Top prize is $20,000 for winner of accessibility-focused pitch competition at Discovery 2018

TORONTO, April 3, 2018 /CNW/ - Five innovative, Ontario-based companies focused on accessibility and assistive technology will compete in Ontario Centres of Excellence's (OCE) $20,000Accessibility Tech Pitch Competition.

Taking place at Discovery 2018, the pitch competition is part of the Accessibility Innovation Showcase (AIS) at the conference, which runs April 30 and May 1 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre, in partnership with the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science (MRIS) and the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario (ADO).

"The Accessibility Tech Pitch Competition is an exciting feature that we truly look forward to at the Discovery Conference each year," said Dr. Tom Corr, OCE's President and CEO. "OCE is proud to host both the competition and showcase, and to see the positive results of these innovative technologies as they improve the lives of people with disabilities in Ontario and around the globe."

The AIS will showcase industry and entrepreneurs who are creating groundbreaking technologies that are improving the lives of people with disabilities. It will bring together 34 companies to present their innovative assistive devices and technologies to the broader innovation ecosystem.

"I'd like to congratulate the finalists in this year's Tech Pitch Competition at the Accessibility Innovation Showcase," said Tracy MacCharles, Minister Responsible for Accessibility and Minister of Government and Consumer Services. "I applaud the creativity of the participants, particularly for how they have used their skills in technology development to find ways to build a better and more inclusive and accessible Ontario for everyone. Good luck in the rest of the competition and I look forward to seeing the continued growth of these innovations."

The finalists selected will be given 10 minutes each to pitch their innovative product or services to both the accessibility community and a panel of judges. The winner will be awarded $20,000 to further develop their assistive innovation.

"These finalists are exceptional entrepreneurs who aim to have both a social and economic impact," said Reza Moridi, Minister of Research, Innovation and Science. "Our government is pleased to support initiatives like the Accessibility Innovation Showcase, which helps these innovators improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, while creating new companies and jobs."

The five finalists are:

• AccessNow
• Braze Mobility Inc.
• Komodo OpenLab
• Steadiwear Inc.
• Trexo Robotics

Named Canada's Best Trade Show in 2010, 2011, 2016, and 2017, and celebrating 13 years of bold, new ideas, OCE's Discovery is Canada's premier innovation showcase. It brings together the best and brightest minds in industry, academia, investment and government to showcase leading-edge technologies, best practices and research in the areas of energy, fintech, cleantech, the environment, advanced health, digital media, information and communication technologies and advanced manufacturing. The annual conference and showcase attracts more than 3,600 attendees and 500 exhibitors.

For more information on the Accessibility Innovation Showcase (AIS), the Accessibility Tech Pitch Competition and Discovery 2018, please visit www.ocediscovery.com.

SOURCE Ontario Centres of Excellence Inc.