Canada’s steel and aluminum supply chain faces greater global competition than ever before, and recent international trade disputes have had significant impact on businesses that use these raw materials. Many companies are experiencing cost increases and a more difficult export environment, but this doesn’t mean that Canadian firms using steel and aluminum in their production…
Virtual reality (VR) systems are receiving a flood of attention from software and technology developers. As one of the most exciting emerging sectors in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, VR is benefitting from considerable investment with the expectation that it will become a multi-billion-dollar space within the next decade. While applications are still…
Business process mapping is a lean management strategy that seeks to understand and eliminate sources of waste. Companies often rely on many processes to provide value to customers; by mapping how these processes work, firms can identify which activities add value and which activities cause friction in the process, making it less efficient. While most…
Virtual reality has evolved from science fiction to one of the most entertaining and educational platforms available. But the ascension of virtual realities hasn’t been as quick as many believe; there have been decades of labour-intensive research and development projects behind contemporary VR systems. While the pursuit of computer-generated, immersive worlds has been significantly accelerated…
Innovation Factory (iF) is a Hamilton, Ontario-based Regional Innovation Centre (RIC) that provides startup resources, programming, and mentorship to early-stage companies. Since 2011, it’s helped innovators commercialize their ideas and reach the next level of success while also supporting a more collaborative business community. As a member of the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), Innovation…
Virtual reality (VR) is an interactive experience that enables users to interact within a simulated, computer-generated environment. Although it has long been considered a work of science fiction, virtual reality is now more realistic and has practical, valuable uses. Most modern virtual reality systems incorporate the use of head-mounted displays (HMDs) that render high-quality audio…
Ag Action Manitoba is a suite of government funding programs designed to support agricultural producers, processors, industry associations, and industry service providers. It offers multiple streams of Manitoba agriculture grants, including one specifically for Capital Assets and Equipment projects. This stream is ideal for agricultural processors and industry service providers such as food distributors and…
Developing international markets is not an easy process. While there are many ways to identify and enter markets, all pathways require significant time and financial resources to get market traction. Participating in trade shows is a common choice for businesses exploring new export destinations since it has a relatively low price point and companies can…
Hiring youth workers for manufacturing positions can be costly. With significant training and onboarding expenses that exceed the investment required with experienced labourers, the costs of recruiting youth workers can often outweigh its benefits. Still, employing apprentices and interns is an excellent strategy to overcome talent gaps. Manufacturers need to know how to incorporate a…
The Government of Canada is invested in agriculture and agri-food innovation, and for good reason. With thousands of businesses engaged in the production of food from coast to coast, staying ahead of challenges and providing new competitive advantages positively impacts the success and well-being of farmers, food manufacturers, and all Canadians. One of the main…