QuikTech Notes – October 30, 2018

QuikTech Notes

30-OCT-18

Technologies Are Already Changing The Economy

The theme for this issue seems more than obvious – that technologies are emerging faster and faster.  There is hardly a day that goes by that another breakthrough or insight adding to the promise of new wealth through innovation if managing change is your forte.  This issue contains the first of three articles about the emerging industrial hemp industry.  We have also added links to current news and presentations featuring catalysts for personalized healthcare.

AGRICULTURE

Hemp Comes of Age by Jesse Hahn, Natural Fibre Technologies


There has never been a better time in History to grow aside from World War II when North America relied on the versatile plant to support the war effort with ropes, sails, lubricants and more. Since first being re-legalized on March 12, 1998, under licenses and authorization from Health Canada, hemp as a specialty crop has had trouble gaining the recognition it deserves. But burdensome legislation was only one reason why the Hemp industry has remained fledgling. Fast forward to 2018, Bill C-45 has passed in Canada which, in addition to decriminalizing Medical and Recreational Cannabis, has re-opened the doors for Hemp cultivation on a mass industrial scale – indeed a move towards full de-regulation of the crop. And, in this environment of pending climate catastrophe, it’s about time.

You may have heard all sorts of rhetoric about Hemp the versatile ‘miracle plant’. Indeed the plant can be used for everything from automobiles and bio-composites to nano-crystalline cellulose and yarn. But if the plant is so miraculous and has been legal to cultivate since 1998 then why don’t we see more hemp derived products around? The answer to that question is complex.

 __________________________NOTICE__________________


The Farm Products Council of Canada is examining the merits of establishing a Canadian Industrial Hemp Promotion    and Research Agency.  Submissions will be accepted through November 24, 2018. HERE

The food industry has been the main driver for growth of the specialty crop since decriminalization. With retailers such as Costco eventually stocking raw and processed hemp products, consumers are beginning to acquire a taste for the superfood (hemp seed is rich in Omega fatty acids and Gamma Linolenic acid – a known nutraceutical compound used to treat skin conditions). Still, the novel and expensive specialty food has had only limited success in gaining market share. Reasons explaining slow market uptake could be due to stigma and misinformation surrounding this mysterious food or it could be the expensive price tag associated with a price high enough to convince farmers to re-learn how to grow it. Or, perhaps slow market adoption has to do with volatile market prices caused by fickle international food contracts – like I said, the reasons are complex! Then again, it may simply be mega-corporations in the food, forestry, auto and pharma industries suppressing the opportunity. Conspiracy theories and speculation aside, much of it boils down to the lack of processing equipment for the primary breakdown of the fibrous stalk.

But it’s ok. Like I mentioned earlier, there has never been a better time to grow hemp! It seems that a perfect storm is brewing, one where the bottlenecks holding back hemp production are disappearing. Conferences and seminars on the topic are selling out – thanks to ABCtech and Agriculture & Food Council for showing leadership and organizing a highly successful event on April 20th – Developing the Western Canadian Hemp Industry.  The masses are waking up to the opportunity. But this new hemp boom will not be catalyzed by food or fibre products. Canada’s new hemp regulations now allow farmers to harvest the flowers and leaves for lucrative medicinal compounds in the form of oil called cannabinoids (CBD). Welcome to the “green” gold rush.  Next week Issue #2. The “Green” Gold Rush

FINANCE

TechInvest wants to know more about your investment and financing interests



ABCtech has commissioned development of a investment fund for Alberta enterprises targeting intangible assets.  Please help TechInvest by completing the following survey for identifying the Alberta industries most in need for financing.  SURVEY HERE  

ENERGY

 

 

 

Fusion 2030 – A Roadmap for Canada. 

Representatives of several Canadian provinces and enterprises have assembled a proposal for Canada to get into the international race for fusion ignition and to capitalize on the $Bs of spin-off opportunities for associated industries.  The REPORT



Feds invest $49.3M in Burnaby-based General Fusion

The Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development announced today it was investing $49.3 million in General Fusion, a clean technology company that is trying to recreate the energy of the sun for mass consumption. FOR MORE

HEALTH

Personalizing Healthcare Innovations – Highlights of the RISING STARS Symposium



On October 22nd, an overflow crowd received messages that the visions of Alberta leaders and entrepreneurs are aligned.  Healthcare is undergoing a transition: data, diagnostics and determination are elevating the relevance of personalized healthcare.  Presentations of Alberta’s innovation leaders and the four select RISING STARS can be viewed HERE

COMMUNICATIONS

Troy Media’s articles reach almost a billion eyeballs each year.  It’s yours to use.


Growing a small business, commercializing a new idea, generating support for your enterprise – can be frustrating but it should never NEVER be lonely!  If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it, did it really fall? If an idea is shared in a bar and never leaves, is it real?  If a researcher discovers a cure, but it never gets it to market … well you get the point. Troy Media and ABCtech have teamed up to offer an insightful seminar on the merit and the power of communications through the media. The evening seminar will be scheduled for Calgary and Edmonton in December.  REPLY HERE MORE including the dates and locations

Creating the New Alberta – Recent Reports.  Free for Members

Economy.  Fall ’18 Status Report on Alberta’s Economic Resilience and Innovation. HERE
See also HERE. The Full Report is available free for Members

Government.  Alberta’s Public Procurement Practices and Objectives. HERE 

Youth.  The Voice of Alberta Youth on the future of work.  HERE
The 2019 project is being extended to all of Canada and it’s post-secondary students. For more contact HERE

Finance.  Investing in intangible assets – the new economy!  

Issue #1. Funding SME’s: Is there a Shortage of Money  READ NOW

Issue #2. Funding SME’s: Why should we care? READ NOW

Issue #3. Funding SME’s: How do we overcome the risk? READ NOW

Issue #4. TechInvest – Alberta focused – New thinking READ NOW

Issue #5. Rich assets – Welcome inside the new intangible asset revolution READ NOW