Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Toronto-based HVR Technologies has developed a platform that brings social communication to web surfing. Using their technology, users can leave notes overlaid on any website directly in the browser window. They can also share notes, create groups, share and reply to comments, follow other users and check their social feeds of shared items. HVR's technology allows users to tag webpages or their elements (text, photos, video, etc.), however these tags often become obsolete when content is moved from one web location to another. The success of the HVR platform depends on significant enrolment and retention of users - obsolete tags are disruptive to user experience and satisfaction, so resolving this problem is important to HVR's success.*HVR is partnering with Seneca to develop a method for dynamic content tagging to address this problem. The main technical challenge lies in finding an effective way for tracking the changes to the web content. Upon project completion, HVR will significantly expand the functionality and robustness of their platform, accelerating its market adoption. It will allow HVR to establish itself as a market leader providing social communication solutions for web browsing. This first-to-market position will create a significant advantage, enabling HVR to engage a broad range of business partners in the area of web marketing, to generate revenue. Currently, this market in Canada is dominated by big, US companies. Successful market adoption of the HVR platform will help in establishing a Canadian presence in this industry. The technology has no inherent geographic limits and has the potential of being successful globally resulting in new, high paying jobs, helping to keep Canadian talent in Canada.*