Founded in 2001, Hotrocket is an independent production company focused on original cross-platform entertainment properties. Hotrocket is held in partnership between Ken Bautista and Jason Suriano. Hotrocket has won several awards based on its flagship kids property, CIE (Central Institute for Exploration), including Best in Show (2008 Fusion Digital Media Venture Forum, Vancouver), Pitch It! Winner (KidScreen 2007, NYC), Marketing Award of Distinction (2008 Alberta Business Awards), TELUS Innovation Fund Award (2006) and Most Promising Company (2006 Canadian New Media Awards). In 2008, Hotrocket's interactive services division was acquired by RED The Agency, one of the fastest growing independent marketing communications agencies in Western Canada.