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The Power of Innovation

ICT Innovation Impact: R&D, Results and Return The 2007-2008 Prompt Report The Power of Innovation Table of Contents

“Prompt-supported partnerships are an integral part of InterDigital’s corporate research activities. We regard our university-based partners as an extension of our R&D team, complementing our internal advanced technology initiatives. We are enthusiastic about the results of our current collaborations with McGill and Concordia Universities and believe that these initiatives ICT Innovation Impact: R&D, Results and Return... 2 will have a very positive impact on our technology Powered by Prompt roadmap. Prompt serves as an excellent talent scout for the industry, facilitating access to the wealth of Prompt at a Glance 4 expertise across Québec’s university network.” Letter from the Chair 6 Michel Desgagné Letter from the President and CEO 8 Vice-President, InterDigital Canada, InterDigital Communications Information and Communications Technologies… 10 Creating a ‘Smarter’, More Connected World... and a Stronger Economy

University-Industry Major Projects: 2006-2008 12 “Prompt bridges a critical gap between small-to- Highlights: 2007-2008 14 medium-sized companies, helping to connect industry to the best minds in the academic community and new Success Stories 16 sources of funding. This allows growing companies such as iBwave to capitalize on knowledge and Leveraging Scientific Leadership 28 know-how in universities, applying these to their business. Prompt plays an essential role, as academic Prompt Board of Directors, 2007-2008 30 researchers do not often speak the same language or share the same perspective as their private sector Prompt Members, 2007-2008 31 partners. Prompt bring these two worlds together, in a cost-effective and efficient way.”

Mike Cegelski Executive Chairman and Chief Strategic Officer, iBwave ICT Innovation Impact: R&D, Results and Return... Powered by Prompt

For the entrepreneur... who aims to develop a working prototype… to demonstrate an exciting new technology to investors who can help bring it to market...

For the small-to-medium-sized company... that requires more R&D capacity...to undertake lucrative next-generation research and fulfill a promise of high return...

For the well-established company... that seeks the next disruptive technology…and the highly qualified people who can turn new ideas into world-class products...

For the university research leader... who strives to gain greater leverage from public research investments and infrastructure...to develop brilliant minds...and to push the boundaries of science...

For the government investor... who pursues cutting-edge ways to stimulate commercialization...to attract foreign investment... and create innovation models that generate real results—and real return...

For the people of Québec... and others around the world...who believe in the power of discovery...in technologies that deliver cleaner air, water and the promise of a healthy future for our children...that accelerate the detection, diagnosis and prevention of disease…that reduce life-threatening errors in the emergency room…that improve the safety of our military heroes as they serve and protect...that bridge us to every corner of the globe.

2 Years Prompt Industry NSERC Total 2003-2005 $3 million $300,000 $5.1 million $8.4 million 2006-2008† $1.8 million $2 million $2.1 million $5.9 million 2008-2010 $4 million $4 million $6.5 million $14.5 million

Since its inception in 2003, Prompt has stimulated: Overview: Prompt-supported R&D Major Projects, • A return of more than 2-to-1 for every dollar invested 2003-2010 by the Government of Québec, leveraging $14.1 million from the provincial government to stimulate R&D Years 2003-2005 2006-2008 2008-2010* partnerships valued at $30 million in cash contributions to universities, complemented by an additional $4.8 Number of 3 3 3 million of in-kind contributions from industry. Major Projects ›› Following Prompt’s ‘proof-of-concept’ phase (2003- 2005), this rate of return is steadily approaching Total Number of Targeted 12 14 22 R&D Partnerships 3-to-1. Number of 12 15 27 • A return of more than 7-to-1 for companies engaged Companies in Prompt-supported projects that benefit from Number of additional funding from the Natural Sciences and Universities 11 9 10 Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada and other granting agencies, and scientific research and Number of Researches 180 200+ TBC experimental development (SR&ED) tax credits from provincial and federal governments. * Prompt will host an additional Call for Proposals for a Green ICT

Major Project in spring 2009, with funds to be allocated by the end of year. Overview: Cash Investment in Prompt-supported R&D Major Projects, 2003-2010 Each Major Project is comprised of several targeted R&D partnerships that address specific challenges in a Years Prompt Industry NSERC Total given area of focus or theme. This ‘Major Project model’ 2003-2005 $3 million $300,000 $5.1 million $8.4 million addresses the unique needs of an ICT sector that is 2006-2008† $1.8 million $2 million $2.1 million $5.9 million comprised of many small-to-medium-sized companies. 2008-2010* $4 million $4 million $6.5 million $14.5 million By bringing together researchers with complementary skills and requirements in thematic programs, Prompt † Includes investment in Canada-China partnership is helping to establish communities of R&D interest with critical mass. This facilitates partnerships between academic and industrial researchers with ICT competence, and accelerates the development of new expertise.

Total Number Number of Number of Number of Years of Projects Companies Universities Researches

2003-2005 12 12 11 180

2006-2008 14 15 9 200+

2008-2010* 24 26 11 TBC

3 Prompt at a Glance

Prompt is a non-profit corporation that stimulates industry-university R&D partnerships to increase the competitiveness of the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) sector in Québec.

Leveraging investment from the Government of Québec, the private sector and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Prompt facilitates the development of new alliances that increase the R&D capacity of Québec-based companies, maximize public investments in research and enable the development of highly qualified people by:

• Providing funding for pre-competitive R&D partnerships that engage at least one company, and two universities...Prompt stimulates collaborative projects that must be completed within two years of funding to ensure synergy with industry timelines and market windows. • Brokering new relationships amongst researchers, developers and leaders in academia, industry, government and the investment community in Québec—and increasingly across Canada and around the world...Prompt is a catalyst for the creation of dynamic teams, the expansion of business networks, and the stimulation of new opportunities. • Creating a virtual technology showcase for innovators in Québec...Prompt serves as a key information source and voice for the ICT industry.

Maximizing the impact of three employees, Prompt has stimulated nine Major Projects, comprised of 48 targeted university-industry partnerships. Generating more than $30 million in cash contributions to universities, these R&D collaborations engaged over 40 unique industry partners. Prompt is also leading several pan-Canadian and transcontinental initiatives, with an increasing

“It is often very challenging for companies to identify and attract top R&D talent, particularly promising university students. Prompt provides an effective mechanism to source engineers with relevant expertise and experience. They bolster the ‘research’ side of the R&D equation, generating new ideas that can lead to novel product development. As an industry partner, Ultra Electronics benefits directly from the outcomes of Prompt-funded projects. We gain significant leverage on these initiatives–and have hired some of our best collaborators from universities across Québec.”

Alan Barker President, Ultra Electronics, Tactical Systems

4 number of partners across the United States of America Financial Leverage That Drives Growth and China. ‘000 CAD$ 300 290 Investment 280 University fees The partnerships facilitated by Prompt are financed 270 $27,750 by the private sector, the Government of Québec and 260 250 the Government of Canada. As these initiatives often 240 NSERC 230 $100,000 receive additional funds from the Natural Sciences 220 and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and 210 200 other granting agencies, and scientific research and 190 180 experimental development (SR&ED) tax credits from 170 provincial and federal governments, the value of every 160 150 Prompt Total amount dollar invested by a company can generate a return of 140 $85,000 more than a factor of seven. 130 invested in R&D 120 $257,250 110 100 Building on an injection of more than $6 million from 90 the Government of Québec in February 2008 and an 80 SR&ED related 70 savings ambitious strategic plan, Prompt will expand the scope 60 Business 50 $64,566 and number of its partnerships during 2008-2010. Given 40 $100,000 30 the increasing convergence of different technologies and Cost to business 20 X7.26 scientific disciplines,Prompt will aim to help companies 10 $34,434 0 capitalize on the increasing demand for information In the above simulation, the total tax beneﬁts and SR&ED related cost savings can vary and communications technologies in all sectors of according to the size of the company. the economy—from life sciences to environment, aerospace, automotive, public safety and energy. An example: A company invests $100,000 in a joint research project These opportunities extend beyond the borders with a Quebec-based university. As scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) tax credits are made available to the company of Québec—and Canada. As global opportunity expands, through the Governments of Canada and Québec, the total cost of the Prompt is increasing its emphasis on the development of project to the company becomes $34,000. international partnerships that develop and attract new expertise, resources and investment to Québec. Prompt contributes 85% of the company’s total investment directly to the university, adding $85,000 to the project. NSERC contributes 100% of the company’s investment directly to the university, adding $100,000 to the project. Once the university has deducted standard administration fees for research, the total investment in the university-industry R&D project is about $257,000. The net cost to the company is $34,000.

