Rogers Communications and Wavefront, Canada's wireless centre of excellence for commercialization and research based in British Columbia, are launching the Rogers Wireless Innovation Centre, in order to help technology innovators develop products and bring them to market faster.
The Rogers Wireless Innovation Centre will showcase the capabilities of Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, along with the latest wireless innovations and technologies, including machine to machine (M2M) solutions for customers and application developers.
Scheduled to open this spring in Vancouver, the new Centre will give innovators the opportunity to learn and connect with the latest global wireless technology, work with key developers and share their solutions with industry leaders.
"Our organizations will mutually benefit as innovation is key for each of us and working together with Rogers gives companies and entrepreneurs a chance to excel in this market and on the international stage," said James Maynard, Wavefront President and CEO. "Innovation is in Rogers' DNA. They are known leaders in M2M and their LTE network, the first in Canada and the only LTE network in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, is the true foundation for technology innovation."
LTE networks offer mobile speeds similar to broadband connections and can be used to deliver unparalleled connectivity and increased usage capacity to provide an unrivalled mobile experience. The Rogers LTE network is now live in Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal and many surrounding communities.
Wavefront was established in 2007 and, after studying other global wireless clusters and adopting best-of-breed commercialization services, it launched the Vancouver-based facility in August 2009.
Wavefront has already proven its model for accelerated commercialization through its assistance to more than 200 companies, developing relationships with 20 partners globally, and assisting 21 early-stage wireless companies in its incubation program.
Wavefront officially launched its National Centre of Excellence for Wireless Commercialization last September, when the provincial facility was awarded a National Centre of Excellence status.
The stated plans at the time were to extend its operations nationally.
Wavefront received federal support to open the new wireless development facility, said to have a national focus in order to drive the growth of Canadian wireless companies, enhance their global competitiveness and productivity, and create high value technology and jobs.
Beginning in 2011 and over the next five years, the Government of Canada will be making some $11.6 million available to the new Wavefront Wireless Commercialization Centre (WWCC), through a program called the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE).
In addition Wavefront's partners in industry, academia and government had pledged more than $10 million in cash and in-kind support up to that date.
Industry partners include Sierra Wireless, Ericsson, Nokia, Orange and others who have committed funds and resources to the WWCC. In addition, 27 leading Canadian universities from coast to coast will be partnering with the WWCC.
As part of the latest developments at Wavefront, it is now working with Rogers on the Rogers Wavefront Innovation Mentorship program. This national initiative is expected to launch this spring and will pair early-stage wireless technology companies from across Canada with experienced technology and business professionals from Rogers and Wavefront. By providing these emerging technology companies with comprehensive support, coaching and resources, the Rogers Wavefront Innovation Mentorship program will help position them for long-term success.
"We're excited to work with Wavefront to leverage our world-class LTE technology to spur the development of innovative products and solutions for Canada, and Canadians," said Gordon Nelson, Vice President, BC, Rogers. "Vancouver is a key growth market for Rogers which is why it was one of the first markets in Canada to experience the benefits of our LTE network. We look forward to seeing many more firsts come out of the Rogers Wireless Innovation Centre and helping Canadians understand how machine to machine and other wireless technologies can impact their company's productivity and compete in a global market."
For more Mediacaster Magazine coverage related to this topic, please see:
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