UOIT to announce details of first spinoff company

OSHAWA, Ont. - Demonstrating once again that research work on campus is making a difference in the lives of Durham residents, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) will announce details on Monday, October 29 about a product developed by a UOIT professor that has led to the university's first-ever spinoff company, Hoper Inc. The announcement will be at the Regional Municipality of Durham Headquarters, where Hoper and Durham officials will also talk about a significant commitment by the Region to use the product in its daily operations.

The announcement further supports UOIT's national reputation for its commitment to research excellence and for its ability to manage the outcome and economic value of innovative ideas, including the commercialization of ideas and research work that will make a difference for society.

Who:
Dr. Ronald Bordessa, president, UOIT;
Roger Anderson, regional chair, the Regional Municipality of Durham;
Dr. Marc Nantel, director of Business Development, Ontario Centres of Excellence;
Dr. Michael Szarka, manager, Technology Transfer and Commercialization office, UOIT;
Dr. Miguel Vargas Martin, assistant professor, Faculty of Business and Information Technology and the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, UOIT;
Steve Vetzal, president, Hoper Inc.;
Fred Read, vice-president, Hoper Inc. and
Patrick Olive, commissioner of Economic Development and Tourism, the Regional Municipality of Durham

When:
October 29, 2007
10 a.m.

Where:
The Regional Municipality of Durham Headquarters
Room 1A (left of the main entrance)
605 Rossland Road East
Whitby, Ontario

Parking:
Enter off Rossland Road or Garden Street and proceed to parking garage.

For more information, contact:

Jennifer Santos
Communications co-ordinator
Economic Development and Tourism Department, the Regional Municipality of Durham
905.668.7711 ext. 2607
jennifer.santos@region.durham.on.ca

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Melissa Levy
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2513
melissa.levy@uoit.ca