Calgary, AB – September 23, 2018, On September 18th, Umay CARE was named the winner of the Prairies stop of the Canadian Export Challenge Pitch Competition, which took place in Calgary last week. Umay CARE Co-Founder Dr. Sharmin Habib won $1,000 and a trip to Ottawa to pitch for the grand prize at Startup Canada Day on the Hill to CBC NextGen Dragon Nicole Verkindt and former Dragon, Brett Wilson, for the grand prize of $10,000 in the capital and up to $100,000 in resources and support.
Edmonton based company, Umay CARE is working to reset the effects that screen time has on eyes and overall health. Canadians spend on average 10 hours a day in front of a screen, which has important implications for health. Umay CARE combines thermal therapy and thermal meditation to restore the natural function of our eyes, reducing cases of dry eye and irritation.
“Participating in the Canadian Export Challenge was an excellent growth opportunity both personally and professionally,” said Sharmin Habib, Co-Founder of Umay CARE. “It’s nice to see Umay CARE stand out and be recognized by the startup community and we’re excited to represent Alberta and the Prairies in Ottawa.”
“Built by optometrists who saw the impact of screen time on health, wellness, and productivity, Umay CARE has the potential to become a global workplace standard,” said Victoria Lennox, CEO of Startup Canada. “This is the type of innovation and company that has the potential to scale and create opportunities in Edmonton and across Canada. We know that Dr. Habib and her Team will represent the Prairies with Pride in Ottawa in October.”
Presented by Startup Canada in partnership with UPS Canada®, Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, the Canadian Export Challenge in Calgary showcased and supported more than 150 borderless businesses to go global.
Dr. Habib is set to travel to Ottawa to represent Calgary’s global startups on October 18th, where she will have the opportunity to pitch to win the grand prize and title as Canada’s 2018 Global Entrepreneur, receiving a whole host of support and funds.
Follow the Canadian Export Challenge as it continues to tour across Canada stopping in Montréal on September 24th, Halifax on September 26th, ending in Vancouver on October 2nd. The winner of the grand prize will be announced October 18th in Ottawa.
For more information, to schedule interviews, and to secure your media pass at Day on the Hill, please contact:
Maddie Stiles
Media Relations, Startup Canada
613-295-4590
maddie.stiles@startupcan.ca
About Startup Canada
Startup Canada is the national rallying community and voice for Canada’s 2.3 million entrepreneurs. Since launching in 2012, Startup Canada has grown to represent more than 200,000 entrepreneurs and 50 grassroots communities from coast to coast to coast. Through digital programs and flagship events, Startup Canada is the network promoting, inspiring, educating, connecting and giving a voice to Canada’s entrepreneurs; supporting them to start, operate and scale businesses that build a better Canada for the world today and for future generations. For more information, visit www.startupcan.ca.
About UPS
UPS (NYSE: UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including transporting packages and freight; facilitating international trade, and deploying advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the web at ups.com and its corporate blog can be found at longitudes.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, follow @UPS_Canada on Twitter.
About Export Development Canada
Export Development Canada (EDC) helps Canadian companies of all sizes go, grow, and succeed in their international business. As a financial Crown corporation, EDC provides financing, insurance, bonding, trade knowledge, and matchmaking connections to help Canadian companies sell and invest abroad. EDC can also provide financial solutions to foreign buyers to facilitate and grow purchases from Canadian companies. For more information about how EDC can help your company, call us at 1-888-434-8508 or visit edc.ca.
About the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is Canada’s largest network of international business professionals – specialists with field access to global business opportunities to help Canadian companies succeed in markets spanning the globe. With over 120 years’ experience, the TCS is the go-to service for international business expertise and helps Canadian companies navigate the complexities of international markets with on-the-ground assistance available in over 160 cities worldwide. With a network of over 1,300 Trade Commissioners around the world, of which a large majority are locally engaged experts in their respective markets, the TCS also includes the Regional Business Network, which provides on-the-ground client service across Canada through 5 Regional Office hubs and Client Service Satellite offices co-located with partners in every province of Canada. By delivering tailored advice, the TCS helps Canadian businesses gain market insight, find new opportunities, connect with key contacts, and resolve business problems, so that they may make better, timelier decisions, propelling them to global growth. For more information, visit tradecommissioner.gc.ca.