2010 2nd Prize winner Solegear Bioplastics announced partnerships this week with the University of British Columbia and Ecole Polytechnique to support the research and development of additional innovations in bioplastics. The partnerships will enable Solegear to work with the chemical and biological engineering departments at these institutions to innovative the bioplastics space.

“Solegear’s Polysole and Traverse bioplastic materials are already demonstrating that they can replace and, in some cases, outperform traditional petroleum-based plastics. While we are pleased with this initial success, we remain committed to innovation and to expanding our commercial opportunities,” said Solegear CEO, Toby Reid. “By partnering with these leading institutions, we are ensuring that we can access the kind of thinking that will help us to not only stay on the leading edge of our industry, but to continue to move towards tangible, climate-focused solutions that have significant returns for the Canadian economy.”

2011 Round 2 Competitor MyBestHelper picked up first place at Startup Weekend Vancouver 2011 on Sunday and will now be competing for a spot in the 2011 Global Startup Battle.

MyBestHelper is an online utility helping families find caregivers for kids and elderly that match their needs as well as values – the eHarmony for nannies. It solves the pain of finding a caregiver, and even better, helps find the RIGHT caregiver. One of MyBestHelper’s co-founders is Alexandra T. Greenhill. A physician and a mother of three, Greenhill has experienced the challenges first hand: “Finding the right caregiver for your child, is such a relief! Leaving it to luck or word of mouth is what we did in the past – it’s time to harness technology to create short-lists one can start from.”

The global battle is an international competition for the winners of the city events, which also included Halifax and Toronto in Canada. Enough votes will earn a city winner the chance to fly to Silicon Valley for a Launch Conference.

MyBestHelper won in front of a panel of judges including in front of a panel of judges including BC Angel Investor of the Year Boris Wertz, Brent Holliday of Capital West Partners, and Mike Satterfield of Yaletown Venture Partners.

Head over to the 2011 Global Startup Battle site to vote for MyBestHelper now.

2011 Top 30 competitor Warranty Life announced today the appointment of Don Dodge to their advisory board.

Dodge is currently a Developer Advocate at Google helping developers build new applications on Google platforms and technologies. Prior to joining Google Dodge was a startup evangelist at Microsoft. Dodge is also a veteran of five startups including Forte Software, AltaVista, Napster, Bowstreet, and Groove Networks.

Dodge’s wealth of experience will be extremely valuable as Warranty Life prepares for several large retail launches to help consumers manage, protect and repair their purchases.

Similar to the province-wide competition, the four-month, three-round regional competition includes a unique mix of business education, networking and mentoring. This year’s regional competition attracted more than 40 applications from technology startups across our province.

The Round 3 Top 20 finalists include businesses in the life sciences, cleantech, sustainability, new media and high technology sectors (in alphabetical order).

1. AAA Internet Publishing, Inc. (DBA WTFast), West Kelowna
2. ChatterBlock, Victoria
3. Ducharme Landscapes Inc., West Kelowna
4. Find it EZ Software Corp., West Kelowna
5. Global Endeavours Ltd., Creston
6. KeepMii, Kelowna
7. Mazza Innovation Ltd, Penticton
8. MediaCore, Victoria
9. Net Shift Media Inc., Kamloops
10. Pixton Comics Inc., Parksville
11. Simple Engine Media, Kelowna
12. Sirr Excavator Hands Inc, Kelowna
13. SoKap Community Networks Inc., Okanagan Falls
14. TanMan Sun Control Products ltd, West Kelowna
15. Trajectory Design Automation Corporation, Kelowna
16. UnityJDBC, Kelowna
17. Vocaba Inc., Kamloops
18. Votari, Kamloops
19. Waterpac, Trail
20. Wifarer Inc., Victoria

What is Discover Tectoria? Just the biggest tech event in Victoria.

VIATeC is hosting Discover Tectoria 2011, a one-day exposition of more than 70 Greater Victoria technology firms and research agencies… all spread throughout two floors of interactive technology. Previously known as “Island Tech”, this biennial event consistently draws as many as 3,500 attendees.

What will you find at Discover Tectoria 2011?

• Expo floor featuring 70+ tech exhibitors
• An innovation showcase featuring local innovations and products (big, shiny cool stuff)
• A 300-seat theatre featuring multiple talks and demos throughout the day
• VIATeC’s Bigger and Better Christmas Party (expecting 300+ attendees)
• Announcement of the biggest tech companies in Victoria for 2011
• DOZENS of buses shuttling secondary students to the event (Funded by the Government of Canada’s Youth Awareness Initiative)

Discover Tectoria continues to raise awareness of the overall sector and the individual companies within it and plays a key role in the added attention and recognition the local tech sector has started to enjoy. This awareness is crucial when attracting new staff and investors while also ensuring that policy makers at every level appreciate the economic impact and importance of the local innovation economy.

BCIC is running a Commercialization & Business Planning Workshop in February 2012 in Vancouver and now accepting applications with a priority given to clean energy ventures.

The intensive workshop will compel entrepreneurs to think critically and develop the key elements for the commercialization and positioning of their idea. The workshop will be taught by Mark Dance – former COO and CFO of Creo, one of the most successful BC grown tech companies.

BCIC’s Commercialization & Business Planning Workshop will take place over three full days: February 3rd, 10th, and 17th. Upon completion of the last workshop there will be three one-on-one mentorship sessions (March 2nd, 16th, and 30th), where Payne will work with each company independently.

The cost of the workshop is $269. Although the workshop is taking place in Vancouver, five $1000 travel bursaries will be awarded to select participants.

For additional information or to apply please visit the BCIC website or contact Nadine Diner, Programs Specialist by email. The Commercialization & Business Planning Workshop is a BCIC program in partnership with National Research Council (NRC) Canada.

On November 28th Rocket Academy is hosting a free bootcamp designed to help technology companies use Market Research to improve products, enhance revenue and stimulate better access to capital.

The bootcamp is a one-day session to help companies design, implement and capitalize on the benefits of market research using the latest tools, techniques and practical approaches that companies of any size can use.

Designed for both startups and growth companies, the Rocket Academy session will combine an overview of key concepts with applied learning through case examples, interactive discussions and best practices checklists.

Register online today.

FreshBook’s mission is to deliver fast and simple invoicing and time tracking services that help you manage your business.

With 3.5 Million new users since launching in 2004, FreshBooks is undoubtedly the Canadian pioneer in SaaS solutions for small businesses.

FreshBooks Co-Founder Mike McDerment is coming to Vancouver to host a workshop titled How to build a web app business and it’s a great opportunity to learn from from the best.  During the workshop McDerment will outline:

• Building – your web app, your company, your team
• Marketing – with and without dollars
• Product management – so you know what’s right to build
• Metrics – to track your progress
• Financing – the who, what, when, where, why and how 5Ws of fund raising

How to build a web app business is on December 6th – tickets are $100 and space is limited, so sign up now.