Subject: ECO. NEWS, TRENDS, ANALYSIS
Wavefront programs for mobile and wireless companies fuel Canada's new economic engine (national version)
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 7, 2017) - Wavefront Wireless Commercialization Centre Society ("Wavefront"), a Centre of Excellence, headquartered in Vancouver, BC., today announced the results of their economic impact report. Recognized as Canada's new economic engine, the tech sector is being fueled by Wavefront, a national organization dedicated to accelerating the growth of mobile and wireless companies. According to a new report by Bytown Consulting, who surveyed the net incremental attribution of Wavefront programs and services, the organization has been creating significant economic impact.
The study finds Wavefront's programs and services for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups in the wireless industry generated the following results:
- 6,735 jobs created: 1,825 direct jobs and 4,910 indirect jobs
- 27% growth in sales revenues
- 47% increase in foreign sales
- Time to market accelerated by 4-5 months
- $34,000/year saved per company, on average
Companies accessing Wavefront services generated $417.8 million in GDP contributions. Every $1 of public funding generated $14.70 in economic benefits (as measured by GDP) and $6 in income, sales and property taxes.
Accelerating time to market
Awesense helps utility companies make most efficient use of their electrical distribution grid. Founder Mischa Steiner took part in several Wavefront programs that helped him launch his business. "The coaching and connections I got from Wavefront helped us bring our product to market much faster than if we went it alone," explains Steiner. Today Awesense counts BC Hydro among its clients. In 2016, BC Hydro installed 4,000 Awesense sensors on overhead power lines to assist in detection of power theft.
Growing in global markets
Three years ago, Jin Fan had interesting technology that needed a market. She joined Wavefront's Venture Acceleration Program and got coaching and connections that help her launch Clear LED, selling transparent LED posts to retail outlets. "Wavefront really helped expand our network of contacts - partners, talent and technology consultants - and putting proper financial management in place," she says. "Whatever help I needed, the mentor really pointed me in the right direction." Clear LED recently signed a deal to install their LED posters in several McDonald's restaurants in Mississippi. The posters have already generated impressive sales returns, opening the door to further expansion with this global market leader.
Creating jobs
Mobify creates progressive web apps for e-commerce. Clients include major brands such as Carnival Cruise Line, Lancome Paris, Eddie Bauer and London Drugs. Founder Igor Faletsky
launched Mobify with help from Wavefront - accessing funding, co-working space, usability testing, seminars and market introductions. Mobify's market research continues to grow, and their Vancouver-based team has grown to 100 people.
"Wavefront has a proven track record of helping companies commercialize their technology and grow," says James Maynard, President and CEO of Wavefront. "We help create healthy, sustainable companies that are seizing global market opportunities and generating significant economic benefits for Canada."
Wavefront has provided support to nearly 1000 Canadian companies over the past 10 years. Services include:
- Accelerator, mentoring and advisory services
- Business and technical consulting
- Access to partnerships through its Trusted Partner Network
- Market linkages (Global Market Entry Program)
- Testing and technical services
- Work spaces, facilities and resources
Wavefront's services help Canadian tech companies access opportunities in international markets: 120 companies closed 97 deals in 30 markets over the five-year period, according to the Bytown report.
As Canada's Centre of Excellence for Wireless Commercialization and Research, Wavefront set aggressive targets for job creation and contribution to GDP for the period 2011-2016. These targets were surpassed: jobs target was 5,700 (6,735 actual) and gross GDP target was $400 million ($444.2 million actual).
Wavefront's work has expanded in recent years to include Enterprise Solutions, helping Canadian companies of all sizes to seize opportunities with digital technologies. Services include app testing, wireless systems engineering and design, consulting and strategy development.
About Wavefront
Wavefront is Canada's leader in transforming business through mobile and IoT innovation. We are a centre for commercialization for companies in the wireless and IoT technologies space. Our vision is to build a globally relevant, nationally connected ecosystem that delivers digital capacity, competitiveness and prosperity for Canadians.
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