OCRI, OPC Appoint Chair

OTTAWA -- OCRI and the Ottawa Photonics Cluster (OPC) are pleased to announce that Dr. Mike Scott has been appointed to cluster Chair. Dr. Scott is internationally recognized for his contributions to the photonics industry.

The announcement today at the Ottawa Photonics Cluster (OPC) kick-off event, 'Improving Your Competitive Edge,' marks the beginning of the 2005/06 professional development event series.

The OPC is a volunteer-run organisation which provides leadership in the Ottawa photonics sector for over 200 companies, by encouraging partnerships between industry, universities and government. The OPC works to position its members and the Ottawa region to attract investment, qualified personnel, and develop the required intellectual capital necessary to better compete. For 2005 the cluster attracted $111.7 million of venture capital investment.

From his previous role as CTO of Bookham, Inc., Dr. Scott brings more than 23 years management experience in global industry networking in the optoelectronics and photonics sector to the OPC. Mike's working knowledge and extensive network in the U.K., American and Canadian industrial and academic communities will ensure that all interests in the Ottawa photonics cluster are represented as it continues to develop.

"The telecom market collapse really marked the beginning of a transformation for the Ottawa photonics sector. We are now seeing an emergence of optical technology into areas beyond telecommunications," said Dr. Scott. "My mission as Chair is to accelerate the pace of innovation in photonics through the coordinated efforts of the OPC team. This way we can exploit the market opportunities and continue to create the benchmarks for our industry."

This infrastructure network of the OPC has attracted the attention of the international photonics community. Ottawa continues to be acknowledged for the strength of the R&D community, a collective capacity to generate innovative ideas for commercial application, and a talented labour pool. All necessary elements for future cluster development.

"The appointment of Mike Scott as Chair highlights the top-level talent driving our industries to the next level," said Jeffrey Dale, President of the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI). "The new breed of executives is not only putting their time and effort into their companies, but also into the growth and development of Ottawa. It is because of leaders like Dr. Scott that Ottawa is recognised as a global photonics centre."

OCRI (Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation)