Yes, thank you.
2G Robotics is one of the companies that worked with the CICP program and it was successfully selected for that program.
I'm the founder and CEO of 2G Robotics, a small start-up company based in Waterloo, Ontario. We provide solutions for companies interested in high-precision measurements in an underwater environment.
2G Robotics developed the world's first easy-to-deploy underwater laser scanner. Using our laser scanner, underwater inspection companies can generate digital 3D models at specific locations of interest on their underwater structure. These 3D models are typically of defects in the structure. Engineers can then use this information to assess the integrity and/or performance of an asset to ensure continued safe operation of the asset with minimal budget maintenance allocation. Typical applications for the technology can include municipal water infrastructure, offshore oil and gas systems, and nuclear and hydroelectric power systems. Additional industries include scientific, archeological, and military security.
In addition to benefiting from the Canadian innovation commercialization program, 2G Robotics has benefited from a number of other funding support programs through the technology development phase of the company. These have included support from the Ontario Centres of Excellence, Canadian Youth Business Foundation, Precarn, Canadian Institute for Photonic Innovations, Mitacs, Maars, and Communitech.
Regarding the Canadian innovation commercialization program specifically, I was made aware of the program through Communitech. We submitted an application for purchase of our system though the program under the public safety category, and in December 2010 we were selected to be matched with a testing agency. Over the following months, we were matched with DRDC Atlantic and completed the various stages of the contract completion and approval.
In August 2011 we delivered an underwater laser scanner to DRDC for testing and provided facility personnel with system training. In the coming months the project will be completed, as DRDC will compare the performance of our technology for assessing targets against the existing technologies.
When 2G Robotics applied to the program, we had not yet sold any systems. Over the past year a total of six systems have been sold, and numerous rentals of the technology have taken place. Our technology has been used around the world, from Antarctica to the Arctic, from the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Mexico. It has been used for everything from assessing the growth and structure of microbial organisms in a lake bed to the inspection of offshore oil platform structures.
The CICP program has provided us with a significant reference customer, a critical first step for any new technology looking to disrupt an industry. We have doubled our full-time staffing and we are seeing significant interest in the product, pointing towards continued success.
In addition to the direct and indirect financial benefits for 2G Robotics, we have learned a lot about government process and the skill set required for working with large organizations.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the CICP administrators for selecting us, and we look forward to seeing how the program will continue to benefit 2G Robotics.