Canadian Photonics Industry Shines a Ray of Light Amid Economic Gloom With $4.5 Billion in Revenue, 20,000 Jobs, 85% Exports

SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwire - January 26, 2009) - PHOTONICS WEST -- The Canadians are gathering at Photonics West 2009 in San Jose, CA with OCRI representatives to build on what a new industry report says is a shining success. In its survey entitled "Illuminating a World of Opportunity," the Canadian Photonics Consortium states Canada has 370 photonics companies employing some 20,000 people who collectively generate close to $4.5 billion annually, with approximately 85% from exports including 50% to the U.S.

Photonics West is the world's premier photonics and laser technical event, and 41 Canadian companies are exhibiting products there along with representatives from Ottawa-based Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre (CPFC). CPFC is a $150 million technology commercialization partnership between the National Research Council Canada (NRC) and the Province of Ontario located at the NRC's Ottawa campus.

"The CPFC gave our company vital access to labs, equipment and expertise that a start-up photonics company could otherwise never afford," said Dr. Simon Fafard, Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Cyrium Technologies Inc. Founded in Ottawa in 2002, Cyrium closed a $15 million Series B round of funding that allows the company to continue developing high efficiency solar cells for the concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) industry.

CPFC has played a pivotal role in expanding Canada's optical technology base from telecommunications into promising new sectors including security, healthcare, energy and consumer electronic products. CPFC customers take advantage of a 40,000 sq. ft. industrial grade semiconductor foundry and testing labs to bring new product ideas to life.

"CPFC is an example of Canada investing early in technology infrastructure that is providing huge economic benefits," said Mike Darch, Executive Director, Global Marketing, OCRI, whose organization was instrumental in bringing the centre to Ottawa in 2002. "Companies from as far away as Silicon Valley have established operations in Canada to be close to CPFC's commercialization engine."

Note to media: Representatives from OCRI, CPFC and Ottawa photonics companies will be available for interviews in San Jose on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. at Scott's Seafood Grill & Bar, 185 Park Avenue, and between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the Photonics West Canadian Pavilion, booth #1700.

About OCRI:

Leading the way for Ottawa, OCRI is the city's economic development agency. OCRI is the rallying point to bring business, education, research and talent together to create the winning economic conditions that allow Ottawa's knowledge-based companies to thrive locally and compete globally. At OCRI we promote sustainable economic development to maintain our high quality of life. For more information on OCRI visit our website at www.ocri.ca and for more information on the Ottawa Region please visit www.ottawaregion.com.

Contact Information: Contacts: Blair Patacairk Senior Consultant, Investment Global Marketing OCRI Cellular: +1 613-889-8192 Jennifer James Communications Strategist market2world communications inc. Office: +1 613-256-3939