Ottawa-based L-Spark has announced the first cohort of its Secure IoT Accelerator, a program being launched in partnership with Telus, BlackBerry, and Solace.
The Secure IoT Accelerator aims to address the need for greater security and more complex applications
The four-month accelerator program will see four startups develop IoT products and services that use Telus’ Global Connectivity Platform and its IoT Cybersecurity services, as well as BlackBerry’s operating system, and Solace’s data movement capabilities. These will all be used to support L-Spark’s cohort of companies.
“The explosive growth of the IoT market has prompted intensive interest in securing this proliferation of devices, applications, and systems,” said Leo Lax, executive managing director of L-Spark. “The L-Spark Secure IoT dev kit provides a ‘one-stop’ solution to IoT suppliers. The accelerator will showcase real-life use cases solving the issues of provisioning, updating, and securing the applications at scale.”
The Secure IoT Accelerator aims to address the need for greater security and more complex applications, with the global IoT market expected to grow to $1 trillion USD by 2021.
Flosonics Medical
Based in Sudbury, Ont., Flosonics Medical is a venture-backed medical device startup developing non-invasive sensors to improve the management of critically ill patients. Flosonics Medical’s flagship product, FloPatch, addresses unmet clinical needs of critically-ill patients and the physicians, nurses, and paramedics who care for them in the ambulance, emergency department, operating room, and the intensive care unit.
Canscan
Canscan aims to build solutions for intermodal transportation and shipping logistics. Its software uses artificial intelligence to identify and report issues like structural damage to shipping containers. The company’s system is designed to work without the need for infrastructure upgrades and works with off-the-shelf video recording hardware and pre-existing surveillance systems. CanScan, based in Lachine, Quebec, was also a winner of the pitchfest at this year’s Startupfest in Montreal.
Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA)
While not a startup, CIRA is a non-profit currently managing the .CA internet domain for all Canadians. Based in Ottawa, the company develops and implements policies that support Canada’s internet community and represents the .CA registry globally. The organization builds programs, products, and services, with a goal of fostering a strong online community in Canada.
Platoi Industries Inc.
Vancouver-based Platoi offers a scalable and easy-to-use solution for pipeline operators to assess and manage the external risks along millions of miles of pipelines in North America. The startup combines advanced big data geo-analytics with machine learning and remote sensing to automate the delivery of insights supporting engineers’ decisions in real-time.
Applications into the accelerator closed in the spring after L-SPARK and accelerator partners conducted a cross-country roadshow to attract participation from interested firms.
Image courtesy L-Spark