March 13, 2009

Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust would like to congratulate OSTEC’s Silicon Vineyard Innovation Award finalists and the award winners for their achievements and their role in building the Okanagan Valley as a centre of excellence for innovation.

OSTEC’s Silicon Vineyard Innovation Award Winners Announced at the Sixth Annual Awards Gala

Innovative leaders in the science and technology community were recognized at the Sixth Annual Silicon Vineyard Innovation Awards Gala held last night at the Coast Capri Hotel. The Okangan Science & Technology Council (OSTEC), and Title Sponsor of the Silicon Vineyard Innovation Awards, Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP, would like to congratulate the finalists and the award winners for their achievements and their role in building this region as a centre of excellence for innovation.

"We are again delighted to recognize innovation in the valley, and the consistent high quality of all the finalists show the vibrancy of the technology sector here in the Okanagan." remarked Douglas MacLeod, Executive Director of OSTEC. Attendees were heard saying as they left, that this year's awards gala was the "best one yet".

Last nights keynote speaker, Steve Walrath, acclaimed speaker, writer and entrepreneur gave a fantastic presentation on 'Engaging Generation X and Y in the Workforce' to a captivated crowd.

OSTEC would like to thank everyone who was involved in presenting this year's program, specifically our judges, sponsors, nominees, finalists and winners.  Without their support and participation, it would be impossible to provide this recognition and celebration of innovation in our region.

The 2009 Silicon Vineyard Innovation Award Winners are:

Most Promising Emerging Technology of the Year    

This award acknowledges a company that has developed a superior innovation, discovery or advancement in technology that is supported by sound planning for next stage development and commercialization.

Winner: Element Four

Innovator of the Year

This award acknowledges a company that has developed a superior innovation, discovery or advancement in technology that is supported by sound planning for next stage development and commercialization.

Winner: Carl Flatman

Innovative Organization of the Year

This award recognizes a leading organization (company, agency, association, education or research institution) that has demonstrated innovation, leadership, sound business practices and community involvement in the research, development and/or application of science or technology.

Winner: RFind Systems Inc.

 

Science and Technology Community Leadership Award

This award recognizes a leading individual or organization (company, agency, association, education or research institution) that has provided an outstanding contribution or service to the science and technology community, or community at large.  This can be an innovative project,process, business practice or an exceptional standard of performance in their overall approach to social and/or environmental responsibility. 

Winner: Vern Nielsen       

 

OSTEC Member of the Year

This award acknowledges an organization or individual who has shown outstanding commitment to OSTEC through innovation, support, involvement and volunteer activities (OSTEC members in good standing only). 


Winner: John Christie