July 29, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario
Digital technology is changing the way we access information, work and connect with each other. That is why the government is investing in Canadian ICT firms to develop innovative software solutions and position Canada as a leader in today's digital economy.
Today, Karen McCrimmon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Member of Parliament for Kanata-Carleton, announced a FedDev Ontario contribution of over $2.9 million for Rockport Networks Inc. (Rockport) to accelerate commercialization of its high-performance networking solution. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario.
Headquartered in Ottawa, Rockport is an emerging world leader in direct connect networks. Its new autonomous networking solution offers an efficient way for a company's data centre computer servers to connect with one another directly. This solution offers faster performance, better security, reduced costs and energy consumption, and is more environmentally sustainable than traditional networks.
With FedDev Ontario support, Rockport will adapt its proprietary technology specifically for the server market, undergo product refinement, and will execute market development and product launch activities. The company expects to create 20 highly skilled jobs in STEM fields, and benefit local businesses by contracting services from manufacturers, engineers and software developers in the Ottawa area.
This project aligns with Canada's Digital Charter, which outlines how we can address the challenges that come with a digital world, while leveraging our unique talents and strengths to harness the power of this transformation.
Quotes
"FedDev Ontario's investment in Rockport Networks Inc. will support the growth of a highly resourceful local company in an industry that demands innovative solutions for connectivity and networking. This announcement is great news for Ottawa, as it supports the scale up of a local business, strengthening the ICT cluster and creating quality jobs in the region."
-Karen McCrimmon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and Member of Parliament for Kanata-Carleton
"The Government of Canada proudly supports companies that are working hard to revolutionize the ICT industry on a global scale. This FedDev Ontario contribution for Rockport Networks Inc. demonstrates our government's dedication to helping Canadian businesses market their leading-edge technology, pursue new markets, foster innovation and strengthen the economy."
-The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
"Thanks to this partnership with FedDev Ontario, Rockport is positioned to accelerate market entry of our Canadian networking innovation, deliver the economic, environmental and security benefits, and continue to build a highly skilled labour force."
-Doug Carwardine, Co-founder, President and Chief Executive Officer, Rockport Networks Inc.
Quick facts
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Founded in 2012, Rockport Networks Inc. (Rockport) is a software development company that has created a new networking model, offering a faster, more efficient and cleaner approach to data centre connectivity.
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With FedDev Ontario support, Rockport plans to generate a minimum of seven new patent applications for its newly developed intellectual property.
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FedDev Ontario's repayable contribution will leverage nearly $5.4 million in private sector investment towards total project costs of $8.3 million.
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This year marks 10 years of FedDev Ontario delivering funding and business services to support innovation and growth in southern Ontario.
