Laden with heavy field reporting equipment while retreating from a fire, then CBC journalist Gary Symons was struck with inspiration.
Snagged on a tree, he realized there must be a less cumbersome way to get his job done, and some fire proof clothing would come in handy.
While the latter was something he was able to square away in short order, coming up with less bulky equipment that would allow journalists to do their work effectively took longer.
In recent months VeriCorder Technologies—a company founded by Symons — has managed to bring to fruition what was little more than an idea five years earlier. At a National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program funding announcement that filled the company’s accounts with an additional $250,000 yesterday morning, Symons showed off the handheld device that could alter the nature of journalism, making it much quicker but no less professional looking than it’s been in the past.
“We replace cameras, editing systems and satellite trucks,” he said, holding up an iPhone outfitted with Poddio software that significantly condenses what he once carried in two massive bags.
The first version of the product is designed for the Apple iPhone and allows users to record and edit news stories or music, then upload the finished audio file to a computer. A newer version allows reporters to file completed stories wirelessly, either by FTP or by e-mail. VeriCorder has even produced a new companion microphone, the VeriCorder Mini Mic, which plugs into the headphone jack of smartphones.
To date, the product line has made waves at various tech conferences and Symons noted that’s led to discussions with some of the world’s largest broadcasters. If all goes well, in the next 12 months their employees will be very familiar with the Kelowna-based company, of which he is president and CEO. That success is something he attributes, in part, to the support he’s found in this community.
“We’ve succeeded where others have failed because we’ve been able to hire talent as needed,” he said, pointing to the assistance he received from the Okanagan Research and Innovation Centre. Its aim is to offer start-up companies like VeriCorder guidance on everything from funding decisions to attracting investors, sourcing employees and developing business strategy.
That support in addition to the funding the company received yesterday will go a long way in allowing the company to continue along a successful path forward.
“As a result of this funding, our company is producing products, we’ve landed several big clients, and we are already hiring new people. In my opinion, funding in new technology companies by IRAP is the single best way to create new and lasting jobs, and to diversify our economy for the future,” said Symons.
Another tech company to find the support it needed at the research and innovation centre was Vineyard Networks. It too was a recipient of federal funds in the amount of $500,000.
Vineyard Networks technology allows small to mid-sized businesses an easy and affordable way to monitor and manage their network and Internet connections. Through their new online network monitoring and management solutions companies can guarantee the performance of business-critical applications while controlling the impact of recreational and malicious services like YouTube and Facebook, which CEO Jason Richards, said “run rampant in the business place.”
With the support of ORIC, Vineyard Networks has found “many small wins” in its one year of existence, among which was becoming a finalist for the Most Promising Emerging Technology Award at the 2009 Okanagan Science and Technology Council’s Silicon Vineyard Innovation Awards.
But funding is key to moving the company forward.
“This is solid testament to the commitment of the Canadian federal government to growing the technology industry in Canada,” said Richards. ”This program will be a key factor in our continued success and ability to grow our team with top industry talent.”
According to Ron Cannan, Kelowna – Lake Country MP, who announced the funding, the government is committed to building a competitive advantage for the Canadian private sector and supports these leading-edge technology solutions.
“The Government of Canada is investing in science and technology to create jobs, strengthen the economy and improve Canadians’ quality of life,” he said.