Because of Prompt’s contribution, and the leverage gained through other investments and tax credits, the value of every dollar invested by a company can be worth more than a factor of seven.

5 Letter from the Chair

The year 2007-2008 has proven to be a year of significant achievement for Prompt. It is a year characterized by leadership and action to build a stronger, more integrated ICT industry that increasingly contributes to many sectors of the economy: by the pursuit of new regional, national and international partnerships that enable Québec-based companies to exploit economic development opportunities and global markets; by the stimulation of new domestic and foreign investment in provincial R&D; and by the development of new collaborations that deliver results—and return—to the citizens of Québec.

Prompt has one focused and important mission: to build university-industry R&D partnerships that give ICT companies a competitive edge in the global economy. My commitment to Prompt, as Chair, active industry member and project investor, is simple; it is a model that works. This non-profit corporation is adding value to companies of all sizes, from large multinationals such as Ericsson, to medium-sized enterprises and emerging start-ups. Prompt not only funds new industry- academic R&D partnerships—providing significant leverage on every dollar invested—Prompt facilitates new partnerships. This brokering role is invaluable to industry, as it enables companies to identify and work with the ‘right’ partners in a highly cost-effective and efficient way.

And the results are tangible. This report highlights key outcomes of Major Projects undertaken from 2006 to 2008. I encourage you to learn how the results of Prompt-supported projects are influencing corporate strategy and technology decisions; stimulating the development of new products and services; creating

Pierre Boucher Chair of the Board of Directors, Prompt Director, Research and Innovation, Ericsson Canada

6 viable sales and marketing opportunities for companies the commercialization of ICT solutions and related of all sizes; and enabling the development of highly applications that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. qualified people required by Québec-based industry. As we conclude this banner year, I would like to It is these and other results that garnered an infusion of extend sincere thanks to the many stakeholders more than $6 million for Prompt from the Government who contribute to the success of Prompt and the of Québec in February 2008. This strategic investment R&D collaborations we stimulate. This includes our will allow the corporation to fulfill its role as an investors, Directors, Scientific Advisors, External Expert economic development agent in Québec, and to Committee members, employees—and perhaps most increase the number and scope of collaborative important, the university and industry collaborators who research and development initiatives that we support. are increasing the competitiveness of Québec—one Not only will we aim to deliver even greater value to partnership at a time. ICT companies, we will strive to support the R&D undertaken by their collaborators, customers and partners in life sciences, environment, aerospace, automotive, public safety and energy.

Consistent with our strategic plan, Prompt launched a call for collaborative proposals for Major Projects in new areas such as E-health, Public Safety and Integrated Wireless Optical Networks earlier this year. The organization brought together R&D leaders from 20 companies, 10 universities and five public research centers and funding agencies to discuss research interests and project ideas this past spring. These activities helped to stimulate more than 30 Letters of Intent for 2008-2010. We have received an increasing number of multidisciplinary and multi-technology research proposals that have potential applications in different sectors of the economy.

Prompt is also demonstrating leadership in new sectors, and addressing key global sustainability issues. I am particularly proud of our Green ICT initiative that aims to establish a North American network to support

7 Letter from the President and CEO

Aspire—take action—deliver results. These simple, yet focused objectives truly define what has been a landmark year in the history of Prompt. As we launch a new round of partnerships that impact many sectors of the economy—with our greatest investment to date—I am inspired by our collaborators, investors and stakeholders, and what we can achieve together as a community.

From 2006-2008, Prompt stimulated three Major Projects comprised of 14 targeted university-industry R&D partnerships. This includes two partnerships in digital video, four in photonic technologies and networks, and seven in active pervasive networks and enabling technologies; and our first Québec-China partnership. These initiatives engaged a total of nine universities and 15 companies from Québec, across Canada and around the world.

And industry is truly our raison d’être. Prompt-supported partnerships offer a compelling value proposition—and high return on investment—for companies. Prompt contributes the equivalent of 85 percent of company’s investment directly to the university participating in a project. When combined with research funding from other agencies, and government tax credits the value of every dollar invested by a company can be multiplied by a factor greater than seven.

But it is not just the return on investment that differentiates Prompt from other R&D consortia. Since our inception, our corporation has maintained an entrepreneurial approach, brokering activities, and minimal overhead, now investing less than 10 percent of our total budget in program management and administration. This allows Prompt to commit a majority of its funds to industrially relevant projects that

Charles Despins, Ph.D., Eng. President and Chief Executive Officer, Prompt

8 generate near-term value to corporate partners. With a Prompt is also building bridges between innovators in total of three employees, Prompt does not build R&D Québec and China. This includes the establishment partnerships in isolation. Our members and partners of a transcontinental virtual laboratory between take an active role in Prompt’s strategy development École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) in Montréal, and execution, garnering benefits that far exceed and the Shanghai Research Center for Wireless our program, our sector, and our province. These Communications (WiCo) in China. With industrial innovation leaders volunteer their time and contribute collaboration from Wavesat (Montréal) and ZTE (China), to the operation of Prompt because every stakeholder this Remote Research Collaboration Facility is enabling benefits from this partnership. researchers and developers on both sides of the Pacific Ocean to access and operate test equipment remotely. It is also a model that positions Prompt as a transparent Moreover, it is the cornerstone of a growing research and impartial broker, enabling all contributors to build and innovation relationship between Québec and projects in a completely neutral environment. Prompt the Shanghai Municipality, as well as with China does not seek equity positions in start-ups, intellectual more broadly. property rights or royalties from licensing agreements. We provide cash, innovative ideas and the opportunity Québec has established a distinct innovation to connect with potential collaborators. This simplifies ecosystem, with a rich talent pool that is differentiated the often complex university-industry partnership from other parts of the world. I would like to recognize equation, increasing the confidence of academic the many academic, industry and government partners, and industry participants, and creating a platform to employees, investors, Directors, Scientific Advisors develop a concrete and results-oriented plan. and Committee Members who demonstrate leadership and actively contribute to the development of this In addition to facilitating collaboration among community. Prompt is proud to partner with you to universities and companies in Québec, Prompt is stimulate R&D partnerships that fuel the economy developing strategic alliances with organizations across of Québec, and deliver economic and social benefits Canada and abroad. We are targeted in our approach, to its citizens. focusing on opportunities that offer mutual benefit and leverage to stakeholders in Québec—and to their future customers, partners and employees around the world.

For example, Prompt signed an agreement with the Québec Federation of Chambers of Commerce (QFCC) and the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce in June 2008 to increase collaboration between Québec and New York State on homeland security research projects.

