The Brampton arts community is set to benefit from an exciting new initiative announced by Altitude Accelerator: “Business Basics for Artists.” This program, funded through the City of Brampton’s Advance Brampton Fund, focuses on equipping local artists with essential business…
News from across the Regional Innovation Centres
We have gathered news from all the regional innovation centres (RICs) in Ontario. Be sure to connect with your local RIC to be a part of your local ecosystem.
The April 2025 edition of the MaRS Monthly News Roundup highlights significant developments and events within the MaRS Discovery District and the broader innovation ecosystem. Key Highlights: Startup Achievements: Several startups within the MaRS network reported major milestones, including funding…
How Toronto’s Hydrostor is Charting Its Course to Commercialization Challenges
- 31 March 2025
- by MaRS Discovery District
Hydrostor, a Toronto-based company specializing in long-duration energy storage, is set to begin construction on its first commercial energy storage facilities, driven by a pressing need for renewable energy solutions following a series of power outages in Broken Hill, Australia.…
My Journey: How TerraFixing’s Co-Founder Found Her Voice
- 31 March 2025
- by MaRS Discovery District
The article "My First: How TerraFixing’s co-founder learned to speak up," published on MaRS Discovery District, highlights a transformative personal journey of one of the co-founders of TerraFixing, a company that integrates technology with environmental sustainability. The post emphasizes the…
SweetMonk: Transitioning from Corporate Careers to Entrepreneurial Success
- 30 March 2025
- by Boundless Accelerator
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Boundless Accelerator highlighted the entrepreneurial journey of Nicole Benes and Kelsey Gemmill, the founders of SweetMonk. Their transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship showcases resilience, innovation, and a purposeful drive to create a meaningful…
The Greatest Economic Opportunity of Our Time: Justine Hendricks on Why Authenticity is Your Key to Success in Agriculture
- 29 March 2025
- by Invest Ottawa
This featured story, part of the Power of Why Podcast in collaboration with Invest Ottawa and supported by BDC Capital’s Thrive Venture Fund, celebrates influential women leaders in Ottawa for International Women’s Month. Each year, five remarkable leaders are chosen…
Patent Prosecution 2: Understanding the Examination Process of Your Application
- 28 March 2025
- by VentureLAB
The second part of a three-part series on patent prosecution focuses on the Examination Report and Response cycle that occurs after filing a patent application. Following the foundational background provided in the first article, this installment elaborates on the processes…
Canadian Startup Disrupts Conventional Methods for Managing Menstrual Pain
- 28 March 2025
- by Communitech
Lynn Doughane and Nanette Sene, both electrical and mechanical engineers who met during their master's studies at Polytechnique Montréal, share a common frustration: debilitating menstrual pain. Doughane, a former professional athlete, was particularly disheartened by the common misconception that menstrual…
ventureLAB and the City of Markham at CIX Conference: Pioneering the Future of Semiconductor Innovation in Canada
- 28 March 2025
- by VentureLAB
At the Canadian Innovation Exchange (CIX) Conference, the spotlight was on the significant role of semiconductors in shaping the future of technology, particularly in AI, automation, and next-generation computing. Hosted by ventureLAB and the City of Markham, the panel discussion…
10 Global Tech Companies in Ottawa Hiring in April 2025
- 28 March 2025
- by Invest Ottawa
As April arrives in Ottawa, it brings a refreshing wave of energy and the promise of spring, encouraging locals to embrace the outdoors and marking a vibrant transition in the job market. The technology sector in Ottawa is experiencing significant…
Due to Meta's recent policy changes that inhibit Canadian news outlets from sharing their content on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, access to local news has become increasingly challenging. In response to this situation, we are curating a selection of…
Rapid Fire with Entrepreneur Hayden Smith of FeX Energy
- 27 March 2025
- by MaRS Discovery District
In the post titled "Entrepreneur Rapid Fire: Hayden Smith from FeX Energy," published by MaRS Discovery District, the spotlight is on Hayden Smith, the co-founder and CEO of FeX Energy, a company dedicated to advancing thermal energy storage technology. FeX…
WEtechAlliance has launched a new pilot program aimed at providing dedicated cyber security support to businesses, particularly those in emerging industries that require robust cyber security practices to build customer trust. This initiative is in collaboration with the University…
