MaRS Discovery District Signs Comprehensive Services Agreement with IDC Canada

Toronto, October 9, 2006 — Ontario’s aspiring entrepreneurs in ICT and life sciences now have access to a global network of analysts through a new, comprehensive service agreement between IDC Canada and MaRS.

Through this agreement with IDC, the MaRS Venture Group obtains access to a significant body of published market research from over 850 IDC analysts around the world. MaRS clients will also be linked to technology and industry experts through jointly sponsored speaking engagements and one-on-one meetings with IDC analysts. In addition, IDC Canada is sponsoring key MaRS events and programs, including the popular Entrepreneurship 101 course and Peer to Peer series for senior executives of technology companies.

“Understanding the market potential of a given technology or business model is integral to the MaRS strategy of supporting growth companies. Access to the IDC resources through MaRS will benefit entrepreneurs and innovators, providing them with tools to strengthen their business plans. This arrangement will also expose IDC analysts and its global clients to the great work that is developing in Ontario,” said Dr. Ilse Treurnicht, CEO of the MaRS Discovery District.

Under this agreement, MaRS will also host IDC’s “Directions 2007” Canadian client conference analyzing the direction and future of the Canadian and Global technology industry. “Given the speed and imperative of innovation today, timely access to expert advice is critical to market success. The MaRS model is particularly dynamic in the way it complements its internal team of venture advisors through access to technology industry experts and educational events. At IDC Canada we are excited and proud to be a part of the MaRS mission to help create the next generation of great Canadian technology companies,” said Vito Mabrucco, Managing Director of IDC Canada.

About IDC Canada

IDC is the foremost global market intelligence and advisory firm in the information technology and telecommunications industries. IDC Canada forecasts and provides keen insight on Canadian, in addition to worldwide, IT markets and technology trends. Using a combination of rigorous primary research, in-depth analysis, and client interaction, IDC forecasts worldwide markets and trends to deliver dependable service and client advice. 
More than 850 analysts in 50 countries provide global research with local content. IDC’s customers comprise the world’s leading IT suppliers, IT organizations, eBusiness companies and the financial community. Additional information can be found at www.idc.ca. IDC is a division of IDG, the world’s leading IT media, research and exposition company.

Contact:
Stephen Symonds
Marketing Communications Coordinator
IDC Canada
(416) 673-2260
ssymonds@idccanada.com

About MaRS

MaRS Discovery District (www.marsdd.com) is a large scale, mission driven innovation centre located in Toronto and networked across Ontario, focused on building Canada’s next generation of technology companies. MaRS works closely with entrepreneurs to grow and scale their ventures into global market leaders in life sciences and health care, information, communications and digital media technologies, cleantech, advanced materials and engineering, as well as innovative social purpose business.

For more information, contact:
Linda Quattrin
Director Communications
MaRS Discovery District
416.673.8104
lquattrin@marsdd.com