Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE), in partnership with the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science (MRIS) and the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario (ADO), will host the next Accessibility Innovation Showcase and Accessibility Tech Pitch Competition at Discovery 2018 on April 30 and May 1.
In 2005, the Government of Ontario created the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), which sets out a clear goal and timeframe to make Ontario accessible by 2025. Through this act, public, private and non-profit organizations across Ontario have been working together to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
Thirty-five Ontario-based companies will be invited to exhibit their innovative assistive devices and technologies on the Discovery show floor. This will build broader awareness of the companies that exist in this niche market, provide exposure to potential private investors, and engage the entire innovation ecosystem.
Successful applicants will receive a complimentary 10’x 10’ booth, two full conference passes, and will have their travel costs covered (if outside the GTA). This exclusive opportunity gives you access to experts, industry, government funders, investors, engaging keynote speakers, fascinating panel discussions, networking opportunities, an awards luncheon and a chance to meet face-to-face with sector experts.
Further, the Tech Pitch Competition at this year’s Discovery will provide a platform for five of the showcase companies to pitch during Discovery for a $20,000 award to assist with their business development. Participation in the Tech Pitch Competition is completely optional. However, we encourage any innovative Ontario-based assistive device and technology company applying to be a part of the Accessibility Innovation Showcase to consider this incredible opportunity.
APPLICATION PROCESS
All Ontario-based companies interested in this exciting opportunity are required to submit an online application form no later than March 9 at 12:00 pm EST. Companies applying for the Tech Pitch Competition will fill out a more in-depth application and must submit a video no longer than two minutes.
Companies will be notified by March 23, 2018.
For submission instructions visit https://www.ocediscovery.com/page/1327497/accessibility-tech-pitch-competition
For submission form visit https://oce.formstack.com/forms/ais