9 Information and Communications Technologies…Creating a ‘Smarter’, More Connected World...and a Stronger Economy

Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) are Today, Canada’s ICT sector consists of more than intelligent devices and systems—comprised of hardware 30,000 companies (largely small-to-medium-sized and software—that enhance our interaction with each other firms) that generate $140 billion in annual revenues.2 and the world around us…whether we are in our home, the Combined, these companies employ more than half office or a hospital; traveling by plane, train or automobile; a million people, more than 40 percent of whom hold enjoying a rock concert, playing a video game or exploring university degrees. Canada’s ICT sector is not only a the natural environment. major source of job creation, it is also an important contributor to the country’s gross domestic product. These technologies enable the collection, storage, In 2007, ICT-sector companies contributed more than processing, transmission and presentation of information $57 billion to the country’s total output and spent more and related services.1 Prompt’s scope covers the broad ICT than $6 billion in R&D—more than one-third of the total field ranging from hardware to software, as well as from money spent on research and development by all of components to networks and applications. This enables Canada’s private-sector companies. Prompt to build a critical mass of projects in different industry sectors (such as healthcare, public safety etc.). Québec is a hub for ICT innovation, with 5,000 ICT value chains are increasingly defined along these companies that employ about 140,000 people, invest vertical markets. The major ICT subsectors are: $600 million in private R&D and generate annual revenues of $26.4 billion.3 These firms have exported • Microelectronics—the design and manufacture more than $5 billion worth of ICT products each year of tiny electronic components made from in the past five years. With 17 universities across the semiconductors province, there is an abundance of talented university • Photonics—the science of generating and controlling graduates who fuel the growth of this sector. This is light for applications further enhanced by a strong innovation ecosystem that • Wireless Technologies—the challenge of leverages government labs, innovation agencies and transmitting and receiving information through the R&D consortia such as Prompt. electromagnetic spectrum • Telecommunications Networks and Services—the The broad scope and pervasive nature of these configuration of communications equipment and technologies across different industry sectors—and ensuing user applications throughout our lives—enables alliances with those • Software—programs, routines and symbolic organizations that exploit similar business models in languages that drive hardware, creating a myriad other fields. For example, NanoQuébec has partnered of complex applications in various spheres of with Prompt to support nanotechnology elements of human activity three projects for 2008-2010. Discussions are also • Multimedia—combinations of text, audio, underway with the CRIAQ (aerospace) and Hexagram still images, animation, video and interactive (multimedia arts) for subsequent partnerships. content

“Prompt is a natural partner for NanoQuébec. As part of our mandate to strengthen innovation in nanotechnology, our organization supports the operation of university-based infrastructure across Québec. Many Prompt-supported researchers and industry collaborators already benefit from access to these state-of-the-art laboratories. We are further strengthening our relationship with Prompt by contributing to three recently funded projects that exploit micro- and nanotechnologies. We look forward to exploring additional initiatives that aim to stimulate continued growth of the micro-nanosystems market in Canada.”

Robert Crawhall President and Chief Executive Officer, NanoQuébec

10 Beyond direct contributions such as aggregate sales or employment numbers, the innovations emerging from Canada’s ICT community are driving economic growth and human progress powerfully, but indirectly, through technological convergence.

These convergent systems enable applications across all sectors, for example:

• Life sciences...diagnostic and wireless devices for monitoring the physiology of patients, and the bioinformatics of human genome mapping • Aerospace...advanced avionics and air traffic control systems • Arts and Entertainment...video games, next- generation digital media applications, available ‘on demand’ and increasingly interactive • Environment...information technology that improves energy efficiency and reduces greenhouse gas emissions • Energy...smart metering systems for energy management • Telecommunications...cell phones and PDA devices, optical networks that enable videoconferencing for distance education, WiFi • Defence...real-time surveillance and communication systems for military personnel • Automotive...GPS-based navigation and emergency response systems

1. http://web.worldbank.org 2. http://www.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/ict-tic.nsf/en/h_it07229e.html 3. http://www.gouv.qc.ca/portail/quebec/international/usa/commerce/ secteurs_economiques/technologies_information_communications/

11 Total value of Major Projects, 2006-2008: $6.1 million (includes cash and in-kind contributions)

University-Industry Major Projects Prompt investment: Supported by Prompt: 2006-2008† $1.6 million

Major Projects • Active, Pervasive Networks and Enabling Technologies (APNET) Photonics Technologies and Networks Digital Video $ $ $ $ $ Industry Industry Total Industry Industry Total Principal Investigator Industry Partner Prompt Principal Investigator Industry Partner Prompt Cash In-kind NSERC Investment Cash In-kind NSERC Investment

Partnership • Agile Antennas with Reconﬁgurable Pattern for Tactical Communication Systems Partnership Optical Code Division Multiple Access for High Capacity Passive Optical Networks–Proof-of-Concept Dr. Tayeb Denidni, Institut national de la Ultra Electronics 60,000 60,000 60,000 120,000* 300,000 Dr. Leslie Rusch, Université Laval Telus 160,000 29,400 150,000 150,000 489,400 recherche scienti que, Énergie, Matériaux et Télécommunications Collaborator Dr. David Plant, McGill University Collaborator Dr. Abdel Razik Sebak, Concordia University Partnership High-Performance Wavelength Converters Dr. Roberto Morandotti, Institut national Cyrium Technologies 92,400 69,000 92,400 170,000* 423,800 Partnership • Collaborative Signal Processing and Transmission Techniques for Wireless Communication Networks de la recherche scienti que Dr. Tho Le-Ngoc, McGill University InterDigital 150,000 80,000 150,000 132,000 512,500 Énergie, Matériaux et Télécommunications Collaborators Dr. Benoit Champagne, McGill University; Reza Mohammad Solemani, Concordia University Collaborators Dr. Vincent Aimez and Dr. Richard Ares, Université de Sherbrooke Partnership • Cyber Forensics: Processes, Techniques and Tools Partnership Micro-optical Switches—Thermochromic VO2 Smart Coating Dr. Mourad Debbabi, Bell Canada 80,000 20,000 80,000 - 180,000 Concordia University Dr. Mohamed Chaker, Institut national de MPB Communications 140,000 160,000 140,000 - 440,000 la recherche scienti que, Énergie, Collaborators Dr. Rachida Dssouli, Concordia University; Dr. Nadia Tawbi, Université Laval Matériaux et Télécommunications

Partnership • Evaluation of Mobile Wideband Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access Strategies Collaborators Dr. Joëlle Margot, Université de Montréal; Dr. Josée Azana and Dr. Jean-Claude Kieffer, Dr. François Gagnon, ISR Technologies, 240,000 150,000 150,000 - 540,000 Institut national de la recherche scienti que, Énergie, Matériaux et Télécommunications École de technologie supérieure Ultra Electronics Partnership Topological Design Tools and Ultra-Fast Electro-Optic Devices for Agile All-Photonic Networks Collaborators Dr. Ammar Kouki, École de technologie supérieure; Dr. Jean-Jacques Laurin, École Polytechnique de Montréal; Dr. David Plant, McGill University Anritsu Electronics, 150,000 150,000 150,000 466,000* 916,000 Dr. Yvon Savaria, École Polytechnique de Montréal; Dr. Claude Thibeault, École de technologie supérieure BTI Photonics Systems, JDS Uniphase, Nortel, Telus Partnership • Prototyping and Real-World Evaluation of Multi-Mode Super 3G Antenna-Array Transceivers Dr. So ène Affès, Institut national de la Ericsson Canada 100,000 150,000 100,000 200,000* 550,000 Collaborator Dr. Mohamed Chaker, Institut national de la recherche scienti que, Énergie, Matériaux et Télécommunications recherche scienti que, Énergie, Matériaux Partnership Personalized Adaptation and Management of Audiovisual Documents Based on Content et Télécommunications Dr. Djemel Ziou, Université de Sherbrooke Bell Canada 100,000 40,000 100,000 200,000* 440,000 Collaborator Dr. Sébastien Roy, Université Laval Collaborators Dr. François Deschênes, Université de Sherbrooke; Dr. Douglas O'Shaughnessy, Partnership • Trafﬁc Management and Service Engineering for Next-Generation Networks Institut national de la recherche scienti que, Énergie, Matériaux et Télécommunications Dr. Tho Le-Ngoc, McGill University Ericsson Canada 150,000 60,000 150,000 220,000 580,000 Partnership Design of Computer Modules for Video Processing and their Interfacing with an Interconnection Fabric Collaborators Dr. Ferhat Khendek, Concordia University; Dr. Fabrice Labeau, McGill University Dr. Yvon Savaria, École Polytechnique Gennum, 100,000 100,000 100,000 170,000* 470,000 Partnership • Wireless Healthcare: Minimization of Medication Errors in a Québec Hospital Emergency Room Using Wireless Information de Montréal Tundra Semiconductor Dr. Bernard Segal, McGill University; Nortel, Bell Canada 260,000 70,000 150,000 283,000 763,000 Collaborator Dr. Claude Thibeault, École de technologie supérieure Dr. Christopher Trueman, Concordia University; Dr. Lise Poissant, Université de Montréal Collaborators Dr. Marc Béique, McGill University Health Centre; Dr. Allen Huang, Royal Victoria Hospital; Dr. Robyn Tamblyn, McGill University

