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BC Government Outlines Progress of First Cohort in 'Startup in Residence' (Stir) Pilot Program
Monday, September 25, 2017Company Profile | Follow Company
Vancouver, BC, September 25, 2017--(T-Net)--The British Columbia government's Startup in Residence (STIR) program, the first of its kind in Canada, is helping local startups do business with the Province, while improving services to British Columbians, according to the Ministry.
STIR is a pilot project that has made the B.C. government a reference customer for five B.C. technology companies to test and co-develop solutions to public-sector challenges. The cutting-edge program combines innovation from tech companies with public-sector expertise, to co-develop and launch solutions during a 16-week residency that will culminate in the improvement of services delivered to British Columbians.
From providing social workers with real-time available housing options for children in need, to helping school districts analyze complex data to better understand trends and patterns that affect educational outcomes, each company is tackling a specific tech challenge identified by the Province.
The first cohort of participating companies and the challenges they are solving include the following:
Modelled after a successful program in San Francisco, the pilot promotes innovative procurement in the public sector, while helping companies demonstrate their products and gain customer validation. Participating companies are gaining insight into working with government, developing their own intellectual property, and have the chance to sign multi-year contracts for future licence fees or maintenance work.
“Through the STIR program, we're working with companies that hire locally, and are contributing to the flourishing tech industry here in B.C. STIR is helping to ensure that we provide the best services to the people of British Columbia by becoming more efficient and allocating resources where they are needed most.” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology.
“STIR is levelling the playing field to help smaller B.C. companies succeed and grow. It provides a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with B.C.'s tech sector to create made-in-B.C. solutions that support a stronger, faster and more cost-effective digital government to better serve the people of B.C.” stated Rick Glumac, Parliamentary Secretary for Technology.
“Although many VIATEC members are already doing business worldwide, getting the chance to collaborate with one of B.C.'s largest local customers offers up-and-coming companies an incredible learning opportunity. Two members participating in STIR are getting the chance to make a difference right here in B.C., and can then take that experience to approach other government clients around the globe.” outlined Dan Gunn, CEO, Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council (VIATEC).
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
B.C. Startup in Residence program: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/business-government/startup-in-residence
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Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation
Victoria (Non-Tech Sectors)
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