Teams Vying For A Share Of Up To $300,000 In Total Funding And Services Tackle Challenges Inspired By Campbell River, BC
CAMPBELL RIVER – More than 60 teams from around the world applied to participate in the second round of Campbell River’s NexStream Tech Competition. Now, as NexStream passes its midpoint, eight teams are advancing to the competition’s final stages. Over the next few months, they’ll complete the Rapid Prototyping phase and progress to Review & Demo Days – their final opportunity to wow the judges before this year’s winners are selected. Up to $300,000 in total funding and services are up for grabs this year.
“From the very beginning, we’ve been impressed with the calibre of teams participating in this year’s NexStream Tech Competition. They’ve certainly set the bar very high,” says Dana Kammersgard, angel investor and co-founder of the Campbell River Area Angel Group (CRAAG). “These eight teams in particular hooked us with their innovative ideas and solid business plans. It’s been a privilege to watch them progress through the competition, and we’re looking forward to seeing how their projects evolve over the next few months.”
The eight teams that will be continuing in the competition are:
- Ania Wysocka, Rootd (Vancouver Island, BC)
- Gordon Anderson, AazeinTx (Calgary, AB)
- Kim Lawrence, Ideon Technologies (Richmond, BC)
- Julie Angus, Open Ocean Robotics (Victoria, BC)
- Valerie Song, AVA Technologies Inc. (Vancouver, BC)
- Cassandra Hui, Heal Mary (Vancouver, BC)
- John Barclay, ABOzymes Biomedical (Vancouver, BC)
- Jenn Zee and Colin Sullivan, MintGreen (Burnaby, BC)
NexStream is drawing international attention to Campbell River, and showcasing the culture of innovation, creativity and collaboration that thrives in our community,” says Mayor Andy Adams. “These teams are applying technology in ways that are relevant to industries and businesses here in Campbell River-and beyond. It’s exciting that NexStream and Campbell River can be part of their entrepreneurial journey.”
CRAAG has committed to providing continued business-development support to six businesses that demonstrated tremendous merit.
Those teams are:
- Jen Lee and Rob Lee, Smith & Lee Local Butcher (Campbell River, BC)
- Damien Gillis, ProjectDome (Campbell River, BC)
- Landon Sheck, aux box (Parksville, BC)
- Lauren Ellis, IV ME (Vancouver Island, BC)
- Fiona Rayher, Hoovie (Vancouver, BC)
- Paige Whitehead, Nyoka Design Labs (Vancouver Island, BC)
“We want as many teams as possible to receive value from participating in the NexStream Tech Competition,” says Rose Klukas, the City of Campbell River’s economic development officer. “In the Rapid Prototyping phase, for example, teams have been working with mentors and attending skill-building workshops. And six enterprising businesses will benefit from the additional support that CRAAG is offering. Opportunities like these help NexStream participants make connections and strengthen their business skills.”
Visit https://nexstream.is/ for more information about the NexStream Tech Competition.
