2017 Spark shortlist released
Innovacorp-sponsored event recognizes potential
Interpreting ocean data, avoiding traffic congestion, election and golf tournament management and carbon neutral boat motors are some of the ideas that have moved on in the latest Spark Innovation Challenge contest.
The 2017 edition of the contest is sponsored by Innovacorp to find and support high potential, early stage knowledgebased companies.
Judges gathered in the four Spark competition regions around the province this week to review some 136 submissions.
The judging committees in each of those regions selected a shortlist of applicants to move on in the competition.
The Spark Cape Breton shortlist has 11 companies: • Campaign EA — Todd Graham of Sydney, election campaign management software. • EasyGolfTour.com — Todd
Chant of Sydney, a golf management platform. • GoGo Groceries — Jay McNeil of Glace Bay, offers personalized grocery shopping and delivery service. • Hydrotronics — Scott
Aucoin, Stephane Sogne and Joel Lefort of Cheticamp, offers a carbon neutral alternative to fossil fuel boat engines through electric energy storage and propulsion options. • Ingenuity Products Solutions — Hisham Sleem of Sydney, natural hair care products that use ingredients extracted from potatoes to reduce pollution and toxic risks.
• Mirovia Ocean Technologies — Craig Phillips and Kent Simpson of Louisdale, technology to predict road and marine traffic to reduce congestion, greenhouse gases and accidents. • Navita Digital — Scott Samson, Louisbourg Seafoods and the VMP Group, North Sydney, applications that make it easier to visualize, share, interpret and use ocean data. • Phased In — Eric Lortie,
Alban Gray, Dan Hooper and Allyson White of Sydney, augmented reality technology powering a mobile gaming experience. • Talem Health Analytics —
Paul Travis and Matthew Kay of Sydney, software for physiotherapists and orthopedic specialists that tracks, analyzes and predicts treatment.
• Tapnbe — Ron Campbell of Dominion, technology designed to let companies engage customers on their smartphones. • TrAlner — Shea Munro of
Sydney, app monitors workout techniques and suggests adjustments that can help to avoid injury.
The next step for finalists is the Spark Acceleration boot camp, which runs until Oct. 24, followed by the pitches and judging from Oct. 26-31.
Winners will receive up to $50,000 in non-dilutive, nonrepayable funding and guidance from business professionals.
Winners will be notified on Nov. 1.
A total of $200,000 will be awarded in each of the four regions in the province.