The University of Guelph and five other Ontario universities are collaborating in the 2020 Proteus Innovation Competition. Kicking-off Nov. 19, this competition engages teams and individuals in creating viable commercialization strategies for technologies developed by the six participating institutions. The competition is open to all those over the age of 18, including students, staff and faculty.

Participants choose from six projects, one entered by each of the participating institutions. Over the course of four months, participants will work through three stages to develop unique plans that will accelerate the commercialization process for their chosen technology. Working with experienced advisors, each team will hone their business skills through a variety of workshops.

The competition culminates in a virtual pitch event where the top contenders present their commercialization strategy to an online audience and panel of experts. Top prizes include a chance to win one of six $5,000 prizes and an opportunity to have further involvement in the commercialization of the technology.

For this year’s competition, the University of Guelph is entering Prof. Jamie Burr’s Portable Training and Recovery Device, a patent-pending apparatus that delivers a unique combination of blood flow restriction and electrical muscle stimulation to maintain or increase muscle strength. This technology has potential applications that include athletic performance, injury rehabilitation and prevention of muscle wasting.

“Besides the benefits of raising awareness about a promising technology that has the potential to truly improve life, participating in Proteus is a great experiential learning opportunity for U of G students and others who wish to participate,” notes Steve De Brabandere, Director of Technology Transfer at the University of Guelph’s Research Innovation Office.

Developed by the University of Western Ontario, the Proteus Innovation Competition is an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to be an entrepreneur but doesn’t yet have a business idea, for those looking to build their business skills and for anyone wanting to forge new connections in the innovation space.

Those interested in participating in the 2020 Proteus Competition can find more information about the six showcase technologies as well as the application process on the competition website.