From seed idea to thriving network

Foundations for the Ottawa Wireless Cluster took shape in 2001, when Angelo Santos and Kamal Krishnapillai co-authored the report “Building Wireless Technology Cluster in Ottawa.” Angelo and Kamal were enrolled in the Executive Masters in Business Administration program at the University of Ottawa; they compiled the 37-page report for an assignment in management consulting.
Recognizing both the key role of established technology clusters in the Ottawa region and the market potential for commercial wireless, Angelo and Kamal spent more than 1,000 man-hours on the report, which became a detailed blueprint to guide OWC development.

When the report was presented to local entrepreneurs and the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI), an OWC task force was quickly established with the help OCRI.

OWC Milestones

April 2004:
OWC participates in Wireless Test Center initiative.

Deliotte released Ottawa Wireless Survey.

OWC is an event partner with SmartCity Summit to promote wireless theme.

February 2004:
OWC hosted wireless lunch with Bell Mobilty Vicce President of Corporate Develeopment.

January 2004:
OWC conducted wireless CEOs breakfast.

November 2003:

OWC appointed Herb Woods as new chair and added three new

executives to the board. OWC launched new website, which is

powered by Navasys.

            

October 2003:

Ottawa Citizen profiled Ottawa Wireless Sector.

June 2003:

OCRI and City of Ottawa released a report on OWC's growth

perspective, which serves as a blueprint for OWC's strategic planning.

April 2003:
OWC hosts a mini day at the Smart City Summit. The conference theme is broadband business and the keynote speaker is Dr. Terry Matthews. The OWC mini day features three seminar sessions on wireless business and technologies, including one presented by Dr. Michael Cowpland.

March 2003:
The City of Ottawa’s Economic Development Strategy (“Ottawa 2020 Report”) profiles OWC as the city’s new seed cluster.
http://www.ottawa2020.com/

February 2003:
OCRI publishes a brochure "Wireless" to help showcase the Ottawa wireless sector in local, national and global markets.

January 2003:
Bell Mobility becomes the first OWC Platinum Sponsor and unveils a research investment fund program at the February OWC event.

June 2002:
OWC launches monthly seminar series held the second Thursday of every month at bitHeads theatre. Initial presenters included Dr. Michael Cowpland and industry experts from Bell Mobility, Rogers AT&T Wireless, Nokia, TrueContext, and BMO Nesbit Burns.