News Release

August 30, 2006

PREMIER’S CATALYST AWARDS: PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Premier’s Catalyst Awards is a new program that recognizes both individuals and companies that have demonstrated leadership in commercializing a new or significantly improved product or service based on a breakthrough technology. The awards aim to help Ontario’s most innovative entrepreneurs move their creative ideas to national and international marketplaces.

Five annual awards of $200,000 each are given in the following categories:

• Best young innovator
• Innovator of the year
• Lifetime achievement in innovation
• Start-up company with the best innovation
• Company with the best innovation.

The call for nominations is now open, with a deadline of 4 p.m. Thursday, November 30, 2006.

Eligible nominees are:

• For-profit corporations headquartered in Ontario and carrying out business in the province
• Employees or directors of for-profit corporations headquartered in Ontario and carrying out business in the province. 

Nominees will be judged on:

• Contribution of the innovation to Ontario’s economy, society and/or sustainable development
• Extent of national and international recognition of the innovation and its impact.

A review panel of business and innovation leaders reviews nominations received by the deadline date and makes recommendations to the Ontario Research Fund Advisory Board, which in turn makes recommendations to the Minister.