Spark Centre And Ontario Power Generation Expand Innovation Categories For Ignite Pitch Competition Spark Centre and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) are joining forces once again to attract innovative talent from across Canada. Now in its sixth year, the Ignite Pitch Competition looks to award upwards of $125,000 of seed funding to successful entrepreneurs. “Energy solutions will feature strongly in Ontario’s future and Spark Centre is thrilled to be partnering with OPG again this year as we work together to find the nation’s most disruptive energy solutions”, said Sherry Colbourne, CEO and President of Spark Centre. “We couldn’t be happier to be expanding our relationship with OPG and working together to build a strong Durham Region.” Ignite is organized by Spark Centre and supported by several municipalities and businesses with the ultimate goal of fostering innovation and creating economic growth in Durham Region. OPG is looking to widen their reach for innovative entrepreneurs and collaborators with 3 sector specific categories including: – Inspection & Reactor Innovation– Environment– Refurbishment “Innovation within OPG Nuclear is vital for our future success. Having attended last year’s competition, I know some innovative ideas are out there and this competition can help us find them” says Ontario Power Generation’s President, Nuclear, Glenn Jager. “Innovation is fast becoming an integral and natural part of our business, and we’re seeing the benefits.” Each category winner will be awarded $25,000 and the opportunity to collaborate with the respective OPG departments to further develop their idea. OPG’s VP Inspection & Reactor Innovation, Subo Sinnathamby, stresses the importance of innovation and collaboration. “Innovation is a key focus area for IRI, we are constantly looking for transformational technologies that will continue to promote us as leaders in the inspection and maintenance business. Entering the second year of our partnership with Spark Centre, I’m eager to see the event grow and have a greater impact on OPG.” Applications for all Ignite categories open Monday, August 27 and close Friday, September 28. Those interested in applying can do so at www.ignitedurham.ca About Ontario Power Generation: OPG generates safe, clean, reliable, low-cost power for Ontario. More than 99 per cent of this power is free of smog and carbon emissions. OPG’s power is priced 40 per cent lower than other generators, which helps moderate customer bills. For more information please visit www.opg.com About Spark Centre: Spark Commercialization and Innovation Centre is one of seventeen not-for-profit Regional Innovation Centres (RICs) that form part of the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE). The centre works to improve competitiveness and visibility of Durham Region and Northumberland County as a world-class innovation cluster. For more information on Spark Centre, please visit www.sparkcentre.org For more information:Kristina Svana – Marketing Director, Spark Centreksvana@sparkcentre.org Media Relations – Ontario Power Generation416-592-4008 or 1-877-592-4008Follow us @opg