The 2009 Great Canadian Innovation Competition has closed and three finalists have been chosen. The winner has been selected, but we¹re interested in which idea you think has the best chance of being a commercial success?

* The point-of-care diagnostic handheld device that monitors HIV, developed by James Dou.

* The pico-second laser for machining any material, developed by Darren Kraemer & Michael Cowan.

* The rescue device for wheelchair-bound people, developed by Kenneth Law.

Your Workplace is excited to announce the winners of the national award, Top 10 Places Where Employees Thrive. Ten Canadian organizations have won this award for putting belief of their people into practice, and their employees were pleased to speak up about it.
The Top 10 Places Where Employees Thrive awards are aimed at organizations that have created a dynamic and creative workplace by establishing a culture built on collaborative dialogue, trust, clear outcomes, tolerance, and teamwork. These organizations have created environments where workers feel their input and effort is valued and respected, and where innovation and contribution to improving workplace culture are motivated by leadership and management with input from personnel at every level.

Another award was unveiled at the same time. The winner of the Power of Inclusion award is committed to the belief that the work world can be a better place for everyone, and the winner of this award has contributed greatly to improving the workplace experience for all Canadian workers.

Nytric is the first company ever to win both awards by Your Workplace Magazine in the same year.

“Even though this is the first year for these awards, the competition was stiff”, says Vera Asanin, President of Your Workplace, a national company devoted to promoting the benefits of healthy organizational culture through their leading-edge magazine and Your Workplace Conference.  “Remarkably, within 24-hours of releasing the survey to the shortlisted organizations, up to 97% of employees in some companies completed the survey form. When you have a committed and engaged staff, the results you can attain are astounding”.

Click here for the offical press release:

Yourworkplace.ca

Toronto – March 13, 2009 – A national study commissioned by Nytric Limited, a leader in Canadian innovation consulting, reveals that a majority of Canadians have had ideas for new products, and many have considered marketing their invention. However, the survey results identify specific barriers that prevent inventive Canadians from realizing the potential of their ideas.

“There has never been a better time for Canadians to pursue their inventive spirit,” says Av Utukuri, president and CTO of Nytric Ltd. “Challenging economic times force us to seek out creative solutions to everyday problems.”

Additional survey results:

• Only eight per cent of Canadians are aware that the electric light bulb is a Canadian invention.
• Most Canadians are aware that the goalie mask (71%), telephone (61%) and snow blower (56%) were invented by Canadians.
• Quebec has the lowest perception of Canadians as innovative (58%), while British Columbia has the highest (86%).
• Men are more likely than women to have new product ideas (66% vs. 52%).

TRIEC is delighted to honour Nytric Limited with an Immigrant Success Award. Like many businesses in the Toronto Region, Nytric is a small company that has succeeded in a competitive global market with cutting-edge products and a dynamic, diverse workforce. It is inspiring to see Nytric tap into the wealth of skilled immigrant talent in the GTA, as a key strategy for the company’s success here and abroad.

Many skilled immigrants face a major stumbling block if they do not meet an employer’s requirement for ‘Canadian experience.' Nytric’s inclusive approach to hiring the best and brightest talent – regardless of where their experience is obtained – has opened doors of opportunity for many skilled immigrants. As a result, Nytric has been able to thrive with a diverse workforce that nurtures fresh ideas and creates innovative new products.

Elizabeth McIsaac, Executive Director, Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC)