VANCOUVER, March 15, 2017 /CNW/ - The BC Innovation Council, a Crown agency of BC, focused on fueling BC's economy through the advancement of BC tech and market-driven innovation, announced today the chosen solution for a province-wide data visualization challenge held in conjunction with BC Stats. Ruby Industries will be awarded $25,000 for product development.

Ruby Industries combined a variety of data visualization approaches in a way that makes significant improvements to the accessibility and readability of BC Stats' housing data.

Ruby Industries will work with the B.C. government to develop the solution to help policy makers understand the complex housing market. This initiative provides a significant customer to Ruby Industries as well as the means for BC Stats to innovate with home-grown technology.

"The quality and complexity of made-in-B.C. solutions to the data visualization challenge are impressive," said Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services. "It showcases the technical brilliance and innovative approach typical of B.C. tech companies."

This data visualization challenge provided a total amount of $75,000 for product development to five finalists and Ruby Industries' chosen solution. The challenge aimed to find B.C. technology to visualize BC Stats housing data in a more meaningful way. It matched government needs with B.C. tech and educated early stage companies about the government procurement process.

"We continue to focus on market-driven innovation to compress the sales cycles for B.C. tech," said Carl Anderson, President and CEO, BC Innovation Council. "We're giving companies what they need: access to qualified and prospective customers. This translates to a quicker path to revenue, at a lower cost."

A review panel comprised of the BC Innovation Council, BC Developers' Exchange and BC Stats selected the five finalists and the chosen solution. The challenge launched in December of 2016. The five finalists presented their solution on Mar 14^th, 2017 at the #BCTECH Summit. The #BCTECH Summit is the largest tech event in BC and a joint initiative between the Province and BC Innovation Council.

About the BC Innovation Council (www.bcic.ca)

The BC Innovation Council, a Crown agency of the Province of B.C., accelerates the growth and success of B.C. companies by providing resources and market opportunities for applied innovations that solve challenges and drive competitiveness in B.C. industries. Through the annual #BCTECH Summit and support of the B.C. government's #BCTECH Strategy, BC Innovation Council is fostering the growth of companies that generate revenue, produce high-paying skilled jobs and drive economic development in B.C.

SOURCE BC Innovation Council

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