British Columbia Innovation Council

From innovative MRI analysis software to mobile-based location discovery to environmental sustainability rating software for consumer products, New Ventures BC (NVBC) mentor panels were well underway again today at the midway point of the 2010 NVBC Competition. As a 3rd year mentor, I'm always amazed by the quality of homegrown innovation growing up right here in BC as well as the enthusiasm of the mentors in taking time out of their busy schedules to help guide these young companies.

This year is no exception. Sure, I love the opportunity to help out where I can as a mentor. But, one of the things I appreciate most about the competition is how much I learn every time I sit on a panel listening to the feedback of my colleagues around the table. On my right is Steve Smith, Founder and CEO of Webnames.ca, Canada's premier domain registrar and on my left is Hugh McNaught, formerly a VC with the Western Technology Seed Investment Fund and now Partner with Succession Equity with deep international experience in technology commercialization in startups and multinationals.

The collective experience and knowledge of any NVBC panel is impressive to say the least and always provides exceptionally relevant guidance to the NVBC competitors helping them accelerate the development of their technology business. Simply stated, this competition continues to be a darling of BC's tech industry and I'm privileged to be a part of it.

Dean Prelazzi

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