Local telematics software maker QNX Software Systems Ltd. took the top prize Wednesday at the ninth annual awards dinner hosted by the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation.

QNX took the OCRI Award, which recognizes a local company whose activities and accomplishments have "significantly enhanced the technological competitiveness and international profile of Ottawa."

QNX is helping turn science-fiction into reality by becoming a major supplier of core telematics operating systems for such automotive giants as Acura and Chrysler. Telematics provide drivers with everything from real-time navigation assistance to reminders about when vehicle maintenance is required.

The company was founded 23 years ago by CEO Dan Dodge and chairman Gordon Bell while they were still working as engineers at Bell Northern Research.

Seven awards in all were handed out. Nominations were submitted by OCRI members and screened by the Society of Canadian Office Automation Professionals (SCOAP).

"We are proud to honour these companies and individuals for the contribution they bring in enhancing Ottawa's reputation as one of the world's most competitive regions in which to do business," OCRI president and CEO Jeffrey Dale said in a statement.

Other winners were:

Ken Andrews of High Impact Facilitation won the Small Business Mentor of the Year award. The award is presented to a business leader "whose selfless coaching and mentoring has directly contributed to the success of local small business owners."

Ken Lawless, president and CEO of the Ottawa Life Sciences Council, won The Des Cunningham award, which recognizes efforts to forge business-to-education partnerships or facilitate government and industry interaction.

The Civic Entrepreneur of the Year award went to Eli Fathi, chairman and CEO of OrbitIQ. The award recognizes an "individual's excellence in facilitating community collaboration."

OCRI also handed out three Futures awards to area students.

Student Researcher of the Year was tie between Anthony Whitehead, a PhD student in the School of Computer Science at Carleton University, and Anestis Dounavis, a PhD student in Electrical Engineering at Carleton.

The Student Entrepreneur of the Year award went to Chan Chac, a fourth-year computer science student from Carleton and co-founder of Xentrix Software Solutions and Totient Labs.

Lastly, the High School IT Entrepreneur of the Year award went to Anthony Howard, a student from Sir Guy Carleton and founder of AJ-DJ Professional Mobile DJ Service.