“Prompt invested in the Agile All-Photonic Networks during the early part of the decade when the market for Information and Communications Technologies was declining. This enabled us to increase awareness about the importance of research on optical networks during challenging economic times, and demonstrate Québec’s leadership in photonics research and development. Prompt has directly contributed to our research objectives and helped to establish a base of photonics expertise in Québec that is second to none.”

David Plant, PhD Scientific Director, Agile All-Photonic Networks Chair, Electrical and Computer Engineering, McGill University

12 Industry cash: $1.8 million

NSERC investment (during the two-year term of Prompt-supported projects): $2.1 million

“I proudly contributed to the co-founding of Prompt in 2003, together with many esteemed colleagues from academia and industry across the province. I can attest to the impact of Prompt on academic research and discovery. Prompt creates multi-disciplinary, multi-sectoral teams that bring together researchers from several universities and the private sector. This increases the research capacity of each individual collaborator, while strengthening the innovation ecosystem in Québec.”

Edwin Bourget, PhD Vice-Rector, Research and Innovation Université Laval

13 Building on its role as broker and investor, Prompt has stimulated new regional, national and international R&D partnerships for researchers and Highlights: 2007-2008 developers in companies and universities across the province. These alliances are increasing the competitiveness of Québec’s ICT sector, enabling the development of new expertise and creating new opportunities in the global market.

November 2007—The Power of Innovation: Prompt June 2008—The Federation of Québec Chamber 2007 Annual Symposium of Commerce and the Plattsburgh-North Country Prompt brought together over 150 leading researchers, Chamber of Commerce Join Forces with Prompt to industry, academic and government representatives at its Stimulate New Homeland Security Research Projects Annual Symposium in Montréal, Québec. This flagship Building on the creation of a Québec-New York corridor, event featured technical presentations, discussions this unprecedented agreement aims to stimulate on key ICT research and development challenges, trade and strengthen economic ties between the two overviews of research results, a wealth of networking communities. Prompt will facilitate new cross-border opportunities, and the launch of Prompt’s new image. R&D partnerships that develop niche expertise in public safety areas, such as border protection. February 2008—Raymond Bachand, Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export October 2008—Prompt Hosts Workshop on the Trade of Québec, Announces $6.15 Million in Funding Development of Green Next-Generation Internet (NGI) for Prompt to Stimulate New Industry-University Technologies and Applications that Reduce Global Partnerships that Increase the Competitiveness of Warming the ICT Sector This workshop attracted over 70 participants from Prompt will leverage this investment to increase the across North America and focused on the development scope and number of industry-university R&D Major of environmentally sound Next-Generation Internet Projects, and undertake new R&D brokering initiatives. architectures and applications that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. February 2008—Prompt Launches Call for Proposals for 2008-2010: E-health, Public Safety and Integrated October 2008—California, Canada Campuses and Wireless and Optical Networks Prompt Combat Greenhouse Gas Emissions with As part of the Call for Proposals (CFP) for 2008-2010 Green IT Major Projects, Prompt conducted three roundtable In one of the first efforts of its kind, the University discussions in E-health, Public Safety and Integrated of British Columbia, the University of California, Wireless and Optical Networks (IWON), featuring San Diego and Prompt pledged to work together to presentations from small-to-medium-sized companies reduce greenhouse gas emissions on campuses while such as Parallel Geometry, NEWTRAX and TéléMédic, and developing ‘green cyber-infrastructure’—information well-established multinationals such as RIM, Ericsson and technology that improves energy efficiency and reduces InterDigital. It is an approach that is generating results. emissions. Prompt will facilitate university-industry In December 2008, Prompt approved funding for Major partnerships that aim to translate ‘green’ research results Projects in these areas, including seven R&D partnerships into viable new commercial opportunities for companies in IWON, six in E-Health, and eight in Public Safety. in Québec, across Canada and California. Prompt also allocated funds to one special project.

“To solicit new proposals for 2008-2010 Major Projects, Prompt organized roundtables that brought together a synergistic group of researchers, industry representatives and investors who shared one common objective–collaborative R&D that benefits all partners. I don’t know of any other forum like it. As a medium-sized company, we were looking for effective ways to connect with the research community. We presented our research interest in high performance-computing and simulation, and received very positive feedback from several groups. We are now partnering with Dr. Yvon Savaria and his team at École Polytechnique on a new Prompt-funded project. This event was the catalyst that brought us together.”

Denis Akzam Chief Executive Officer, Parallel Geometry 14 (Left to right): Dr. John Hepburn Vice President, Research, University of British Columbia; Dr. Charles Despins President and CEO, Prompt; Mr. Jerry Sheehan Director, Government Program Development, California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology

November 2008—Launch of Transcontinental Virtual Laboratory Creates a Platform for Canadian and Chinese Companies to Conduct Collaborative R&D and Exploit New Global Markets Prompt launched the ‘Remote Research Collaboration Facility’ (RRCF), a transcontinental virtual laboratory Mr. Pascal Audant that provides researchers and developers in Montréal Chief Executive Officer, (Canada) and Shanghai (China) with remote access to Unima Software microelectronics and telecommunications equipment located half a world away. The RRCF supports an R&D partnership between École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) and the Shanghai Research Center for Wireless Communications (WiCo), along with industry partners Wavesat (Montréal) and ZTE (China).

Looking Forward... In December 2008, Prompt approved funding for Major Projects in E-health, Public Safety and IWON as well as one special project. Unima, an innovative start-up in Montréal, is among the recipients. Led by Lionel and Pascal Audant, the company is working together with researchers at Université de Montréal, École Polytechnique de Montréal and Nankai University in China on the development of a new translation tool that animates Chinese symbols or characters, helping a user to learn a new language in an entirely different way. Prompt is contributing $450,000 to the project, and helping to establish an interdisciplinary team that brings together expertise in software engineering, (Left to right) linguistics, graphic design, animation and anthropology. Mr. Song Wang, ZTE; According to Pascal Audant, “Without Prompt, it would Mr. Yang Yang, WiCo; Dr. Charles Despins, Prompt; be impossible for us to generate a $2 million research Dr. Yves Beauchamp, ÉTS; project right now. This investment will help to accelerate Ms. Chunni Nie, Science & our product development by at least two years.” Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality; Mr. Francois Bouilhac, Government of Québec

(Left to right) Mr. Raymond Bachand Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, Government of Québec; Dr. Charles Despins President and CEO, Prompt; Mr. Pierre Boucher Chairman, Board of Directors, Prompt

15 A multidisciplinary research team aims to boost Wireless Technology Promises the productivity of physicians and nurses—and the quality of patient care—by enabling the safe and to Improve the Productivity of effective transmission of data over wireless networks Healthcare Professionals—and in hospitals. The team’s first objective: to reduce medication errors in the emergency room by enabling Quality of Care for Patients healthcare practitioners to use wireless, handheld devices to access patient information at the time of assessment, enter the recommended medication, and produce a legible, printed prescription that can be dispensed by the community pharmacist.

