Pine smartwatch awaiting FCC approval, AisleLabs’ big data for DOOH displays

Continuing last week’s coverage of wearable technology in Canada, Montreal’s Neptune announced it’s waiting on FCC approval before shipping its sleek new Android-based smartwatch, called Pine. The company has also partnered with neighbour Pearl Studio to work on a series of new wearable computing products. If you’re still not sold on the future of wearables, keep in mind that  Pebble has sold 400,000 units since January 2013.

The American-made, Vancouver-based Grow Conference is ascending Whistler’s Pacific ranges this year. Discussions will center around the future of connected devices and the Internet of Things, along with the conference’s perennial goal of bringing together people who are “passionate about identifying problems worth solving.”

Canada’s Minister of State for Science and Technology, Greg Rickford, announced a $20 million business innovation access program for small- and medium-size-businesses. The program aims to provide $50,000 in vouchers to entice entrepreneurs to partner with universities, colleges, and research facilities that are actively conducting research, while at the same time giving students experience tackling real-world business problems.

Toronto’s AisleLabs, which uses big data analytics to understand shopper’s in-store activities, just closed a round of funding. The company gathers data using wifi signals and iBeacons, transmitting intelligence to marketers that can make offline retailers understand buying patterns with as much analytic sophistication as their online counterparts. The data could also help dramatically improve the effectiveness of DOOH displays.

Which reminds us: If you happen to be passing through the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, get your hands on MasterCard’s new DOOH initiative, which includes two enormous flex screens, an eight-panel video wall and a 65-inch touchscreen. The campaign, called “Priceless,” allows passersby to check out behind-the-scenes sports moments and buy sports memorabilia – even if they’re not going to a game.