Plug & Play Acceleration and Collaboration Track (PACT) - Canada Plugs into Silicon Valley! October 20, 2008

THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF CANADA
SAN FRANCISCO | SILICON VALLEY

IS PLEASED TO INVITE YOU TO A
TECHNOLOGY INCUBATOR AND PARTNERS
BEST PRACTICES WORKSHOP IN SILICON VALLEY
OCTOBER 20-21, 2008

We would like to invite you to participate in the first Plug and Play Tech Centre Workshop at their Sunnyvale campus in Silicon Valley. Plug and Play is a successful high-tech incubator in the heart of Silicon Valley where over 150 technology start-ups from over 20 countries work closely together to build innovative companies.

The focus of the workshop will be to exchange best practices between top technology centers and incubators from around the world and explore opportunities for collaboration. It may also provide an opportunity for some of your star-up companies to meet with potential partners and investors. Plug and Play’s ultimate goal is to help 1,000 start-ups from around the world secure funding and go from idea to reality in the coming years.

DAY ONE – October 20

The first day is mostly geared towards creating collaboration among incubators from around the world. Some of the topics and activities will include:
· Fostering a Culture of Innovation and Spirit of Entrepreneurship in Universities
· Challenges facing young start-ups and entrepreneurs
· Best practices for Start-up Incubators
· Bridging the Funding Gap
· Networking Events

DAY TWO – October 21

The second day is mostly geared towards helping start-ups get the tools they need to become successful and active in the global arena. Some of the topics and activities will include:
· International Investor Forum
· Launch of Plug and Play - International Passport
· Networking Events

PLUG AND PLAY OVERVIEW:

Started in 2006, Plug and Play’s mission is to accelerate the success of start-ups by leveraging a strong network of mentors and advisors. Companies at Plug and Play have access to:

Seed funding from top tier Venture Capitalist firms
Corporate partnerships with Sun Microsystems, Microsoft, Lenovo, Orrick
Experienced mentors and advisors to sit on company boards
Dedicated recruitment team to help start-ups source for talent
Full service and flexible office facilities in three campuses located in the San Francisco Bay area
Event and conference facilities
Full data-center facilities with on-site IT services
Through partnerships with top tier Venture Capitalists and Plug and Play parent company, Amidzad Partners, they have helped start-ups raise over US$600 million in funding and create over US$2 billion in value.

We strongly believe that this event provides excellent partnership value to technology incubators, company members and clients.

Please let us know at your earliest convenience of your interest in this activity. The Consulate General would be able to provide financial support to selected Canadian start-up companies attending this workshop.

Official Website: http://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/pact/index.php