In 2005, the Canadian Institute for Health Information reported that the chance of a patient receiving the wrong medication or the wrong dose was about 1 in 10.1 Because hundreds of patients are assessed in a typical emergency room each day, doctors and nurses require more efficient ways to manage information—and to minimize errors that compromise patient care. Research suggests that up to 61 percent of medication errors in hospitals are caused by illegible or inaccurately written prescriptions.2

It is a challenge that inspired Dr. Bernard Segal, Director of Research in Otolaryngology at McGill University and at Jewish General Hospital, to join forces with Dr. Christopher Trueman, Associate Dean, Academic Affairs, Engineering and Computer Science at Concordia University. With critical support from Nortel, Bell Canada and Prompt, the researchers aim to permit a safe, next-generation wireless network that enables more rapid, efficient information exchange and management in hospitals.

It is not an easy feat in a complex environment with millions of anticipated wireless sources. The radio- frequency waves emitted by cellular phones and other ICT-based devices can interfere with the performance of medical equipment. As described by Dr. Trueman, “We are developing computer methods that will allow us to identify when and where interference problems may occur. We need this information to design a wireless network that substantially reduces the risk of interference, and is much safer than technology used today.”

Nortel, a key industrial partner, recognizes the importance of this mandate. “Five years ago,we started

(Left to right) Healthcare innovation... Dr. Bernard Segal Director of Research, Otolaryngology, McGill University powered by Prompt and Jewish General Hospital Dr. Allen Huang Dr. Segal emphasizes that Prompt played an essential Physician, Geriatric Medicine, Royal Victoria Hospital role in establishing the multidisciplinary team required Dr. Lise Poissant to tackle this complex challenge. Professor and Researcher, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal

16 Dr. Robyn Tamblyn Epidemiologist, McGill University

to investigate how information and communications by the information we receive for every patient. The technologies could add value to healthcare ability to contextualize that information quickly is vital,” professionals,” says Deborah Stokes, Director he says. “I am convinced that these types of tools of External Research with the Office of the Chief will enable us to improve the quality of healthcare Technology Officer at Nortel. “Prompt enabled us to for our patients.” Dr. Huang also contributed to the find partners who wanted to introduce new technology development of the MOXXI system, and continues to be directly to users. This provides the opportunity to involved in its evolution and deployment. evaluate different solutions in the field.” Ms. Stokes says the company will use the outcomes of this project to guide decision-making on potential future product development for the healthcare sector.

1. http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070814/ To ensure the technology addressed the needs of medical_errors_070814?s_name=&no_ads= this community, Drs. Segal and Trueman teamed up 2. http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070626/ with Dr. Lise Poissant, Professor and Researcher in script_er ros_070626?s_name=&no_ads= the Faculty of Medicine at Université de Montréal, to assess the usability of wireless devices for healthcare professionals. The team initiated a multi-hospital study at the McGill University Health Centre. As a first step, the researchers provided triage nurses and emergency room physicians with ‘MOXXI’ (Medical Office of the 21st Century—www.moxxi.ca), an electronic prescription, drug and disease-management system developed by Dr. Robyn Tamblyn, Epidemiologist with McGill University.

According to Dr. Marc Béïque, Chief of Emergency Medicine at McGill University Health Centre, “This solution garnered positive reviews from staff, as it improved their workflow and productivity. We hope to build on this momentum and introduce new wireless technologies into the ER over the next few months.”

Dr. Christopher Trueman Dr. Allen Huang, a physician specializing in geriatric Associate Dean, Academic medicine at Royal Victoria Hospital and a target user Affairs, Engineering and of the technology, concurs. “Doctors are overwhelmed Computer Science, Concordia University

“Prompt’s support and investment were critical to this project. It allowed us to leverage funding from industry and NSERC, and establish a team with diverse Ms. Deborah Stokes expertise—from electrical engineering and Director of External Research, computer science, to epidemiology and Office of the Chief Technology medicine. This type of interdisciplinary Officer, Nortel collaboration is required to develop ICT- based solutions that can be applied in the healthcare sector,” says Deborah Stokes. 17 The Sky’s No Limit for Researchers Imagine a single device that could enable doctors to analyze human blood for a range of pathogens at INRS, Université de Montréal more quickly and effectively than current diagnostic and MPB Communications tools, allow astrophysicists to assess the physical characteristics of never-before-charted planets, and help engineers to improve the speed and reliability of optical switching for the telecommunications industry. Sound impossible?

With critical support from Prompt, a team of researchers from the Institut national de recherche scientifique (INRS), the Université de Montréal, and MPB Communications, is developing novel technology with potential applications in the aerospace, life sciences and ICT sectors. The team has developed a new shutter to improve the performances of MPB’s spectrophotometer—a device that measures light intensity as a function of colour. This shutter is more compact and adaptable than similar technologies on the market today.

Spectrophotometers have many applications, but often the device must be adapted to address the needs of the specific product or end-user,” explains Dr. Mohamed Chaker, Professor at INRS, and Canada Research Chair in Plasma Applied to Micro- and Nano-Manufacturing Technologies.

“Our team focused on the development of spectrophotometers for aerospace application. Given the stringent requirements of this industry, we aimed to reduce the weight of a standard spectrophotometer, while maintaining its performance. Our key challenge— as these devices become smaller, their output resolution is compromised or reduced.”

To overcome this hurdle, the researchers developed a miniaturized spectrophotometer with specialized optical slits—similar to ordinary window shutters that can be opened and closed. Covering these slits is an intelligent material that can automatically vary the opacity of the shutters and manipulate the transmission of light, depending on the end-user requirements. This breakthrough design has enabled the research team to

Knowledge transfer... Dr. Emile Haddad powered by Prompt Project Manager, MPB Communications Dr. Chaker says the opportunity to learn from MPB has been invaluable for students and professors alike. “We are very much a team that works together on every facet of this project. This has enabled researchers and professors to stay apprised of the key challenges facing industry, and provided students with hands-on experience that will be valued by their future employers,” he says.

18 build a prototype spectrophotometer that is small, light and precise enough to function aboard satellites. According to Dr. Emile Haddad, Project Manager with MPB Communications, this innovation will contribute directly to the development of new products at the company. “With a prototype in hand, we can now begin rigorous testing of the device. We aim to introduce our first product for the aerospace industry in about one year.”

He emphasizes that the results of this project could help to address global challenges such as climate change: “The ability to use these instruments on satellites creates new opportunities to improve the monitoring of carbon dioxide and methane gases that contribute to global warming. There is no product like this on the market today.”

Dr. Haddad adds that the enhanced spectrophotometer could be adapted for other applications in the life sciences and ICT sectors. It could, for example, be used to enhance the characterization of blood and other fluids in diagnostic devices. It also provides a starting point for the development of a new micro- optical switch—an endeavour that MPB is considering over the next few years.

Dr. Mohamed Chaker Professor, Institut national de recherche scientifique; and Canada Research Chair in Plasma Applied to Micro- and Nano-Manufacturing Technologies

Dr. Haddad says, “Prompt creates a forum where industry and academics can pool and exchange knowledge, while working together on industrially relevant projects. The Prompt model enables small-to-medium-sized companies to undertake new R&D initiatives that might not otherwise be possible.”

