Sole solution competes for $100,000 BDC Grand Prize for Innovation - Laboratoire Bergeron to take the orthotics industry one giant step forward

MONTREAL, May 30, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Canadians can now vote online for "Sole Solution", the innovation project proposed by Laboratoire Bergeron, one of eight finalists competing for the $100,000 Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Grand Prize for Innovation.

In Laboratoire Bergeron's innovative project, a new computer-controlled system would inject liquid resin into a prefabricated insole with a stretchable membrane.  The liquid resin would then mould to the patient's foot and harden in minutes. The result is a precise orthosis, more comfortable to wear and ready on the spot.  "I have always believed there was a better way to produce orthoses," says Philippe Durocher, who purchased the company in 2003.  "This new system is the result of one and a half years of intense research and development and I believe it will revolutionize the orthotics industry."

Launching the product will enable Laboratoire Bergeron to take the business to another level. Durocher plans to create a distribution division and market the product as a solution that will enable orthopaedic laboratories across the world to substantially reduce their current costs. 

"I would like to congratulate Philippe for bringing his project to the finals of the BDC Young Entrepreneur Award contest," says Michel Bergeron, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Public Affairs at BDC. "It is now up to Canadians to choose which project will come to life in the following year.  Every vote counts towards the Grand Prize!"

"Not only will this project enable us to greatly expand our business, it will also make a huge improvement in the orthotics experience for patients and specialists," says Durocher.  "Sooner or later, about 75% of the world's population is likely to suffer from foot problems.  Think what a difference this new system will make for them and the specialists who treat them.  So vote for our project, and we will return your support in the years to come!"

"All the finalists competing for the Grand Prize for Innovation have projects with a solid potential to generate growth and prosperity. The eight finalists have proven that they have ability to run a successful business and to establish themselves as thought leaders in their industries," adds Bergeron.

Voting for the 2012 BDC Young Entrepreneur Award contest runs from May 30 to June 19 and the general public can vote once a day.  To support your favourite innovation project, log in to the dedicated microsite or vote directly on Facebook at BDC Entrepreneur.  Frequent contest updates will be posted on Facebook,  Twitter at @BDC_News and LinkedIn.  The BDC Young Entrepreneur Award winner and runner up will be announced on June 25.

About the BDC Young Entrepreneur Award contest
Created by the Business Development Bank of Canada in 1988, the BDC Young Entrepreneur Award contest pays tribute to successful Canadian entrepreneurs between 18 and 35 years of age.  For the first time in 2012, the contest will see finalists competing for the BDC Grand Prize for Innovation which will award $100,000 to one young Canadian entrepreneur to carry out a specific innovation project. The Financial Post is the exclusive media partner of the BDC 2012 Young Entrepreneur Award.  The contest is sponsored by Les Affaires.

About BDC
Canada's business development bank, BDC, puts entrepreneurs first.  With almost 1,900 employees and more than 100 business centres across the country, BDC offers financing, subordinate financing, venture capital and consulting services to 29,000 small and medium-sized companies.  Their success is vital to Canada's economic prosperity.

Maria Constantinescu
Advisor, Public Relations, BDC
514 496-7146
[email protected]