News Interviews :
 
 

Kamal Krishnapillai Interview – Sept. 20, 2002
September 20th, 2002.

Ottawa Wireless Cluster - A business network set up to develop Ottawa’s growing wireless business sector. And you are the marketing executive for the Ottawa Wireless Cluster.

What is Ottawa Wireless Cluster and how will the OWC benefit local companies?

  • OWC is a network of independent Ottawa-based businesses participating in the wireless ecosystem.
  • In terms of benefits for starters, the active participation helps to develop business, facilitate synergies and establish collaboration among research and industry.
  • Seminars are the first step in the OWC's work and it plans to expand to include other activities to support the development of the cluster.
  • Seminars provide education, information and networking time. Our seminars are sponsored by bitHeads.

How did the Ottawa Wireless Cluster (OWC) evolve?

  • OWC originated in September 2001, through the work of University of Ottawa Executive MBA participants, Angelo Santos and Kamal Krishnapillai.
  • The OWC committee grew with support from the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI).
  • Current committee members are Marwan Forzley (Chair), Eliot Burdett,
  • Brian Davidson, Shawn Griffin, Kamal Krishnapillai, and Angelo Santos.
  • Currently OWC has 120 members and it is growing.

What will make this initiative successful?

  • Coming together, working together and building together!

Build alliance and support for Ottawa wireless locally and globally.
Capitalize on innovative ideas, investments and interesting business stories.

How does OWC plan to grow?

  • It plans grow through positioning and program management. For example:
  • OWC is positioning itself as the rallying point for the wireless cluster, by hosting a series of seminars relating to cluster developments etc.
  • OWC firmly believes that by working with the wireless industry and bringing together the “best of the best” they will be able to take advantage of the up swing in the tech sector.
  • Current executive committee is capable of leading the growth and it is supported by OCRI. OWC committee will collaborate with industry partners to develop key business development initiatives.

Are there any other wireless initiatives?

  • Yes - IEEE/ NCIT - technical seminar series, University research and programs, WIC Event.

How does OWC support these initiatives?

  • We have asked that the IEEE/NCIT and others attend our events and at the end of the event make any fitting announcements relating to their organization.

You had a very successful event last week with Mike Cowpland and Ray Sharma. When is your next event?

  • Our next event is on October 10, 2002. 6pm. at bitHeads, 1309 Carling Ave.
  • In fact our seminars are held on every second Thursday of the month. You can register on our website. www.ottawawirelessclsuter.com – Use our event registration engine from Active Potato to register.
  • Next event has two great speakers - Shawn Griffin, Local Wireless Entrepreneur and the OWC Chair elect will speak about Wi-Fi and Ottawa. Wi-Fi is wireless LAN. Shawn is very passionate about Ottawa and Wi-Fi.
  • Second speaker is Glenn Egan Director, BDC Venture Capital. Glen will talk about current wireless investment climate.

Thank you for having me here and agreeing to run a monthly session on OWC (every second Wednesday of the month.) Shawn Griffin will be here next month to share notes on Wi-Fi and Ottawa.