British Columbia Innovation Council

August 2009 - BCIC's focus is on accelerating the growth of BC's science and technology communities to competitively position the province in the global knowledge economy. One way BCIC does this is by connecting technology start-ups with the resources and opportunities they need to advance their technologies. From innovation through to commercialization, BCIC can help.

Spark Integration Technologies (Spark) is one such company BCIC has worked with at multiple stages of its business evolution. Born out of advanced robotics research at UBC, Spark developed a software platform known as ‘DIOS' to enable components built by different manufacturers to work together. This software resolved a significant challenge in the integration of complex electronic systems.

Andrew Walls, BCIC's former Director of Ocean Sciences & Energy, first met the Spark team at Maritime and Port Security Week in early 2007.

"I was intrigued by Spark as it was a young startup with enthusiastic leadership, focused on identifying multiple applications for their technology," said Walls. At the time of their meeting, Spark was just getting started and had yet to develop a clear focus on its initial target market. Guidance from BCIC helped Spark crystallize its marketing direction and refine its technology to meet the needs of its target audience.

Recognizing opportunities in the US defence sector where there is huge investment in unmanned vehicles such as surveillance planes and mine clearance systems, Walls selected Spark to accompany him on a trade mission to San Diego in May 2007. He organized several one-on-one meetings between Spark and potential users in the US government and as a result, Spark was able to establish critical relationships in the defence and security industry, which helped define the direction of the company.

"When we started the company we had a very clear vision of the technology but little marketing experience," said Chad Trytten, founder and CEO of Spark. "This is where BCIC first helped us. Andrew made sure we got connected to the right people across industry and government in both the US and Canada, resulting in our first sales to the US Department of Defense. It would have been impossible for Spark to make these connections alone."

Simon Blyth joined Spark in early 2009 as the VP, Operations and Business Development. With a strong business background, Blyth came onboard to help Trytten grow the company. Recognizing Spark was undercapitalized and would not be able to move forward without additional financing, Blyth worked with the Spark team to rewrite the business plan and identify partners to help fund the company's growth.

Again, BCIC was able to help. In June of 2009, Dean Prelazzi, BCIC's Director of ICT, Wireless and New Media, invited Spark to participate in a BCIC Soundboard event. Soundboards are designed to connect entrepreneurs to technology leaders including VCs, angel investors and business advisors - sources of feedback, strategic advice and funding. In Spark's case, Prelazzi connected them directly to financing partners he knew were looking for promising funding opportunities in the software industry.

"By the time I joined, the basic R&D was complete and Spark was ready to grow," said Blyth. "My job was to start that process, but to do that we needed working capital. With the help of BCIC, we were able to get to the decision makers at potential financing companies."

Now, with funding imminent, Spark is positioned for growth. The company will again travel to San Diego this November to participate in a BCIC-organized mission during Maritime Week. This time, BCIC is facilitating a series of matchmaking meetings with partners who can help them in the next phase of the business cycle, connecting them with potential customers and distribution channels.

"BCIC has been a tremendous help to us," remarked Blyth. "We look forward to working with them as we move ahead."