19 Bigger, Better, Faster… In an era where YouTube, Twitter and BlogTV are streaming to more hand-held devices every day, Meeting Consumer Demand for Ericsson is partnering with researchers from McGill Bandwidth-Hungry Applications and Concordia Universities to design a network solution that boosts the quality and consistency of service for consumers who want high-bandwidth applications ‘on demand’.

It is estimated that TV-based Internet video receivers and connected consumer electronics platforms will drive transactional revenues for premium Internet video services will exceed $6 billion.1

For ICT-based device manufacturers, the ability to offer applications such as games and video-playback capability in products is a key differentiator in competitive, consumer-driven markets. But if these capabilities are not properly supported by network infrastructure that ensures high quality and consistency of service, these features are useless to the customer.

It was this demand that motivated Ericsson, a world- leading provider of telecommunications equipment and related services to mobile and fixed network operators, to partner with Dr. Tho Le-Ngoc, Canada Research Chair in Broadband Access Communications, and Dr. Fabrice Labeau, both of McGill University; and Dr. Ferhat Khendek of Concordia Universiity. The team aims to develop network solutions that will boost the quality of wireless-service delivery, regardless of network condition and type of device (such as a cell phone, PDA or computer) on which the end-user receives the data stream.

Network resource management is one of the key challenges in the delivery of broadband services. It is particularly difficult for providers to ensure a consistent, high quality of service when providing wireless broadband services. Because the functional capability and speed capacity of different end-user devices varies so dramatically, distributing multimedia services over networks to a consistent quality standard is a complex task. Dr. Le-Ngoc calls this ‘the network- bandwidth challenge’.

R&D match-making... Yves Lemieux powered by Prompt Researcher, Broadband and Systems Group, Ericsson Canada Dr. Le-Ngoc believes that Prompt’s involvement in the project inspired researchers at McGill and Concordia to pursue collaboration with a global powerhouse such as Ericsson.

20 Dr. Tho Le-Ngoc Canada Research Chair in Broadband Access Communications, McGill University

“End-users often get frustrated if a video takes 10 “We see a clear migration path for the outcomes of seconds to load,” says Dr. Le-Ngoc. “Video is an this project,” says Yves Lemieux, Researcher with the application that demands a significant amount of Broadband and Systems Group at Ericsson. “This is network resources. We need to improve the way this not just a short-term exercise, but a project that will information is managed on wireless networks.” help to shape our long-term research and development. This team is helping us to understand and address key The project addresses this challenge by examining bottlenecks in the network.” three different elements that contribute to the network bandwidth problem: the wireless, network and application elements. The team strives to design a network architecture that enhances the management 1. http://www.itfacts.biz/category/consumer-electronics and processing of information for bandwidth-hungry applications such as peer-to-peer interactions and on- demand video.

“In designing new architecture, we must understand the network layers that support these applications and plan to deliver services accordingly,” says Dr. Le-Ngoc. “We want to identify the optimum network building blocks that will address end user requirements.”

Drawing on the expertise of each member, the team has already developed algorithms and techniques that will help providers manage video more effectively over different devices such as laptops, PDA and HDTV— without sacrificing quality or performance. The team has also determined new ways to deliver these services over the wireless network, regardless of the network condition.

These and other project outcomes will be considered by the R&D team at Ericsson when developing future product architectures. Dr. Fabrice Labeau Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, McGill University

“Building on the results of this project, we aim to establish a long-term relationship with Ericsson and explore new initiatives that can benefit from our combined expertise,” says Dr. Le-Ngoc.

21 Novel Nanofabrication Processes Researchers at the Université de Sherbrooke and Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) Accelerate Solar Cell Development are collaborating with Cyrium Technologies, on novel nanofabrication processes that will accelerate the development of high-efficiency solar cells, while reducing the associated costs.

This Prompt-supported partnership is a key part of Cyrium’s strategy, as the company aggressively pursues the solar photovoltaics market. Valued at more than US$20 billion in 2007, this market is expected to grow to US$74 billion by 2017.1

Solar power represents a highly efficient, cost-effective and renewable energy source—and a wealth of market potential. With a recent injection of US$15 million from investors, Cyrium is preparing to bring photovoltaic solar energy systems for terrestrial applications to market. Drawing on the outcomes of a Prompt- supported project, the company hopes to adopt new fabrication techniques and explore new solar cell fabrication technologies that will advance its product development.

Cyrium is partnering with Dr. Roberto Morandotti of INRS, and Drs. Richard Arès and Vincent Aimez, both of the Université de Sherbrooke. Leveraging financial support from Prompt and NSERC, the team has developed high-performance ‘optical waveguides’, devices that transmit optical signals or power. This includes the development of a prototype using nanofabrication practices—the design and construction of components with dimensions measured in millionths of millimetres. Although the results of this project could influence the development of new applications for the defence, aerospace and telecommunications sectors, it is the fabrication process used to manufacture these complex devices that captured the attention of Cyrium Technologies.

Strategic R&D partnerships... Dr. Vincent Aimez powered by Prompt Professor, Electrical Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke Dr. Aimez says Prompt was essential to the development Dr. Richard Arès of a strategic relationship between the Université de Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Sherbrooke and Cyrium. “The success of this joint project Université de Sherbrooke has established a solid foundation for future collaboration. We are now working with Cyrium on a number of new initiatives,” he says. “Prompt lays the groundwork for longer-term, strategic relationships that deliver value far beyond a single project.”

22 Dr. Denis Masson Director of Characterization and Fabrication Processes, Cyrium

“The processes we use to develop high-performance “We have created waveguides that increase light waveguides are very similar to those required to intensity,” says Dr. Morandotti, Professor at INRS. “It develop ultra high-efficiency solar cells,” explains Dr. enables us to squeeze so much light into the fibre or Aimez, Professor at Sherbrooke. “Our research team the ‘pipeline’ that we can use these waveguides to has established advanced nanotechnology processes achieve optical switching at much lower powers—the that Cyrium can use in its research and development same level of power used in the average optical over the next year.” network today. Although this represents the first of many milestones required to bring these waveguides Cyrium was drawn to the collaborative initiative into practice for the telecommunications industry, we because of the high-calibre research talent, the are also proud to have made an important contribution opportunity to use the university’s nanofabrication to Cyrium’s work.” laboratory to help build and test prototype solar cells, and the financial leverage offered by partners such as Prompt. 1. http://www.cleanedge.com/reports/reports-trends2008.php

Dr. Denis Masson, Director of Characterization and Fabrication Processes at Cyrium, explains that typical manufacturing techniques for solar cells incur costly ‘performance losses’, meaning devices do not achieve the level of performance required for the product. “This research team has devised process improvements that can help reduce the number of steps required to fabricate some of our most complex devices, while achieving the performance required. These improvements will save us time and money. This is Dr. Bruno Riel important for a young company like Cyrium.” Director of Epitaxy and Materials, Cyrium The work of the research team has proven successful on a number of fronts. Not only has the project helped to resolve some of the fabrication issues facing Cyrium, it has enabled the design of a waveguide that is much more efficient and reliable than its predecessors for optical network applications.

Ms. Aline Rugwizangoga Technician, Test & Measurements, Cyrium

According to Dr. Arès, “Many academic- industry R&D partnerships never get off the ground, as companies must benefit Dr. Simon Fafard directly from project outcomes to justify the Founder and CEO, Cyrium investment. Prompt increases the value of every dollar invested by a company, helping to set these initiatives up for success.”