Innovation Factory Distributes $120,000 in Cash and Prizes at the 2025 Synapse Life Science Competition
- 27 March 2025
- by Innovation Factory
The 2025 Synapse Life Science Competition, hosted by Innovation Factory on March 26, showcased five promising life science startups competing for a total of $120,000 in cash and in-kind prizes. The event highlights Ontario's dedication to accelerating groundbreaking innovations through…
The March edition of the Ottawa Business Success Snapshots blog series highlights the progress of local companies, particularly focusing on Growcer and Chris’s Ice Cream. These businesses exemplify the innovative spirit thriving in Ottawa's entrepreneurial community. Growcer: Pioneering Sustainable Food…
Essential KPIs for SMEs to Monitor for Successful Demand Generation
- 27 March 2025
- by Boundless Accelerator
In today's competitive landscape, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must focus on effective demand generation to sustain growth. However, many entities struggle with understanding whether their efforts yield tangible results due to a lack of clear measurement frameworks. Tightly aligned…
Diesel Laptops Enhances Remote Vehicle Monitoring and Predictive AI Capabilities Through Acquisition of Preteckt
- 27 March 2025
- by Innovation Factory
On February 10, 2025, Diesel Laptops, a leading provider of diesel diagnostic tools and technician training, announced its acquisition of Preteckt, a company renowned for its advancements in Remote Vehicle Monitoring and Predictive AI technologies. This acquisition is seen as…
Three Tech Companies from Waterloo Region Chosen to Pilot Solutions with the City of Kitchener
- 27 March 2025
- by Communitech
This summer, the City of Kitchener is partnering with three tech startups from the Waterloo Region—ConeLabs, Real Life Robotics, and TextGenetic AI—as part of its Pitch Kitchener program. This initiative aims to leverage innovative technologies to enhance municipal services such…
Windsor Prepares for the 10th Annual FIRST Robotics Competition
- 26 March 2025
- by WEtechAlliance
FIRST Canada and Windsor-Essex FIRST Robotics are celebrating a significant milestone: the 10th anniversary of the Windsor-Essex Great Lakes Event. This event, which highlights the importance of STEM education, innovation, and workforce development in the region, will take place on…
Beyond Cosmetics: Denyse Nadon on Fostering Economic Sustainability and a Movement for Healing and Lasting Impact.
- 26 March 2025
- by Invest Ottawa
The content celebrates the powerful stories of women leaders in Ottawa, particularly focusing on Denyse Nadon, the Founder and CEO of Tribalure. This initiative is part of a special series created for International Women’s Month, highlighting influential women who significantly…
Introducing Nima: The MedTech Leader at ventureLAB Creating Canada’s One-Stop Shop for Medical Technologies
- 26 March 2025
- by VentureLAB
Nima Khadem Mohtaram is a significant force in advancing MedTech innovation in Canada as the Head of ventureLAB’s MedTech Initiative. His mission centers around accelerating the commercialization of medical devices and bridging the gap between innovative ideas and their real-world…
Smart Solutions: Carbonhound Empowers Companies to Manage Emissions Effectively
- 26 March 2025
- by MaRS Discovery District
At Carbonhound, a purpose-driven startup founded by Sanders Lazier in 2021, the team is dedicated to making greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting accessible and comprehensible for organizations. This initiative stems from the pressing need for transparent climate accountability, as Canadian…
From Kitchener to Stardom: The Journey of a Startup Thriving in the Creator Economy
- 26 March 2025
- by Communitech
Makeship, a tech startup founded in 2018 by Rakan Al-Shawaf and Wang (Kevin) Tao, has rapidly transformed from a small team in Kitchener, Ontario, to a thriving company with over 65 employees and a headquarters in Vancouver. Initially focusing on…
Key Takeaways from Stephany Lapierre’s Journey in Building a Multi-Million Dollar Supply Chain Business for Founders
- 25 March 2025
- by Communitech
On Tuesday morning, the Kitchener tech community gathered at Catalyst Commons for the latest Communitech Breakfast, celebrating International Women’s Month. The event highlighted the journey of Stephany Lapierre, CEO of TealBook, as she shared her entrepreneurial experiences. Lapierre grew up…
Protecting Canadian Innovation: Trade, Tariffs, and Intellectual Property
- 25 March 2025
- by Communitech
In response to rising global tensions and economic uncertainties, Canadian tech leaders are increasingly worried about the implications of evolving trade policies and tariffs on their operations. To address these concerns, Communitech organized a virtual Tariff Townhall on March 24,…
