October 23, 1996
(Industry, Trade and Technology)

Science and Technology Leadership Awards presented

The 1996 Science and Technology Leadership Awards were presented to OCEANS Ltd. and ZEDD Technologies Inc. Monday afternoon at a reception co-hosted by the department and the Newfoundland Alliance of Technical Industries (NATI). Held in conjunction with National Science and Technology Week, the awards recognize excellence in the categories of commercial achievement and innovation.

OCEANS Ltd. of St. John's picked up the 1996 Award for Innovation. Since incorporation in 1981, OCEANS Ltd. has grown from a very small company to its current staff complement of 20 employees. OCEANS has developed the OCEANS Marine Weather Forecasting System, making use of technology to assist in making improved weather forecasts. The export potential of this weather forecasting system is high, and is currently being used by Hibernia construction at the Bull Arm site and for transport of topsides from Korea, Italy, and the Atlantic Provinces.

ZEDD Technologies Inc. picked up the 1996 Award for Commercial Achievement. The company was established in 1992. In 1995, ZEDD was honoured as one of the top 25 up-and-coming technology companies in Canada in the Financial Post magazine. ZEDD's flagship product, the MED-NET(TM) CD ROM database for hospital technology decision making, has found an audience among some of the most recognized health care organizations in the world, including John Hopkins Hospital, the U.S. Military, the Alaska Area Native Health System and the Malaysian Department of Health.

Charles Furey, Minister of Industry, Trade and Technology, said both winners are small companies that have found niche markets and are representative of the economic future in Newfoundland and Labrador. "Both OCEANS Ltd. And ZEDD Technologies Inc. used innovative technology to propel them to their positions today. They have excelled by creating and embracing new technologies that have enabled them to compete and succeed in today's challenging economy. I commend their innovative spirit, determination and leadership."

National Science and Technology Week continues with events throughout the province until October 27.

Contact:

John Doody
Public Relations
(709) 729-0050