By April 10, 2019

Sci Innovation Competition 2019 winners vying for top prize in China

The 2019 winners of the Sci Innovation Competition are currently in China competing in what has been called the “Global Olympics of Innovation.”

The annual pitch competition, aiming to help foreign innovation and entrepreneurship projects connect with China, brings together entrepreneurs from around the world. In March, the Canadian finals were hosted at Toronto City Hall. Currently in its third year, the “Global Olympics of Innovation” was created by the Canadian branch of the China (Shenzhen) Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.

The March finals featured entrepreneurs selected from regional competitions that took place in Toronto, Waterloo, Ottawa, and Montreal. Each competitor pitched their projects to a panel of expert judges for a chance to win prizes from a pool of $2.09 million CAD, as well as the chance to represent Canada in China at “The International Olympics of Entrepreneurship” taking place this week.

This year’s winners include:

Champion:

  • Toronto-based Jamstack, an attachable and portable guitar amp.

    • First Runners-up:

  • Kitchener-based Rapid Novor Inc., a healthtech company focusing on protein sequencing.
  • Kitchener-based H2nanO, a company developing nanotechnology to improve wastewater treatment using reusable, sunlight and UV-activated nanotechnology.

    • Second Runners-up:

  • Richmond Hill-based Cheelcare, a creator of innovative wheelchairs.
  • Toronto-based Focal Healthcare, a creator of prostate cancer diagnostic equipment.
  • Pittsburgh-based PittMoss, producing sustainable and organic peat-free potting mixes.

    •  
    The top 10 winners were also awarded cash prizes of up to $20,000. The top 10, along with 10 other companies, were chosen by the judges to be part of the Canadian contingent. They are currently competing in this weeks conference, where they will gain exposure to some of the top venture capitalists and distributors in China.

    Qidni, a blood purification system for kidney failure, which didn’t come top 10 but was invited by the judges, placed in the top two in this week’s FinTech Global Final, winning $20,000 in prize money. Fibos, which creates ultra high temperature optical sensors, and ARHT Media, which creates photo-realistic holographic experiences for audiences, also placed in the top two, with first place receiving $30,000.

    With files from Meagan Simpson

    Caitlin Hotchkiss

    Caitlin Hotchkiss

    Content coordinator, social media smartypants, wordsmith, Human Workflow™. Exists primarily on coffee, cat pictures, German dance metal, and pro wrestling. I will fight for your right to the Oxford comma.

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