Canadian tech incubator has big plans for Zhuhai

Canada's largest technology incubator opened two intelligent manufacturing research institutes dedicated to developing and commercializing frontier technologies in Zhuhai on May 17.

Sun Yi'an (Ethan Sun), founder and chairman of Istuary Innovation Group, is known as the "father of wearable technology". Sun said the company will specialize in core technology research in industrial sensors and chips, 3D data analysis, robot guidance, industrial network safety, and risk control. Achievements will enter the market through the company's industrialization system. It is aimed to meet the increasing demand for the transformation and upgrade of manufacturing in the Pearl River Delta.

The opening ceremony was part of the Istuary China Mission, which provide consultancy for startups and hi-tech enterprises in North America who want to expand into China. Zhuhai was chosen as the first stop. 

Twelve North American projects held roadshows on the scene, during which a low-cost industrial robot project, 3D vision guided robotics project, and a skin cancer intelligent detection project sought investments.

Istuary Research Institute of Intelligent Manufacturing opens  [Photo by Cheng Lin / Zhuhai Daily]

Zhuhai-based key manufacturing enterprises along with financial institutions discussed cooperation details. The visiting group toured the city on May 18 to learn more about Zhuhai's capital, talent, and project introduction channels.

James Schuback, an engineer and entrepreneur from Canada, said he hoped to obtain $800,000 in investment for his low-cost industrial robots project. The robots are suitable for small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies that have limited budgets, as they save over 50 percent in labor costs, he claimed.

Istuary is a global firm that integrates R&D, talent, finance, and base operations. The "offshore incubation" model they pioneer incorporates technological innovation, financial investment, and advisory services to cultivate and support projects at various stages.

An innovation institute Istuary launched in Xiangzhou District in 2015 attracted and incubated six enterprises, including Zhuhai UboCloud Technology and Zhuhai Hope Cloudriver Technology.

The company is also preparing to construct an intelligent manufacturing center and a Zhuhai-Canada sci-tech industrial park, hoping to continue cooperation with the city.

Toronto's deputy mayor, Denzil Minnan-Wong; Professor Steve Mann; and representatives from North American tech companies also attended the opening event.