Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

Information Technology Collaborations

Peter RossiterSkyWave Mobile Communications Inc,

Ottawa, Canada

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

Presentation Outline

SkyWave backgroundMove to CRC Innovation CentreTwo SkyWave/CRC collaboration

case studiesObservations

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

SkyWave Background

Private Canadian company 4 experienced engineers/managersSpin off from parent company -1997 Had great ideas for satcom productsUrgent need for premises and

additional technology

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

Move to CRC Innovation Centre

Contacted CRC business dev officeVisited CRC to discuss business plan

& needsViewed available accommodationMoved in & signed leaseElapsed time 2 weeks

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

Eligibility for Admission to Innovation Centre

Need to access CRC facilitiesNeed to access CRC researchersNeed to access to CRC IP

(eg Satcom)

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

Aerial View of CRC

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

SkyWave Premises at CRC

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

Startup Phase

Temporary office/lab accommodation

Some physical improvements madeNetwork/Internet connectionTelephonesFinalize product development thrustStart product development program

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

First Case Study DMR-200 Development

Low speed data terminalGlobal applications with InmarsatExtensive use of CRC facilities:

Antenna design expertise Antenna & environmental test facilities Machine shop for prototype enclosures

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

Inmarsat D+ Terminal DMR-200

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

Typical Applications

Asset tracking Covert trackingSecurity (asset/personal/site)SCADAUntethered Military

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

DMR-200 on the Road

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

CRC Facilities and Services

Antenna design contractHourly charge for test facilities

useMonthly rent for occupied spaceCommercial ratesResponsive & enthusiastic

support by CRC personnel

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

SkyWave Engineering Lab

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

CRC Machine Shop

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

David Florida Lab

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

CRC Library

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

Typical Antenna Test Data

0 Degree Cut

-30

-20

-10

0

10

-90 -30 30 90

Elevation (degrees)

dB

ic 1.6435 GHZ CPGain

0 Degree Cut

-30

-20

-10

0

10

-90 -30 30 90

Elevation (degrees)

dB

ic 1.542 GHz CPGain

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

Second Case Study: High Speed Terminal

Identified new CRC R&D activityHigh speed modem developmentSaw commercial applicationProposed collaboration CRC developed modemSkyWave developed proto

terminal

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

Costs

Market rates for office space, Internet access etc.

Market rates for consulting servicesHourly rates to rent test facilities,

machine shop, graphics artsPay as you grow.

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

Customer Reactions

“Great concept” - Australian military visitors,

“Sweet deal” - US paging company,“Great credibility” - UK satcom

organization,

“Wise approach” - German visitors.

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

Observations (1)

CRC/SkyWave collaboration was very beneficial during SkyWave startup

CRC staff very supportive & responsive

Wide range of expertise availableExtensive technology & IP resourcesLicensing IP is encouragedReasonable costs

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

Observations (2)

Use CRC to complement own skillsSpirit of give & take is essentialRelationships are very importantRespect policy/resources/equity

constraints, andExpect to “graduate” in 2-3 years

Federal Partners Technology Transfer Workshop, Ottawa, June 1999

Would we do it again?

You Bet!