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BCIC Announces New Ventures Competition Finalists

By Jacob Parry /

SmartPager | BCBusiness
Victoria-based SmartPager is one of the finalists in the New Ventures Compeition.

The BCIC announces its top 10 finalist technology startups in the running for $306,000 in cash prizes

The B.C. Innovation Council (BCIC) announced Thursday the finalists in its New Ventures Competition, to be held Sept. 12. The 10 qualifying technology companies, in fields from biotech to digital media, are all eligible for $306,000 in cash prizes.

The pool of finalists, selected after three jury rounds and consultations with business mentors, are among the 147 companies that started out in the competition.

The top startup will be chosen by a secret panel next Thursday. The top 10 finalists, in alphabetical order, include:

Abcellera: (Vancouver) A biotechnology company focused on the discovery of monoclonal antibody therapeutics, intended to help the immune system fight infection and disease.

Blackcomb Design Automation: (Vancouver) Designs and develops solutions for that improve the repairability of integrated circuits.

Ecotagious: (Vancouver) A suite of energy conservation measurement products for both residential and commercial properties.

Medinovel: (Vancouver) Specializing in the operating room environment, it develops medical products like anesthetic injectors and a tube inflator.

Molescope/MetaOptima: (Surrey) A digital healthcare solutions company that focuses on the early detection of skin cancer.

Scoop: (Vancouver) The company’s communications products allow workers to use mobile devices to record issues and inspections in the field.

SmartPager Systems: (Victoria) A healthcare communications tool that connects doctors, nurses and hospital administrators via their smartphones.

Two Hat Security Research Corp/Potty Mouth Chat Filter: (Kelowna) The developer of tools that filter offensive language from online chat rooms.

Vidigami Media: (Vancouver) A resource for parents, teachers and students to upload, store and organize photos throughout the school year.

Vonigo: (Vancouver) An online management system that streamlines and schedules service company operations.