Mackenzie and McGillvray knew the market for server space at data centres was set to skyrocket as remote or “cloud” computing became big business. Data centres allow companies to have access to a safe and fully serviced location for all of their computer equipment. They brought in Van Gaal, a talented designer of data centres who has worked with Telus and others. The three went to work designing the Ottawa facility and raising the $15 million in capital it would take to build it.

McGillvray credits Van Gaal’s foresight in planning the centre. The location in Kanata gives it access to more than 144 strands of fibre optic cable, allowing for nearly unlimited bandwidth. Two separate electrical grids feed into the building, ensuring continuity of services during a power failure. As well, the building will have a number of security features to safeguard its clients’ data.

In July 2013, Granite Networks received an investment from local IT services firm Grade A.

“Grade A saw an opportunity with our organization to better serve their client base and become involved with a rapidly growing organization, (in) a parallel industry to what they’re presently in,” said van Gaal.

With files from Ottawa Citizen and Ottawa Business Journal.

Carleton is receiving up to $1,430,000 through FedDev Ontario’s Graduate Enterprise Internship initiative, which will be used to place 100 recent graduates and graduate students in small- and medium-sized enterprises and startup businesses within STEM sectors.

Some graduates will be placed in firms in the Ottawa region that have less than five employees. This will provide them with a rewarding experience, exposing them to all sides of the business.  Participating companies benefit from enhanced productivity and innovation of these highly-skilled and talented graduates.

However, it is not always enough to connect Carleton students and graduates with job opportunities. This funding encourages students and graduates to consider careers as entrepreneurs where they can apply their knowledge and ideas by starting and managing their own businesses. Therefore, another contribution of up to $945,000 through FedDev Ontario’s Scientists and Engineers in Business initiative will enable Carleton to partner with the University of Windsor and award commercialization fellowships to STEM graduates and graduate students across southern Ontario. 

Carleton University fosters a rich entrepreneurial environment through a number of initiatives. All Carleton students, regardless of their field of study, can take a minor in entrepreneurship. In 2011, the university launched a unique program called Carleton Entrepreneurs that offers participants access to specialized expertise and support to help them turn their business ideas into successful ventures.  Carleton also offers the Technology Innovation Management master’s program.

The university continues to introduce new entrepreneurship academic programs through the Sprott School of Business and the Faculty of Engineering and Design. By working closely with the community, Carleton has helped spin off more than 150 different businesses since 2009 with more than $5 million from various funding and university-driven activities invested in entrepreneurship.