tiger Woods’s golf coach, Chris Como. Dr. MacKenzie and Mr. Como are currently working on a “To my knowledge, Sasho was the first to develop a true 3D research project and have plans to expand into different areas forwards dynamics model of the golf swing and he used that of the golf industry.

16 MEMORIAL RESEARCHERS DEVELOPING LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS There’s a lot of expertise within the walls of a university and a number of Memorial researchers are looking to apply that knowledge to local issues and opportunities.

One of the companies the University has partnered with is Dynamic Air Shelters. The company, which has been operating in Grand Bank since its incorporation in 2004, produces temporary, portable air-inflated shelters with blast resistant properties for the oil and gas industry. The company and knowledge of Memorial’s distinguished academic minds also manufactures other types of buildings for military as well as our own people, we will ensure greater inroads in and construction applications, first response situations and sustainability and good corporate stewardship within our promotional campaigns. industry. We are looking forward to this journey and a positive outcome.” “We were specifically looking for assistance to resolve an issue we have with utilizing/recycling the tailings of our material,” Research funding agencies, including the Natural Sciences and explained Renita Dominaux of Dynamic Air Shelters. “We Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Industry have established a relationship with individuals and researchers Canada, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and from the Faculties of Science and Engineering and Applied the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador also attended the Science. We are confident that through leveraging the talents event to share information on their funding programs.

FIDDLEHOP FARMS; CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HOP-OILS FOR BETTER DEFINING HOP USES IN BEER BREWING FiddleHop Farms is an organically conscious and practicing who could guarantee first pick rights. The hop industry in agricultural farm located in Glenholme, Nova Scotia, and Nova Scotia is still in the early stages of development, and hop grows over three acres of fiddle heads, as well as four acres of varieties and growing systems have not yet been fully proven in two different varieties of hops plants. The hops growing part commercial applications. New hop yard developers must carry of this new business came from a realization that there is an out research and assessment as they invest into the commercial international hops shortage, artificially created by the major production of hops. Research expertise has been identified at hop unions in a transition toward a higher yielding strain. StFX that can provide an opportunity to innovate with new, Because of the shortage, many small breweries almost went out value-added, and high quality hop products, to diversify and of business. This resulted in brewers looking for local farmers become more competitive in this rapidly growing market.

UNB

Cooke Aquaculture is pioneering the Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) approach to farming under the leadership of an interdisciplinary research team led by Dr. Thierry Chopin of the University of New Brunswick and Dr. Shawn Robinson of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. IMTA creates a balanced ecosystem as nutrients released from the salmon pens are recaptured to become food and energy for the additional commercial crops of mussels and seaweeds. This project has supported Cooke’s production and export, as it has developed Kelps cultivated at a Cooke Aquaculture Inc. Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) site in the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, IMTA products such as salmon and seaweed. Canada, in proximity to salmon cages, provide key services to the ecosystem and represent an additional crop with many product applications (photo credit: Thierry Chopin).

17 The Evolution of An Idea…

Conversations around the evolution of an idea are not new. It The challenge for Atlantic Canadians is that we need to do required discipline and process to ensure ideas become reality. this engagement with diligence, perseverance and continuity. – Unfortunately, we continue to see many examples of how this Our SMEs are very small and have limited capacity internally evaluation process is not applied and is often forgotten in the to support R&D, much less partner externally with the likes excitement of a discovery. of our institutions. We need to provide a helping hand in the evolution of their ideas and the ideas coming from our students While there are various methodologies for evaluating new and faculty. ideas, the key elements are the same. While you may be asking many of these questions at the same time here is a general Another key challenge is to address how we work with faculty breakdown of what to ask when: and students in this endeavor to commercialize ideas – be they from internal institutional member discoveries or Clearly identifying that the discovery is a new idea; who from external companies and entrepreneurs. Incentives for contributed and how was it created; what is the potential of companies and entrepreneurs are pretty clear: work hard and the idea; how can it be protected, and developed to address a listen to the market and your advisors and you should have a market plan with a clear unfair advantage over other ideas. good company that pays you both in terms of satisfaction of building a company and hopefully wealth from the resulting Validation by the targeted market and end users; profiling the success. production and sales process; identifying the cost/price ratio that needs to be reached in order to solve the end user pain Incentives for faculty and students can be much less clear point and be financially viable. – so we need to help clarify this and demonstrate what the incentives are and why engaging in a partnership with the The commercial pathway is then determined and; institution that pursues this discovery to market path is We execute a transfer that suits the pathway once it is rewarding and gratifying. We need to trial rewarding at each confirmed. major stage of their contribution and clearly communicate how we work hand in hand with them in that process. Throughout this process we need to draw upon our own experiences and those of our community to support these ideas We see these as stages needing clear rewarding steps that will as they evolve, mentor the entrepreneurs executing the tasks if come from; a transfer to a new/exiting company is what makes sense, and • discovery disclosure, celebrate the outcomes of the effort continuously. • assignment and protection, • idea development and prototyping, • industry collaboration and enterprise support development.

