August 2015 – Edmonton – A partnership between the Government of Alberta and the State of Jalisco, Mexico to jointly exploit technology research, development, and commercialization opportunities has selected and funded four research and development projects during the current fourth round of the program. The technology partnership, and project management of research collaboration, is being facilitated by TRTech.

Alberta-based Kudos and Mexico-based Solutia Intelligence SA de CV are collaborating to develop a new innovative proximity sensor to bring Kudos applications to users, expand Kudos to Mexico, Central America and South America and potentially be involved in a technology centre of excellence in Jalisco. Software development will be performed in both Alberta and Mexico, and will integrate with current Kudos technology. The Mexican-based partner will also create a reseller channel across Latin America.

Alberta-based Technology North Corporation, and Jalisco-based HydraLab have formed a partnership to develop and test market commercialization opportunities for an administrative and preventive care IT infrastructure solution to create and support sustainable jobs for adults with autism. This proposal builds on the success and momentum of a Round 3 Alberta-Jalisco’s R&D project, TN ActiveCare (TNAC), a sophisticated clinical data and case management application for autism intervention services and general disability services.

Alberta-based Zayfti Inc and Mexico based Droidika are working to product a hardware neutral mobile software solution that connects smart devices with sensors, displaying or collecting information regarding widely distributed assets. Using low energy sensors, the project will allow Bluetooth connectivity to mobile smart devices.

Alberta-based Zedi Inc and Mexico based GOPAC Soluciones Integrales, S.A. de C.V. are looking at advanced predictive analytics to detect and predict problems relevant to particular industries.

“Zedi is extremely pleased with the award of funding under this program.  It enables us to work with a strong partner and bring more industry-leading solutions to customers using Cloud-based Analytics to support the growth of IOT in Oil & Gas and beyond”, said James Freeman, CTO, Zedi Inc. Zedi is a leading oil and gas technology and services company in the field of production operations. With a unique combination of automation, data management applications and field and professional services, Zedi offers complete solutions to help customers be more productive, more profitable and more sustainable.

“This latest Round 4 is a testament to the success of the Albert – Jalisco program and its’ continued support by the Governments of Alberta and Jalisco” says Rob Tasker, President and CEO, TRTech. “Companies that have participated in past rounds have seen significant impact to their business through added markets, increased intellectual property and millions of dollars in increased revenues.”

The four projects were selected from eleven project proposals jointly submitted by Albertan and Jaliscan companies in response to a call for proposals. Proposals were reviewed by independent subject area experts and business experts. Total grant funding for the four projects is approximately $1.6 million in 2015, representing roughly 50% (Government of Alberta – 25%, State of Jalisco – 25%) of total project costs.

The projects fall under the framework of an MOU signed by the Government of the State of Jalisco, Mexico and the Government of Alberta in January, 2009, extending through January, 2017. The collaboration is intended to improve opportunities for joint industry and public sector projects in research and technology development, as well as commercialization activities between Alberta and Jalisco in the priority areas of Mobile, Sensors, Life Sciences, Green Technology, and Internet of Things.

About TRTech

TRTech is a non-profit that helps SMEs bring ideas to market. We do this in various ways, from R&D work, aligning partnerships in industry and academia as well as direct links to unique funding opportunities. Our Mission is to grow industry through innovation. Our Vision is to remain Canada’s leading ICT (Information Communication Technology) innovator for emerging opportunities.

For more information on the Jalisco Program, email jalisco@trtech.ca

Update – Jalisco Delegation Visits Alberta

The Alberta/Jalisco symposium held in Guadalajara on April 16 and 17, 2015 was very successful with both Jalisco companies and Alberta companies sharing information and determining business fit for the application process. Thank you to the Alberta and Mexican companies that participated.