OPTEL's vision for a better world through intelligent supply chains is officially recognized

QUEBEC CITY, Feb. 15, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - OPTEL GROUP is pleased to announce that the AI-Powered Supply Chain Consortium it is part of was named one of the five official winners of the Innovation Supercluster Initiative led by the Government of Canada. OPTEL's traceability technologies and vision are an integral part of the consortium project as it is this combination that will enable the intelligent supply chains required to create a sustainable economy.

As the lead applicant of this consortium, OPTEL is very proud to be among the winners, as those selected are considered to have the highest potential to boost the economy and become the greatest growth drivers.
"I am very excited about this win because intelligent supply chains lead to economic growth, as well as sustainability. The fact that my vision is shared and officially recognized by the government means we're definitely on the right track, from a business perspective and from a societal perspective," states Louis Roy, President of OPTEL GROUP.  "This project is an excellent stepping stone for our overall mission─now we can really start changing the world!" adds Roy.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPLY CHAINS AND OPTEL'S VITAL ROLE
OPTEL plays a central role in the consortium, as its traceability technologies are the key to enabling intelligent supply chains. This is extremely important because current supply chains are not very connected, which means there is very little visibility over the entire process, leading to an enormous amount of waste in every industry and at each step. Since supply chains affect every business, the potential for significant impact is huge.

Through product tracking, data acquisition and connectivity, OPTEL's technologies provide the much-needed visibility and actionable data required to ensure product safety, reduce waste, cut distribution costs, increase productivity, and protect the environment. All this in turn contributes to substantial economic growth that is sustainable, ethical and environmentally friendly.

THE SUPERCLUSTER INITIATIVE
The goal of the federal initiative is to strengthen Canada's most promising clusters and accelerate economic growth in highly innovative industries, while fostering technological leadership, creating jobs and positioning Canadian firms for global leadership. Combined, winning superclusters will be supported through federal funding of $950 million, but will also be investing heavily in their project, as amounts granted must be matched by the industry consortia.

THE CONSORTIUM
The AI-Powered Supply Chain Consortium, also known as SCALE.AI, is an industry-led consortium that will shape a new end-to-end supply chain platform, bolster Canada's leadership in artificial intelligence (AI), and accelerate industry adoption of enabling technologies through collaborative and incremental projects. The consortium will cover a wide scope, touching on large sectors such as consumer goods and retail, industrial goods and manufacturing, infrastructure and construction. Close to 120 industrial partners, enabling organizations and world class research institutions have joined forces to create this Canadian industry-led innovation consortium. Together, partners have already committed $700 million in support of this ground-breaking initiative.

About OPTEL GROUP
Now a Certified B Corporation, OPTEL is a leading multinational provider of traceability systems, and its mission is to use its innovative technologies to create a better world. The company's renowned solutions ensure the quality of consumer health products and help stop counterfeiting of pharmaceuticals and medical devices throughout the world. OPTEL is also adapting its technologies to create efficiencies in various other sectors ─ from health-related industries to smart manufacturing and more, all can benefit from global traceability. OPTEL's expertise will allow diverse industries to measure, inspect, control and track a variety of elements to improve quality and make better use of resources. For more information, visit www.optelgroup.com.

SOURCE Optel Group

Erica Boisvert, Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, OPTEL GROUP, Tel.: [phone], ext.6431, Cell.: 418 456-2704, [email protected]