Evolution of an Idea Proving the Concept and arming the potential need/interest for the idea

Proof of Pre-Commercial Concept DevelopmentCommercialization Market Traction Scaling

• Conceptual • Further R&D: • Further • Marketing execution • Expand Market development Alpha prototype Development: Beta • Customer use/traction Engagement • Concept Validation • Pathway: Licensing • Pathway: Venture • Competitive monitoring • Repeat Customer Sales • Market Research • Market segmentation • Field Trials • Sales penetration • Sales Channel expansion • Early user validation • Further market • Business Model • Delivery & Service • Customer Experience • IP protection validation development • Delivery & process assessment • IP protection • Channel improvement strategy/implement development

18 Moving Forward

As showcased throughout this highlights report, the last three years (or Phase 3 as we like to refer to it) have continued to allow us to showcase significant opportunity and growth in our region. In many respects, during the first nine years of Springboard, the network has laid a foundation of value and opportunity. During the first nine years, this organization has changed the way our institutions and our private sector partners look at research and development, commercialization and the opportunities that exist here. Even for our smallest institutions, we have changed the view and the conversation to one of opportunity. Now it is time to change the conversation again.

Realizing the outcomes of our efforts is a key next step for us. Our Members work hard to engage and generate projects with industry that help create new products and services – and we track these diligently to monitor performance and create success communications constantly. But we don’t track the outcomes of that work and often don’t know what else we could or should be trying to do to help – especially high growth global opportunities – and – high impact local social enterprises.

We clearly need to define and work on these areas in particular because we have two sides of the proverbial ledger - our social and economic related costs in this region, and our ideas that need to be developed and validated to address new sourced GDP as well as new ways to reduce our costs.

Moving forward, we need more diligence in how we assess ideas - diligence that engages community experts to help ensure a clear picture of the potential viability of an idea – not just relying on our internal resources and limited, single-person experience.

Increased early stage start up support is critical and a significant learning that needs to be executed in a way that allows company internal leadership and development but supports and incubates the idea to a validated product and early sales stage without academic support falling off and without any resource question.

Despite our success to date, we need increased regional engagement – from inter-institutional project developments to regional community and government engagements like establishing a regional small business investment tax credit. – These will demonstrate our strengths of being able to work on common grounds for greater regional benefit.

Another area we need to work on is clear and continued communications on our successes and the possibilities these have created. As well, still too many opinion leaders believe success should be created overnight. While we have begun to better manage these expectations by clearly showing that the evolution of an idea takes time and investment, we need to do more to create the environment of understanding.

Our region is on the right track. R&D is out performing the economic growth of the region. We are creating companies, economic impact and excellent jobs. We must now continue to help the best ideas come forward, with public and private support, to ensure this growth not only continues but is accelerated.

19 20 Our Funding Partners

21 Do you want to get started? Call Springboard’s Central Office at 902-444-3234 and we will help direct you.

LEIGH HUESTIS Director MARC KIELLEY KEVIN BUCHAN Director Tel: 902-585-1425 Manager of Industry Engagement Tel: 902-491-6297 [email protected] Tel: 709-864-2095 [email protected] [email protected]

SARAH CONROD DAVID BRUCE JOSEPHINE ADDA Industry Liaison Officer Director, Office of Research Services Proposal Support Officer Tel: 902-563-1842 Tel: 506-364-2618 Tel: 506-452-0647 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

KEVIN BUCHAN Director ALAIN DOUCET Tel: 902-491-6297 ANDRÉ CHIASSON Directeur – Industry Liaison Officer [email protected] Bureau de soutien à l’innovation Tel: 506-547-2190 Tel: (506) 858-4454 [email protected] [email protected]

DIANE BURT Director of Applied Research & Innovation Tel: 506-658-6797 KAY GRAHAM Innovation Officer [email protected] HART DEVITT Tel: 709-891-5658 Manager of Research Partnership [email protected] Tel: 506-648-5745 [email protected] SARAH SINGER Industry Liaison Officer Tel: 902-491-7340 [email protected] GENERAL ENQUIRY Industry Liaison and Innovation (ILI) SHELLEY R. KING Tel: 902-494-3509 Chief Executive Officer Three Oaks [email protected] Innovations Inc. Tel: (902) 566-6095 KEVIN DUNN Director KEVIN BUCHAN Director [email protected] Tel: 902-494-1648 Tel: 902-491-6297 [email protected] [email protected]

SHAWN MACDOUGALL ANDREW KENDALL Manager Research Development Officer Tel: 902-867-3660 Tel: 902-566-9361 [email protected] [email protected]