I get asked all the time, so where did IGLOO come from? Our history is distinctly different than other Web 2.0 companies. IGLOO was conceptualized in 2004 when a group of local innovators in the Waterloo Region met to discuss creating a free online network to facilitate knowledge exchange between individuals and organizations studying, working or advising on global issues. It was envisioned as a single place to unite diverse minds from around the world for a common purpose — global change. A place where contribution, collaboration and knowledge sharing are valued most and where collective wisdom is used to create innovative ideas and solutions. All for the sole purpose of improving the conditions of the world we live in — now and for future generations to come.

A very lofty goal. But the next obvious questions was “How can this be built?”

In 2005, CIGI a not for profit research centre focused on international issues and founded by Jim Balsillie (Co-CEO of RIM) launched IGLOO.org, supported by almost $7 million in matched funding from the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation. IGLOO was the first online network to bring together the world's greatest minds in one virtual location to communicate, collaborate and find solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our planet.

Within the network today, members are using web 2.0 tools and resources to debate topical issues, find and share documents, exchange best practices, collaborate on research initiatives, coordinate "on the ground" campaigns, and educate youth on global issues. The information and knowledge in the network continues to grow at a rapid rate. Currently, members can access more than 20,000 documents, participate in 300 research communities, search a Google™-like index of over 3.1 million web pages, view 21 distinct country profiles and read news headlines from 200+ sources and engage in numerous public and expert blogs.

The funding partnership with the Ministry of Research and Innovation stipulated three primary goals:

1. To create a world class research network focused on global issues;
2. To develop a world class technology platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing and networking and
3. To commercial the technology to ensure sustainability and making it more widely available on the open market.

That is where IGLOO Inc. comes in – commercializing the technology platform and making it available to organizations, institutions and corporations around the world.