Premier's Catalyst Awards

Do you know of a leading-edge innovator, entrepreneur or company in Ontario that deserves recognition? Is there a person or company whose vision and goals symbolize the province's growing culture of innovation and entrepreneurship?

If you know of such a person, group or company, the Ministry of Research and Innovation wants you to nominate them for the Premier's Catalyst Awards.

Recognizing excellence and leadership, the Premier's Catalyst Awards celebrate the leading-edge industries, ideas and people that will shape Ontario's future and create the next generation of exciting new jobs and industry sectors.

The winner of each of the five Catalyst Awards will receive $200,000 to support the development of a commercially successful new, or significantly improved, product or service based on a breakthrough technology.

The five award categories are:

The Best Young Innovator Award

Early stage innovators who have played a significant role in developing a commercially successful product/service based on a breakthrough technology and who demonstrates future potential.

The Innovator of the Year Award

Innovators who have played a significant role in developing a commercially successful product/service based on a breakthrough technology.

The Lifetime Achievement in Innovation Award

Individuals who have played a significant role in establishing a strong track record of bringing new and successful innovations to market.

The Start-up Company with the Best Innovation Award

Emerging companies that have outstanding performance, growing revenues and the potential to become a market leader as a result of developing a commercially successful product or service based on a breakthrough technology.

The Company with the Best Innovation Award

Established companies who have outstanding performance, growing revenues and the potential to grow market share as a result of developing a commercially successful product or service based on a breakthrough technology.

Nominations close October 9, 2008. For more information or to download a nomination package please visit http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/english/programs/pca/program.asp.