Backgrounder
September 9, 2009
THE INVESTMENT ACCELERATOR FUND
Ontario is investing more than $4.5 million in ten high-potential emerging companies. The funding comes from the Investment Accelerator Fund, which helps eligible start-up companies develop their technology and gain entrepreneurial expertise to bring their product or service to the global market.
INVESTMENT ACCELERATOR FUND INVESTMENTS IN OTTAWA
In the Ottawa region, Ontario is investing $500,000 in eSight of Kanata. eSight has combined advanced image processing, sophisticated optics and the latest camera and display technology to produce a wearable low-vision aid for people with acute vision problems. The device can also be used by sports fans and concert-goers to zoom, record, instantly replay and share what they see.
Products now on the market for people with low vision tend to focus on magnification only, while users complain they are bulky, heavy and visually unappealing. With eSight’s “evSpex”™ device, users will not only be able to magnify, they’ll also be able to sharpen and adjust image contrast. For a user missing part of their field of vision, evSpex will be able to map that person’s view to the parts of their visual field that still work. Finally, eSight intends to deliver better looks and ergonomics than current products, at a competitive price.
FROM IDEAS TO MARKET
The Investment Accelerator Fund is part of the Market Readiness Program. This program, which also includes the Business Mentorship and Entrepreneurship Program, is delivered on behalf of Ontario by the Ontario Centres of Excellence and MaRS, with the support of the National Angel Organization – Ontario.
See also:
- News Release: Ontario Sets Its Sights On High-Tech Jobs
- Backgrounder: The Investment Accelerator Fund
- For the Media
