The Council began in 1992 and was incorporated as the Interior Science Innovation Council (ISIC) in 1999 with a mission -To be the catalyst for economic revitalization through advancing innovation, science and technology initiatives.
As a non-profit society incorporated in British Columbia, the Interior Science Innovation Council is governed by a board of 12 directors that are sourced from throughout the region. Council activities and regional responsibilities cover a vast area of the British Columbia's southern interior and as the map indicates, includes several municipalities, two regional districts and a number of First Nation communities.
ISIC operates on a project-based model that remains focused and committed to growing the regional technology sector. Using a combination of funding, management expertise and a well-established support network of government and private sector interests, ISIC has consistently demonstrated an ability to assist in the development of a wide variety of innovative projects.
The Interior Science Innovation Council is about enabling opportunities for using science and technology as a catalyst for commercialization and aligns those objectives with the goals of the BC Innovation Council. We are also about creating and promoting a culture of knowledge, awareness and entrepreneurial excitement in the fields of science and technology. Most significantly, our work is a collaborative effort that reflects and represents the active and continued involvement and support of all levels of government, institutions, community participants and corporate partners.
Project specific experience, mandate, contacts and the desire to bring collaborative solutions to regional problems are the specialties that ISIC brings to the Southern Interior Region.
For Industry and the Region
•Providing leadership and direction
•Sector analysis and surveys
•Research on key regional issues such as infrastructure requirements and opportunities
•Hosting special events, workshops and seminars
•Providing representation of regional Science and Technology issues
•Promoting collaboration and strategic partnerships
•Coordinating industry association meetings
•Promoting Science and Technology career and educational opportunities
For Entrepreneurs
•Increasing commercialization opportunities for regional entrepreneurs
•Direction and assistance through a well organized Accelerator facility
•Outlining Science and Technology funding programs available at various levels
•Referral to resource agencies as appropriate
•Profiling success stories in the media and through our various events
•Making key introductions and coordinating joint agency meetings
•Providing assistance, programs and introductions to Angel and Venture Capital markets
Examples of Supporting Projects and Initiatives
Environmental Science & Technologies
•Business case analysis for Solid Waste to Energy
•Bio Technologies Industry Group
•NOX Scrubbing
•CO2 reduction
•Gasification Technologies development
•Biological treatment processes
•Water treatment
Business and Education
•One on one mentoring and coaching
•Business development seminars
•Business expert panels
•Proof of Concept and Prototype development
•Independent 3rd party technology assessments
Information Technologies
•ISP-In-A-Box software development
•Fiber to the home technology development
•Interior Technology Industry Association startup
•Rural broadband access
•Local technology business growth and retention
•Wireless network deployment
•e-Commerce
•Mobile Payment systems
•iPhone app development
Science Projects
•Insectary Feasibility (crop management) study
•Sheep bio-diversity
•Denim Pine
•Enzymatic Processes for wood fibers
Outreach Activities
•Science Fairs
•Chemistry 11/12 Contest
•Geneskool for BC high school students
•Eureka Science Camps
•CIPS - Women in IT
•Science Nights