23 Increasing the Reliability of The global military communications market, which includes electronic systems, products and devices ‘On-the-Move’ Video Applications used to transmit and receive video, voice and data to Enhance Military Communications— signals for military operations, is valued at over $300 billion (2008-2017).1 High bandwidth and the Safety of Our Troops applications such as on-the-move (OTM) video have the potential to enhance military communications and improve the situational awareness of troops in the field.

The reliability of OTM video and OTM battle-management data presents a key challenge for technology designers and end-user clients in the military as they require service in extremely unpredictable and harsh conditions.

With valuable support from Prompt, researchers at École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS), ISR Technologies, and Ultra Electronics,Tactical Systems are joining forces to address this reliability challenge, and propose technology- based solutions that improve real-time communications, provide operational flexibility, and ultimately increase the effectiveness and safety of military personnel. The team aims to improve how the network supports demanding Internet applications such as streaming video, to ensure quality of service in any condition.

In radio-based communications, such as those used by the military, one antenna or communication mast sends a signal to another antenna or mast located many kilometres away. There can be many obstacles and radio channel impairments between the two antennas, including reflections, diffraction and obstructions from man-made structures such as buildings, and naturally occurring structures, such as mountains and trees. Rapidly changing obstacles and reflections frequently interrupt or distort the radio waves that travel from one antenna to the other, scrambling or destroyingthe information during transmission. Multi- equalizers help to reconstruct the message and ensure that it is properly received.

Dr. François Gagnon, Professor at ÉTS, elaborates on this challenge: “When you send or receive high-bandwidth communications, many variables affect the quality of the transmission. Distance is one factor. Another is the speed at which the recipient moves toward or away from the

Novel solutions... Denis Couillard powered by Prompt Product Manager, Ultra Electronics, Tactical Systems Mr. Couillard, Mr. Batani and Dr. Gagnon emphasize the important contribution of Prompt, as a partner and investor on the project. “The funding provided by Prompt enabled our team to create a working prototype and demonstrate how the multi-equalizer could be used to help resolve the OTM-reliability problem,” says Dr. Gagnon. “This helped to increase the commercial potential of our work.”

24 Dr. François Gagnon Professor, Electrical Engineering, École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) broadcasting source. In short, it is very difficult to ensure practice, and develop a new multi-equalizer hardware the reliability of OTM video over a wireless network.” platform that could be used by Ultra Electronics. This technology was successful in part in suppressing Denis Couillard, Product Manager with Ultra, believes the interference, but did not entirely ensure reliability. development of reliable, wireless solutions could have The outcomes of this project represent an important a profound impact on military operations. “Most of the milestone in the development of a more reliable solution communication networks used by the Armed Forces are for OTM video delivery and other high-bandwidth not able to cope reliably with the demand of providing applications.” broadband access to so many people, in so many field conditions,” he says. Ultra is carefully assessing the results of this initiative, and the value of this approach. “This multi-equalizer He notes that satellite technology has emerged as one helped to advance our thinking on this issue. We are potentially suitable, but very costly solution. “If we can now considering our next steps,” says Mr. Couillard. develop a better way for the military to share information “Although our team has not yet been able to fully test this with its people on the ground, it will help to improve the prototype application in the field, we are already drawing efficiency and safety of our troops.” on the outcomes of this project to support our future product development.” Drawing on the expertise of researchers at ÉTS, ISR and Ultra, the team tackled the reliability challenge Mr. Couillard says that Ultra is assessing another by designing solutions that involved multi-equalizers competing technological approach with the potential to –technology-based adapters that correct, or make equal, address the complex problem of OTM communication– the frequency and/or time response of a signal.2 The again with the support of Prompt. As the company ÉTS-based research team focused on the development has not yet decided on which technology will win the of new algorithms and simulation techniques that could OTM solution race, Ultra is creating a universal product overcome this hurdle. platform that can integrate all of the technologies it has developed to date. ISR, a spinoff company from ÉTS, contributed expertise in wireless modem design based on software-defined radio “We need to ensure that whatever technology we develop (SDR) to the project. SDR refers to a radio communication is capable of integrating with OTM technology in the system where components that are typically implemented future,” he says. “The outcomes of our collaborative in hardware—such as mixers, filters and amplifiers— project with ÉTS and ISR are helping us do this.” are instead implemented on powerful embedded programmable devices using software.3 1. http://www.documentalsolutions.com/www/products/Markets/list/mc According to Mr. Naïm Batani, President and CEO of 2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equalization ISR, “We aimed to put the ideas proposed by ÉTS into 3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software-defined_radio

Mr. Couillard adds that, through Prompt, Ultra has reinforced its ties with ÉTS. “We look forward to working with Dr. Gagnon and his team on this and other projects in future,” he says.

25 Canada-China R&D Partnership Wavesat, a Montréal-based fabless semiconductor company and leader in wireless broadband, has Generates High Return engaged in a strategic global partnership with on Investment and Global Market researchers at neighboring École technologie supérieure (ÉTS); the Shanghai Research Center Opportunity for Wavesat for Wireless Communications (WiCo, China); ZTE (China); and Prompt, to develop new WiMAX technology and to gain further reach into lucrative Asian markets.

WiMAX, or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a telecommunications technology that provides the wireless transmission of data using a variety of transmission modes, from point-to-point links to full mobile cellular-type access. As demand for advanced wireless broadband technologies and networks increases, carriers around the world are progressively testing WiMAX technology as a means to deliver more bandwidth. Wavesat develops high- performance, cost-effective semiconductor solutions for multiple wireless technologies such as WiMAX and XG-PHS today and allows telecommunications carriers to migrate seamlessly to future 4G technologies such as Long Term Evolution (LTE).

The Prompt-supported collaboration is one of the cornerstones in Wavesat’s strategic plan. “This is a truly exciting partnership,” says Alex Suter, Vice- President of Business Development with Wavesat. “Thanks to the funding provided by Prompt, Wavesat has the opportunity to gain several benefits through this partnership. For example, our collaboration with partners in China opens new doors into the Asian market. We signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ZTE in September 2007 and we are now pursuing the opportunity to supply ZTE, the second largest vendor in the world, with Wavesat’s Odyssey™ products. This relationship was facilitated and promoted by Prompt.”

Drawing on the outcomes of the collaborative project with ÉTS and WiCo, Mr. Suter believes that Wavesat’s new chip design will revolutionize ZTE’s devices. Wavesat’s Odyssey family of chips offers high performance and consumes very little power, allowing the creation of new innovative devices and applications

A profitable partnership... Alex Suter powered by Prompt Vice-President, Business Development, Wavesat Building a successful partnership among four private sector organizations half a world apart was no easy task. Following a trade mission to China in 2006, Dr. Charles Despins, President and CEO of Prompt, identified the opportunity to bring together researchers at ÉTS and WiCo. He then pursued industry partners that could benefit from the outcomes of the project. There was a strong synergy—and opportunity—for Wavesat and ZTE.

26 Dr. François Gagnon Professor, Electrical Engineering, École de technologie supérieure for WiMAX operators. Wavesat has already initiated Ms. Linda Chen, Director of International Relations for interoperability testing with ZTE in China. WiCo, agrees. “A key part of WiCo’s mission is to create a profitable and efficient platform for our researchers “This partnership could stimulate the sale of millions and domestic partners to develop technologies and of chips over many years with this global supplier and joint projects with international collaborators,” says Ms. create new avenues to sell into the Asian market,” Chen. “This project gives us the chance to draw on adds Mr. Suter. the expertise of ÉTS and Wavesat, while collaborating on the development of advanced technologies that Throughout the project, a team of researchers at ÉTS will benefit companies in China. We are also learning and WiCo has supported Wavesat and ZTE. Together more about Prompt’s innovative partnership model, with Prompt, they have established a transcontinental and considering how we might put it to work in our virtual laboratory that provides researchers at ÉTS domestic R&D projects. This initiative truly creates a and WiCo with remote access to microelectronics win-win proposition for all collaborators.” and telecommunications equipment located half a world away.

