Premier's Innovation Awards Support New Ideas, Knowledge Economy

TORONTO - A one-shot vaccine that protects children from five diseases and a new type of hearing aid are among thirteen outstanding scientific achievements recognized today at the 2009 Premier's Innovation Awards.

Ontario celebrated the ideas, imagination and innovation of its top researchers and entrepreneurs, awarding a total of $12.95 million to the science and business winners.

The award recipients are working to conquer disease, find solutions to climate change and develop advanced digital technologies. Their research and development is helping to create Ontario's next generation of jobs.

Award recipients included:

- Best Young Innovator: Dr. Bin Ma, whose company Bioinformatics Solutions Inc. provides accurate and rapid protein identification which helps accelerate drug development to treat a host of diseases.

- Innovator of the Year: Dr. Navid Zargari, who was instrumental in developing the world's first transformer-free medium voltage motor drive, a technology that is helping make manufacturing and industry more energy-efficient, reliable and competitive.

- Start-up Company with the Best Innovation: Cinevate, a Thunder Bay company whose camera adapter equipment is revolutionizing filmmaking and capturing the attention of the film and video industry worldwide.

Awards were given in three categories: Catalyst, Discovery and Summit

"These award winners are turning great ideas into products and services for global markets. Their work will help keep Ontario competitive and create jobs." - Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario

"The Premier's Innovation Awards are a testament of Ontario's world-class research and innovation strength. This important occasion celebrates the people whose talents, skills and dedication are creating a better world and a brighter future for us all." - John Wilkinson, Minister of Research and Innovation

"MaRS is particularly honoured to be the administrator of the Premier's Summit Award for Medical Research, one of the largest research prizes in Canada, and recognizing truly exceptional world leading accomplishments. Every Canadian should be proud that these pioneering science leaders live and work in Ontario." - Ilse Treurnicht, CEO of MaRS Discovery District

- Ontario is investing $100 million (http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/english/news/GL2050409.asp) to attract and retain world-leading genomics researchers.

- Ontario is the largest hub of biomedical activity in Canada and the fourth largest biomedical research centre in North America.

- Dr. David Bentley from the University of Western Ontario is the first recipient of a Discovery Award for Arts and Humanities.