2018 Sci Innovation Competition Builds Global Profile for Local Startups
Last week, Kathleen Wynne, alongside the Canada Confederation of Shenzhen Associations (CCSA) and the Sino-Canadian International Innovation Centre (SCIIC), announced the launch of the 2018 Sci Innovation Competition. The competition, which will take place on March 24, 2018, is the Toronto Division of the Second China Innovation & Entrepreneurship International Competition, a global competition that promotes the development of technologies and ideas that demonstrate leadership, competitiveness and the potential for economic and social impact.
Innovators, startups and entrepreneurs are encouraged to submit their technology, product or idea to the competition in a variety of categories, including Information Technology, Electronic Science and Technology, Biology and Life, Science and Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, and Materials and Energy (a category that includes energy conservation and environmental protection). Three professional categories have also been added this year: the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and Anti-cancer Technologies.
The competition, which allows participates to compete in nine geographic competition divisions, is offering prizes totalling C$2.09 million. In addition, a venture capital pool of C$4 billion has been established by 34 investment institutions to support the ongoing projects of the competition.
The 2018 Sci Innovation Competition is partnering with the MaRs Discovery District to host the Toronto competition and promote the event. Twenty finalists from across Canada will be chosen to compete for prize money and for the opportunity to present their innovations at the Grand Finals in Shenzhen in April 2018. As Toronto hones its reputation as a leader in the global tech industry, opportunities such as this one allow local startups to display the products of their innovation on an international stage. City of Toronto Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong has praised the event, stating that it “provides an exceptional opportunity for our companies to build their profile in China and worldwide.”
The application deadline for the Toronto competition is February 28, 2018, and initial project screening will take place during the first two weeks of March.