Innovation soars with technology startup support for Picton-based companies

MP Neil Ellis uses virtual reality goggles to see how Coqui3D has created a cutting-edge simulator to give training surgeons 3D operating experience.

Five technology startups that started at Picton’s Business Innovation Centre will benefit from investments announced Tuesday in Belleville by the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) and Bay of Quinte MP Neil Ellis.

Nectar Desk, Tire Wizard, Komodo OpenLab, Coqui3D (Marion Surgical) and Screaming Power will use the funds to accelerate growth, support local supply chain integration and create up to 22 jobs within the region.

The companies encompass virtual reality surgery training, call centre management, assistive devices for those with mobility concerns, an e-commerce tire store and data management for the energy industry.

The investment of up to $500,000 in emerging technologies under the Eastern Ontario Development Program’s Collaborative Economic Development Projects (CEDP) stream will be matched by $616,000 in incremental private investment by the startups.

“The investment through the EODP will support an emerging cluster of high-technology start-ups that are typically associated with dense urban centres,” said Ellis. “The investment will create 22 good paying jobs in our local community, and impact the region by positioning us to participate in the new economy, and compete in the global marketplace through investments in innovation and technology.”

Wendy Curtis, executive director with the CFDC said the projects received strong regional support because they exemplify the importance of the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies, products and processes that will drive new economic opportunities in Eastern Ontario.

The Eastern Ontario Development Program is a $48-million economic development initiative focused on addressing economic challenges in eastern Ontario and taking advantage of innovative opportunities in the region.

The companies:

Nectar Desk is a cloud-based contact center for handling inbound and outbound sales calls with reporting and analytics.

Komodo OpenLab’s Tecla is an assistive device for individuals who can’t easily use a smartphone, tablet or computer – including those with limited upper body mobility. It works with assistive switches including buttons, sip-and-puff controllers, head arrays, joysticks and the driving controls of a wheelchair.

Tire Wizard is an e-commerce enabled platform that provides a customizable tire store including quotation tools. Its website indicates it is now serving more than 1,500 dealers across North America.

Coqui3D (Marion Surgical) is a cutting edge virtual reality surgical simulator to give training surgeons operating experience by approximating in a 3D environment.

Screaming Power is about cloud-based mobile applications for data management and customer interaction for the energy industry.