For Immediate Release
October 2, 2009

Ontario Boosts Ottawa’s Technology Sector

McGuinty Government Helps Coral CEA Create Jobs And Advance New Products

NEWS

Ontario is supporting a not-for-profit, industry-led initiative that is expected to create 200 new high-tech jobs and strengthen Ottawa’s technology community.
 
The province is providing up to $9.3 million to support a $44-million initiative called Coral CEA.  Coral CEA will support Ontario companies that want to compete for part of the growing demand for Communication Enabled Applications (CEAs). CEAs are software applications that enable different technologies to communicate with each other, potentially creating smart systems that can analyze information, identify problems and take corrective action.

These new computer applications have the potential to save time and increase productivity in many industry sectors, including clean technology, healthcare, safety and security. 

The investment supports Ontario’s Innovation Agenda, the McGuinty government’s plan to make innovation a driving force of Ontario’s economy.

QUOTES

“The global impact, and the number and types of products and services that can be produced through Communications Enabled Applications is limited solely by our imagination. Today’s investment is about supporting our creative entrepreneurs and emerging technology businesses while putting Ontario in front of this multi-billion dollar global market opportunity.”
— Minister of Research and Innovation John Milloy
 
“Ottawa is home to many of the greatest minds, and proud to be at the centre of many of the greatest breakthroughs, in information and communications technology. This centre will help bring the thousands of hi-tech innovators in our city together with innovative companies in order to position our community, and our province, at the forefront of this incredibly exciting field.” 
— MPP for Ottawa West-Nepean Jim Watson

“The potential for job creation from this growing technology market is tremendous. Coral CEA will help Ontario technology companies succeed by offering business development and commercialization services, support for IP management and protection, and access to industry expertise.”
— Chair of the Board, Coral CEA Peter Carbone

QUICK FACTS

• The global market for CEAs is expected to be over $2.75 billion by 2010.
• Ottawa’s technology sector alone is home to some 1,800 companies, employing approximately 80,000 people.
• Since taking office in 2003, the McGuinty government has committed over $100 million to groundbreaking research and innovation projects in Ottawa.

LEARN MORE

About Communication Enabled Applications (CEAs)

About recent investments in the Ottawa area (e-Sight)

About Ontario’s Innovation Agenda

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See also:

• Backgrounder: Coral CEA
• Backgrounder: Communication Enabled Applications (CEAs)