According to Dr. François Gagnon, Professor of Electrical Engineering at ÉTS, “Students in Montréal are re-programming a base station situated at WiCo, while researchers in Shanghai are injecting software on to hardware based at ÉTS.” In November 2008, the team conducted a live intercontinental demonstration that proved microelectronics equipment located in Shanghai could be managed by students located more than Dr. Jianlong Zhao 11,000 kilometres away. Executive Vice-Director, Shanghai Research Center for Dr. Gagnon emphasizes the value of partnering with Wireless Communications international researchers and world-class companies: “This project gives students the opportunity to tackle industrially relevant research challenges that span Canada and China, while experiencing an entirely different culture,” says Dr. Gagnon. “It also increases the potential for them to publish and present their results at international conferences, boosting the Ms. Linda Chen Director of International visibility of the research—and ÉTS—on the global Relations, Shanghai stage.” Research Center for Wireless Communications

“We have created an alliance that promises to stimulate practical—and profitable— research results for both Wavesat and ZTE,” says Dr. Despins. “It demonstrates how Dr. Charles Despins the Prompt model can directly impact the President and CEO, Prompt growth of Québec-based companies, and help them to access new global markets.”

27 Leveraging Scientific Leadership

Prompt’s mission could not be realized without the invaluable contribution academic research leaders from Québec with expertise in Information and Communications Technologies, most notably the following Scientific Advisors:

Dr. Omar Cherkaoui (1), Professor, Computer Science, Université du Québec à Montréal; Scientific Advisor in Next-Generation Internet Technology Prompt Scientific Advisors Dr. François Gagnon (2), Ultra Electronics Chair (TCS) on Wireless Telecommunications; Professor, Electrical Engineering, École de technologie supérieure; Scientific Advisor in Wireless Technologies

Dr. David Plant (3), Scientific Director, Agile All- Photonic Networks; Chair and Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, McGill University; Scientific Advisor in Photonic Networks and Technologies

Dr. Mohamad Sawan (4), Canada Research Chair in Intelligent Medical Devices; Professor, Electrical Engineering, École Polytechnique de Montréal; Scientific Advisor in Microelectonics

Dr. Djemel Ziou (5), NSERC-Bell Canada Industrial Research Chair in Personal Digital Imagery Professor, Université de Sherbrooke; Prompt External Experts Committee Scientific Advisor in Digital Video Technologies and Applications

Scientific Advisors 1 2 3 4 5

7 9 10 External Experts Committee 6 8

11 12 13

28 The External Experts Commitee All Letters of Intent and proposals for Major Projects are evaluated by a committee of external experts who bring leadership, knowledge and experience in strategic program areas. Following a systematic review of all applications, this committee provides feedback and funding recommendations to the Prompt Board of Directors. Reporting to the Board, this Committee is composed of seven voting members from outside Québec; a non-voting Chair from the Prompt Board of Directors; one observer from Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la nature et les technologies, and one observer from the Government of Québec.

Committee Chair (Non-voting): Observers: Richard Norman, President, Hyperchip Charles Goyette, Advisor on Information Technologies, Ministry of Economic Development, Innovation and Committee Members: Export Trade, Government of Québec Dr. Vijay Bhargava (13), Chair and Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Dr. Paul Fortier (10), Vice-President, Science and British Columbia Partnerships, Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la nature et les technologies Dr. Éric Dubois, Director and Professor, School of Information Technology and Engineering, University of Committee Secretary: Ottawa Josée Dagenais (6), Director, Administration and Communication, Prompt Dr. Philippe Gravey (8), École Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications, France

Dr. Khaled Ben Letaief (11), Chair and Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Dr. Catherine Rosenberg (12), Professor and Chair, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo

Dr. Langis Roy (9), Chair and Professor, Electronics, Carleton University

Dr. Evan Steeg (7), Senior Medical Technology Advisor (Ottawa & Eastern Ontario), htx.ca—The Health Technology Exchange

“OSEMI Canada has established a strong partnership with researchers at the Université de Sherbrooke.This relationship will be enhanced by the opening of a new OSEMI R&D office in Sherbrooke, Québec, and the launch of a new collaborative R&D partnership funded by Prompt. We look forward to working more closely with the research team, capitalizing on the prototyping capability available through the university-based Nanofabrication Lab, and further leveraging Prompt investment in our research. We will also aim to source new graduates with the expertise we require, particularly those who have contributed to industrially relevant projects supported by Prompt. This is an important driver to our growth as a company.”

Christian Dubuc, PhD Director, OSEMI Canada 29 Prompt Board of Directors, 2007-2008

Industry University Observers

1. Pierre Boucher, Chair of the Board of 7. Richard Norman, President, Directors, Prompt; Director, Research Hyperchip 1 2 3 4 5 and Innovation, Ericsson Canada 8. Salvatore Rodi, Consultant 2. Alan Barker, President, Ultra 9. Louise Dandurand, PhD, Vice-President, Electronics, Tactical Systems Research and Graduate Studies, 3. Mike Cegelski, Executive Chairman Concordia University and Chief Strategist, iBwave 10. Claude Bédard, PhD, Dean 6 7 8 9 10 4. Michel Desgagné, Vice-President, Research and Technology Transfer, InterDigital Canada, InterDigital École de technologie supérieure Communications 11. Christiane Piché, PhD, Associate 5. Charles Despins, PhD, President Vice-Rector, Research and Creation, 11 12 13 14 15 and CEO, Prompt Université Laval 6. Jacques Mc Neill, President, 12. Gilles Savard, PhD, Dean, Research and Technoprise Innovation, École Polytechnique de Montréal 30 Prompt Members, 2007-2008

Industry Members: Partner Members from the Innovation Community: Prompt has established relationships with many To foster collaboration among many organizations that industry partners through its pre-competitive R&D Major benefit from public investments in research across Projects and broker activities. Ten of these companies Québec, the following research centers outside the contribute to the governance of the corporation as academic realm are also members of Prompt: industry members. • Centre de technologie physique et de photonique de Montréal (CEPHOM) The following companies are members of Prompt: • Centre d’innovation en microélectronique du Québec • Bell Canada (CIMEQ) • Centre du Genou Emovi • Centre de recherche informatique de Montréal (CRIM) • CMC Électronique • Institut national d’optique (INO) • Ericsson Canada • Technopôle Défense et Sécurité (TDS) • Everclose • iBwave University Members: • InterDigital Canada • Concordia University • ISR Technologies • École Polytechnique de Montréal • MPB Communications • École de technologie supérieure • Myca • Institut national de la recherche scientifique • Nortel • McGill University • Osemi Canada Inc. • Université Laval • Research In Motion • Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières • SR Telecom • Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue • TeraXion inc. • Université du Québec à Montréal • Ultra Electronics • Université du Québec en Outaouais • Unima • Université de Sherbrooke

The following individuals are also founding industrial members of Prompt:

Pierre Boucher (Ericsson), Yvan Girard (Flextronics), Alex Kalil (Adtek Photomask), Jacques Mc Neill (Imaginum) and Richard Norman (Hyperchip). Mike Wong (IBM), first Chairman of the Board of Prompt, is an honorary member of the corporation.

13. Sinh LeQuoc, PhD, Scientific Director, Institut national de recherche scientifique 14. Charles Goyette, Advisor on Information Technologies, Ministry of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, Government of Québec 15. Paul Fortier, PhD, Vice-President, Partnerships, Fonds québécois de recherche sur la nature et les technologies

31 The Power of Innovation

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