By: Omer Gulzar
To add credibility to my last blog, I had the opportunity to attend the RIC Tech Leaders Network session on the “Art and Science of Imaging” hosted at the Xerox Research Centre of Canada, (which I should mention is the perfect facility to house such an event with their extensive material research division).
Jason Gillham, the founder and CEO of 2G Robotics Inc., shared how he developed his company by accessing grants and hiring graduate students to help in the development of their unique laser scanners and software systems. Their technology is able to generate a 3D model from the data input of a conventional video camera (see below). By generating underwater images in areas that are densely contaminated with silt and other noise, this imaging device can examine archaeological sites as well as damaged municipal pipelines, reservoirs, oil rigs and bridge footings.
Dr. Wilson also spoke to the current challenge with commercializing research coming out of university laboratories. There seems to be a lack of reception towards entrepreneurial scientists that design these commercially relevant technologies. Forums like RIC’s Tech Leaders Network allow idea exchange where cross sectorial discussion to solve such challenges can take place. If you are an entrepreneurial scientist, you should mark your calendars for the next session which will be posted in May 2012.
Omer is currently at the University of Toronto finishing his undergraduate degree in Biotechnology. At the RIC he is undertaking an internship as a Bio-business intern, where he brings together his science based analytical skills and merges them with business development.
The RIC blog is designed as a showcase for entrepreneurs and innovation. Our guest bloggers provide a wealth of information based on their personal experiences. Visit Altitude Accelerator for more information on how RIC can accelerate your ideas to market.
