MaRS

Is this sandbox just for the big kids?

The Social Innovation Fund (SIF), a White House effort to pump millions of private and public dollars into projects that are effectively tackling pressing social problems, awarded its first round of grants this month, totaling nearly $50 million.

The Corporation for National and Community Service, which operates the SIF, announced 11 grants – ranging in size from $2 million to $10 million each – to intermediary organizations, which will in turn award money to non-profit groups working in the areas of economic opportunity, youth development and healthy habits. Seen as a breakthrough announcement by a new kind of President in 2009, the Fund has understandably attracted attention from the non-profit community in the US as well as north of the border.

The future of genetics looks bright

What’s the future of genetic diagnostics? Where do the commercialization opportunities exist? Now we know.

On June 22, the Ontario Genomics Institute and MaRS Future of Medicine^TM jointly held “Dx2010: Markers to Markets” – a workshop focused on best practices and regulatory considerations for developing gene-based diagnostic and prognostic tests.

Is the digital economy the new speed skating?

What role do you think Canada will  play in the future digital economy?

Industry Canada wants to know–it’s inviting all Canadians to take part in an ongoing discussion about shaping Canada’s digital future. Visit this online forum to share your ideas, perspectives and suggestions with Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, and vote on ideas shared by your neighbours.

Samara co-founders introduce us to politicians

If you’re a social innovator, you’re probably dealing with government and let me guess: you’d like to understand the mind of a politician better? Check out the introductory report of Canada’s first ever series of exit interviews with former Members of Parliament.

Entitled The Accidental Citizen? it consists of summaries of interviews with 65 MPs who recently left public life. The interviews focused on what brought them to politics, how they viewed their roles and their time and what advice they’d have on strengthening our democracy.

Canada lags: Throttling innovation

The topic of “net neutrality” is not one that grabs people’s attention at a cocktail party.  They crinkle their brows and quickly tune out – that is until they realize what it means to their lives.

The discussion over net neutrality is in essence an argument over who owns the internet and what flows through the pipes. Do you like using Skype to call relatives in India? Do you like watching live-streamed soccer games? Then net neutrality is a topic you should have an opinion on.