Montréal, Quebec
In less than six years, a Montréal-based telecommunications company has grown from a two-person start-up firm to one of the world's leading providers of high-speed Internet, cellular and satellite communications services to remote and underserved regions around the world - with support from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP).
OmniGlobe Networks, which specializes in the provision of affordable and reliable services in areas where landbased telecommunications are unavailable, unreliable or simply too expensive, has validated its innovative satellite-wireless technologies in various remote areas such as in aboriginal and northern villages across Canada as well as in developing nations around the globe.
Dr. Neale, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and founder of OmniGlobe, credits NRC-IRAP for giving his firm a critical boost at the start. "We began working with Dr. Richard O'Shaughnessey and his colleague Pierre Trepanier at a time when we only had two part-time employees and very limited access to facilities or finance. NRC-IRAP helped us navigate all the intricate steps required to turn OmniGlobe into a successful commercial venture. Luckily for us, Richard understood our company's vision from the start and became a great supporter of our solutions, offering valuable advice and insight that ultimately helped us refine our technical proposal. We needed funding to perform necessary R&D, to get our concept validated and produce a viable product," adds Dr. Neale. "The support that we received from them enabled us to develop the technology we needed and attract other funding by substantially reducing the risk for 'angel' investors."
The company has grown rapidly over the past few years and currently employs over 80 people worldwide. It has six offices across Canada and Europe, and sells its services in over 70 countries. Thanks to its rapid success, OmniGlobe has attracted millions in overseas investment and has garnered numerous awards and industry recognitions. Recently, OmniGlobe was named one of North America's fastest growing technology companies by the prestigious "Fast 500 Awards".
Dr. O'Shaughnessey's continued collaboration with OmniGlobe over the years has significantly contributed to the company's wide-ranging success. With his expertise, assistance and support, the company has achieved the following:
The NRC-IRAP Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs) performed a risk assessment and saw value in two OmniGlobe R&D projects featuring concept development and satellite networks. The company credited the projects' success to NRC-IRAP's support which was instrumental in attracting $500K of private investment and in obtaining lab space and testing facilities from the Communications Research Centre in Ottawa.
On both of these projects, the ITAs provided advice on development and technological strategies, which resulted in effective project management and successful results.
The ITAs were consulted on a regular basis and made key recommendations, emphasizing amongst other things, the need for the company to conduct a thorough analysis of the intellectual property landscape as well as the importance of finalizing its intellectual property strategy. NRC-IRAP representatives also initiated a patent search which confirmed that OmniGlobe was not infringing on existing patents. This measure reassured early investors and helped the company secure $15M worth of investments.
Dr. O'Shaughnessey has encouraged OmniGlobe to attend several Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) seminars. These sessions have increased the company's engineering capabilities, fostered an attitude of continual training amongst its staff and positioned OmniGlobe at the forefront of technological innovations in the Montréal region. OmniGlobe was also offered a speaking opportunity which further enhanced its reputation and brand image, and its ability to attract experienced / key members. Finally, OmniGlobe was introduced to a key stakeholder who was later appointed to the company's executive team.
In addition to investments previously mentioned, NRC-IRAP ITA Fabrice Lucherini provided advice on how to approach potential financial partners and interact with private investors. With NRC-IRAP's help, the company was able to develop a more targeted and efficient approach to funding and investment sources.
