Introducing the Innovation Island Technology Association


MISTIC Announces New Name - Innovation Island Technology Association

Goal to Support and Grow Regional Technology Entrepreneurs

Nanaimo, BC – December 3, 2012 – Today the Mid-Island Science Technology and Innovation Council (MISTIC) announced that they have rebranded under the name Innovation Island Technology Association.  Innovation Island is a new look, a refined focus and a rejuvenated direction for the organization. The change in direction was the result of a seven-month strategic plan by the MISTIC Board of Directors who conducted an extensive review of its mission, vision and strategic goals to help better serve the growing technology community.

Innovation Island’s goal is to support entrepreneurs in the Mid and North Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast to start and grow technology companies in a more focused way. The organizations will be the catalyst for expanding technology on the Island by providing entrepreneurs the opportunity to succeed. They have adopted the tagline, "technology happens here", which captures the essence of the exciting innovation happening within the region.

“In my two years as Executive Director I have been exposed to some truly remarkable technology companies and I have watched this sector thrive in our region,” said Paris Gaudet, Executive Director, Innovation Island. “Our re-focus is all about being able to help entrepreneurs in a more concrete way by providing them with resources, opportunities, connections and mentorship they need to thrive. I am excited about this shift and would like to see the region’s focus on technology continue to grow.”

Innovation Island will continue to serve communities in the Mid and North Vancouver Island including the Sunshine Coast, and provide services and programs that have a regional focus. Innovation Island has a progressive and talented volunteer Board of Directors that contributes their talent, energy and commitment to the growth of regional technology.
Innovation Island was recently selected as the Regional Partner of the BC Innovation Council Acceleration Network to deliver the Venture Acceleration Program - a structured venture growth program designed to guide, coach and grow ambitious early-stage technology entrepreneurs and effectively grow their company. Innovation Island will deliver this service, which is designed to help our technology sector reach its maximum potential by supporting our local technology start-ups.

The Venture Acceleration Program is a paid-for structured venture development service designed to guide, coach and grow ambitious early-stage technology entrepreneurs. It is delivered by a team of Executives in Residence (EIRs) and supported by a province-wide network of mentors.

Innovation Island will be launching the Venture Acceleration Program and will be accepting application from entrepreneurs in December 2012. Please call the Innovation Island office at 250-753-8324 for more details.  

Innovation Island will continue to provide access to programs and resources to assist technology entrepreneurs. This includes seminars, workshops and activities throughout the region that encourage people to start and grow technology companies.
“Innovation Island’s focused initiatives for entrepreneurs will better enable us to accelerate the growth of technology companies in the region and we are excited to be party of that growth that will greatly benefit our Island economy,” said Michael Reid, Chair of the Board, Innovation Island.

For more information please contact:
Erin O’Reilly
313 Public Relations |erin@313pr.com | 250-713-0489

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