Building the world's first structured big data ecosystem

Communitech and partners launch DATA.BASE

WATERLOO REGION, ON, Aug. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Communitech (www.communitech.ca), Waterloo Region's hub for the commercialization of innovative technologies, is harnessing the power of big data to drive new business creation and job growth with its DATA.BASE program.

DATA.BASE is a collaboration amongst government, academia and the private sector to assemble and build the world's first structured, big data ecosystem. Formerly known as Intelligent Media Networks, the program is made possible through a $6.4-million contribution to Communitech from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario's (FedDev Ontario) Technology Development Program.

"We are excited by the possibilities the DATA.BASE program represents for job creation in southern Ontario," said the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for FedDev Ontario. "Harnessing the power of big data is a massive challenge, but one that has incredible potential to change the way business functions in every industry."

Communitech has a rich history of helping organizations grow and succeed in the tech industry. The DATA.BASE goal is to extend that success to the big data value and supply chain by building a collaborative cluster of academic, not-for-profit, and for-profit organizations to explore technology-driven ways to:

• Collect massive amounts of untapped data utilizing innovative sensor technology
• Transfer big data from remote areas, across greater distances, in real-time, securely
• Analyze big data more intelligently utilizing advanced algorithms
• Visually represent intelligent information for a wide range of applications and end user needs
• Commercialize big data applications across a range of market sectors

"Our first project, to launch satellites and mine shipping data for commercial use, is only the tip of the iceberg." said Glenn Smith, DATA.BASE Program Director, Communitech. "As the program moves forward and new partners join the collaboration, we're set to explore new and innovative data gathering methods, such as remote sensors. Our ultimate goal is to help build an infrastructure for commercializing big data in a way that has never been attempted before."

DATA.BASE partners

Communitech's partners have unique commercial and research and development capacity in the area of satellite manufacturing, data processing, software development and engineering. DATA.BASE represents a globally distinct, high-tech capability to bring innovative new products and data services that leverage data captured.

Each of the following organizations has joined DATA.BASE to contribute their particular expertise:

exactEarth Ltd., a data services company and leader in the field of global Automatic Identification System (AIS) vessel tracking that collects ship monitoring data and delivers it customers around the world.

Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), a scientific research institute at the University of Waterloo geared toward harnessing the quantum laws of nature to develop highly secure data transmission technology.

McMaster University, a public research institution committed to research that inspires creativity, innovation, and excellence as it serves the economic needs of the community and society.

Rowan Williams Davies and Irwin Inc. (RWDI), a firm of consulting engineers and scientists interested in data applications for resolving air quality, noise and vibrations, and hazard and risk issues, for industrial, commercial and government clients.

UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory, a laboratory at the University of Toronto that collaborates with business, government and academic institutions to develop new space technologies.

The Water Institute, University of Waterloo, a facility focused on innovative research and data applications for improved water resource management for supporting healthy and prosperous communities and ecosystems at the national and international scale.

Centre for Research in Earth & Space Science (CRESS), York University, a research unit committed to facilitating collaborative, interdisciplinary research within the areas of astronomy and astrophysics, atmospheric science, earth science, planetary science, geomatics engineering, and space engineering.

Apps Factory, a Communitech program offering big data visualization support and customization.

Projects currently underway as part of the DATA.BASE program:

IQC is testing quantum link viability for secure data transmission via satellite to ground station. This configuration would allow implementation of quantum key distribution at a global scale.

McMaster is developing predictive analysis to determine the likely route of a ship (called vessel time casting).

CRESS is monitoring methane gas emission over the Athabasca oil sands from an airborne platform with a view to develop a satellite capability. RWDI will provide ground-based measurements as a point of comparison.

The Water Institute is applying remote sensor and other data gathering techniques to forecast sea ice thickness, to monitor the distributions of microplastics in the oceans and large lakes, and to upload hydrological data from watersheds and remote mines.

About Communitech

Communitech is the regional hub for the commercialization of innovative technologies supporting and building a Southwestern Ontario tech cluster of close to 1,000 companies that now generates more than $30 billion in revenue. A member of the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs, which is funded by the Ontario government, Communitech supports tech companies at all stages of their growth and development - from start-up companies, to rapidly growing SMEs, to large global players - to create greater numbers of successful global businesses for Ontario and for Canada.

SOURCE: Communitech Ltd.

Avvey Peters, Vice President, External Relations, Communitech
519-888-9944 ext. 2028 or [email protected]