In the latest episode of What the Tech, we sat down with Steven Vi, Lead Solutions Engineer at VizworX Inc., a Calgary-based custom software development company that’s transforming how businesses leverage cutting-edge technologies like AR, VR, AI, IoT, and geospatial data mapping to solve complex challenges.

Steven’s journey from heavy R&D work at the University of Calgary to leading cross-functional teams at VizworX offers a fascinating glimpse into how academic research translates into practical business applications. His unique position as a “technical bridge” between technology and business problems provides invaluable insights for anyone working in innovation-driven industries.

The Evolution from R&D to Applied Solutions

Steven’s background highlights an important truth about innovation: the best solutions come from understanding both the theoretical foundations and the practical applications. As he explains, his time in R&D at the University of Calgary gave him deep technical expertise, but his evolution at VizworX taught him something equally crucial: It’s not just about building, it’s about understanding what you’re building and why.

“It’s been this kind of evolution of getting my hands wet, sitting down and writing code to, okay, what am I building and how does that solve [problems]? That’s where I’m at today, really part of that technical bridge.”

This perspective is particularly relevant for companies pursuing R&D tax credits. The Canadian SR&ED program recognizes three pillars: basic research, applied research, and experimental development. Understanding how these categories work together (rather than competing with each other) is essential for maximizing innovation incentives.

Breaking Down the Basic vs. Applied Research Divide

One of the most valuable discussions in the episode centers on the relationship between basic and applied research. Steven points out that while university research focuses on understanding core fundamentals without the “cloud” of immediate business applications, the ultimate goal is always impact.

The key insight? Research from 20 years ago often becomes today’s breakthrough application. As Steven notes, timing and market readiness play crucial roles in when academic research transitions to mainstream business adoption.

For companies working on SR&ED claims, this highlights the importance of conducting thorough literature reviews and understanding the foundational research before diving into experimental development. The CRA looks for this baseline understanding when evaluating the “technological uncertainty” requirement for SR&ED eligibility.

What Makes VizworX’s Approach Unique

VizworX specializes in providing custom software solutions that tackle complex data challenges through advanced visualization technologies. Their work spans:

  • Custom AR/VR solutions for distributed command centers
  • Geospatial data mapping and 3D visualization
  • IoT integration and biometric evaluation systems
  • Emergency response planning tools

One standout example Steven discusses is their Virtual Operations Environment: A portable VR-based command center that allows distributed teams to collaborate on 3D data in real-time, whether planning emergency responses or coordinating field operations.

The Power of 3D Data Visualization

As Steven explains, VR isn’t just about “screens on your head”—it’s about creating natural 3D environments that help teams better understand complex geospatial data and make better decisions. The technology enables collaboration across distributed teams while providing intuitive ways to interact with three-dimensional datasets that would be difficult to comprehend on traditional 2D screens.

“We find a lot of times we’re dealing with data that is 3D… You naturally are able to better understand the environment around you and the visualization and going back to what we do—understanding your data.”

Funding Innovation: The SR&ED Advantage

When it comes to funding their R&D efforts, VizworX takes a strategic, multi-pronged approach:

  • Custom client solutions provide baseline project funding
  • Strategic partnerships with companies that need technical expertise
  • Government grants and SR&ED tax credits to offset the inherent risk in R&D

Steven emphasizes that working with Boast has been “amazing” in helping VizworX navigate SR&ED claims and maximize their government funding. This partnership allows their team to stay focused on what they do best—solving complex technical problems—while ensuring they capture the full value of their R&D investments.

“We use these grants to figure out the next steps because part of this is there’s always a bit of risk… We work with clients who are happy to fund and they see the opportunity there, but working with those and ensuring that we are making the most of these government grants to help us move things along.”

Science Fiction Meets Business Reality

One of the most engaging moments in the conversation comes when discussing how science fiction inspires real innovation. Steven acknowledges that technologies like 3D holographic map tables (familiar from sci-fi movies) resonate because they solve genuine problems.

However, he’s quick to ground this enthusiasm in business reality: “When you deal with advanced technology, science fiction is not too far off. Of course, we always need to ground ourselves… It’s about the business problem, not the technology.”

This balance between vision and pragmatism is essential for successful R&D. The best innovations solve real problems with cutting-edge technology, rather than implementing technology for its own sake.

Key Takeaways for Innovation-Driven Companies

Whether you’re in software development, manufacturing, or any innovation-intensive industry, Steven’s insights offer valuable lessons:

  • Bridge the gap between technical expertise and business value: Understanding both sides leads to better solutions
  • Don’t skip the foundational research: Basic research from years ago might be the key to solving today’s problems
  • Stay problem-focused, not technology-focused: The coolest tech means nothing without a real problem to solve
  • Leverage every funding avenue available: SR&ED credits, grants, and strategic partnerships reduce R&D risk
  • Partner with experts in areas outside your core competency: Whether it’s tax credits or technical development, strategic partnerships accelerate growth

What’s Next for VizworX?

When asked about future plans, Steven kept things appropriately open-ended, which is a necessity when working on the cutting edge of technology. The team continues to build out their Virtual Operations Environment product while remaining nimble enough to tackle new challenges as they emerge.

As Steven puts it: “The world’s moving, technology is moving… I can’t give you the full what’s next because I know the moment I say something, something else is gonna come up. But for us, that’s the fun of it.”

That spirit of adaptability and excitement about solving new problems is what makes VizworX and companies like them so valuable to the innovation ecosystem.

Listen to the Full Episode

Want to hear more about Steven’s journey, the technical details of VizworX’s VR solutions, and insights on bridging academic research with business applications? Listen to the full episode of What the Tech from Boast.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • The evolution from university R&D to commercial software development
  • Understanding basic vs. applied research in the context of SR&ED
  • How VR and 3D visualization solve real business problems
  • Strategic approaches to funding innovation through grants and tax credits
  • The importance of collaboration between technical experts and business partners

About What the Tech from Boast

What the Tech features conversations with brilliant minds behind new and exciting tech initiatives, exploring what it takes to tackle technological uncertainty and change the world. Hosted by Paul Davenport, Boast’s resident tech journalist and Head of Content.

Learn More About R&D Tax Credits

If you’re working on innovation like VizworX and want to maximize your R&D funding, Boast can help. Our platform and expert team make it easy to claim Canadian SR&ED tax credits and US R&D tax credits, so you can focus on what you do best—driving innovation.