Technologies & Companies Under Development
The following companies and/or company creation opportunities are a sample of those currently under development at UTI within the IGNITE Program. The list is continually evolving so please check back frequently. For more information on the following projects or new opportunities that may not be listed yet, please call 403.270.7027 or contact the individuals listed below.
- Profero Energy - Profero Energy technologies focus on increasing the recovery of heavy oil through accelerating and controlling the natural biodegradation of complex hydrocarbons into methane and/or hydrogen. The key element of the technologies is an in-depth understanding of biodegradation of oil into methane as it occurs naturally in reservoirs. By removing rate-limiting factors and accelerating these natural processes methane can be recovered in an economically viable timescale.
IGNITE’s people and resources have assisted Profero Energy in strategic planning and business development. Consolidation of intellectual property from two research institutions and a go-forward development strategy has provided the foundation for a sustainable differentiated competitive advantage for this growth company.
Contact: Peter Santosham – santosham@uti.ca 
- On Stream Technologies Inc. - On Stream Technologies Inc. is involved in the development of a novel system for on-line de-coking of fired heaters in refinery and upgrading facilities. By removing coke deposits without shutting down fired heaters, this new process results in significant revenue benefits for refiners through increased production of higher quality, higher-priced products.
To date IGNITE has conducted market research to verify and quantify the economic opportunity, engaged and funded a research organization to develop a second-generation product prototype, identified and profiled first customers and engaged a potential pilot test site. Led by an IGNITE Executive-in-Residence, the team is continuing to develop the business strategy and will be actively recruiting a lead engineer and Chief Operating Officer with refining industry experience.
Contact: Helen Shannon - shannonh@uti.ca 
- Circle Cardiovascular Imaging Inc. - CIRCLE Cardiovascular Imaging Inc. has developed software for the cardiac imaging industry, known as cmr42. cmr42 is a scientific based program that was developed by physicians for physicians. Its intuitive user interface and analysis tools have been specifically designed to facilitate efficient quantitative evaluation of patient cardiac MRI studies.
IGNITE has developed the business infrastructure necessary for the successful beta release of cmr42. The partnership with IGNITE has added value to Circle’s business model through business development, capital development, strategic planning and management. With IGNITE assistance, Circle Cardiovascular Imaging Inc is better able to compete at an international level.
Contact: Kelly Cherniwchan - Cherniwchan@uti.ca - ACT Pharma Inc. - ACT Pharma Inc. is developing a novel class of compounds for the treatment of bacterial and protozoan infections. The unique structure of these compounds holds the promise of combating the growing problem of antibacterial drug resistance by utilizing a new mechanism of action. The anti-infective market is large and growing. In 2005, worldwide sales of oral antibiotics was $25 billion, including U.S. sales of $ 8.5 billion. The area continues to expand with adult and pediatric prescriptions growing at 8.5% and 10.8% respectively.
ACT Pharma is currently being incubated by the IGNITE team, under the guidance of IGNITE’s AHFMR Executive-in-Residence. IGNITE is adding value by building the business plan, developing the intellectual property portfolio strategy, applying for non-dilutive commercialization funding, and seeking external partners for the development of ACT Pharma.
Contact: Jord Cowan - cowan@uti.ca