In this podcast episode, Jody Yvonne, an experienced communications specialist, discusses the intricacies of presenting to investors, particularly for startup founders. Having worked extensively with both emerging and established companies, she shares valuable insights into what makes a compelling pitch,…
Foundational Elements of Fundraising and Organizational Structure
- 24 March 2025
- by Altitude Accelerator
In this discussion, corporate and securities lawyer Mujir Muneeruddin, from Palette Valo, joins Hessie Jones to provide critical guidance on effective fundraising strategies for startup founders. They discuss the differences between debt and equity financing, investor expectations, and essential preparations…
The Landscape of Femtech in Canada: Overcoming Obstacles and Catalyzing Progress
- 24 March 2025
- by Innovation Factory
In a recent discussion with Rachel Bartholomew, founder of Femtech Canada and CEO of Hyivy Health, important insights were shared regarding the state of women's health innovation in Canada. Despite the significant growth of the global femtech industry, challenges persist…
Founders Unplugged: Guidance for Navigating the Early Days of Entrepreneurship
- 24 March 2025
- by Innovation Factory
Starting a business can be likened to an iceberg, where the visible successes, such as funding rounds and product launches, represent only a fraction of the behind-the-scenes struggles faced by entrepreneurs. Dr. Saumik Biswas, Co-founder of Tenomix, emphasizes the importance…
Quantum Companies at the Forefront of Safeguarding Critical Infrastructure Against Future Cyber Attacks
- 21 March 2025
- by Communitech
Two Ontario companies, Metropolitan Technologies and Quantum Bridge Technologies, are collaborating to enhance Canada’s critical infrastructure against potential cyberattacks, particularly those leveraging future quantum computing capabilities. With $1.2 million in support from the federally funded Digital Innovation Cluster (DIGITAL), the…
Startup Financial Planning: Your Complete Guide to Preparing for Angel Investment
- 21 March 2025
- by Altitude Accelerator
Preparing for angel investment is a critical step for startups looking to secure funding and grow. This guide outlines the essential components of financial planning pertinent to engaging with angel investors effectively. Understanding Angel Investors: Angel investors are individuals who…
The post "MaRS Impact Health 2025" introduces an initiative aimed at transforming healthcare through innovative solutions and partnerships. MaRS Discovery District, a hub for innovation in Toronto, is focusing on enhancing health and wellness by leveraging technology and interdisciplinary collaboration.…
Strategic Approaches to Effective Demand Generation Targeting
- 20 March 2025
- by Boundless Accelerator
In the competitive business environment of today, effective demand generation is crucial for driving growth. Companies must strategically target specific buyers, refine their messaging, and create structured marketing efforts that resonate with their audience. This requires moving away from generic…
Boundless Innovation: Pioneering the Future of Aerospace & Defence and High-Impact Leadership with France Hébert
- 20 March 2025
- by Invest Ottawa
The featured content celebrates notable women leaders in Ottawa, highlighting their contributions in light of International Women's Month 2024. Produced in collaboration with the Power of Why Podcast and Invest Ottawa, with support from BDC Capital's Thrive Venture Fund, this…
CELLECT Laboratories and NovaSonix Healthcare Win $37.5K at TechAlliance’s Polaris Pitch Competition
- 20 March 2025
- by TechAlliance
On March 19, 2025, the TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario held its inaugural Polaris Pitch Competition at the London Music Hall, recognizing innovative ideas from early-stage technology founders. The competition concluded with two winners: CELLECT Laboratories and NovaSonix Healthcare Inc., who…
York University and ventureLAB Enhance Collaboration with Updated Memorandum of Understanding
- 20 March 2025
- by VentureLAB
On March 18, 2025, York University and ventureLAB solidified their ongoing partnership through a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at enhancing collaboration in talent development, research, and innovation driven by industry needs. This renewed commitment underscores both entities' goal…
Missed Opportunity: Is It Possible to Eliminate Plastic from Healthcare Design?
- 20 March 2025
- by MaRS Discovery District
Modern medicine's heavy reliance on plastic has brought significant advancements in patient care, but it's also created a pressing health crisis. Approximately a third of healthcare waste consists of plastics, contributing to around 87,000 tons of waste annually in Canada…
CEO Dinner Unveils New Trade Playbook as Tech Leaders Confront Tariffs
- 20 March 2025
- by Communitech
The phrase "When the U.S. sneezes, Canada catches a cold" has gained renewed urgency as Canada navigates the complex landscape of economic dependency on its southern neighbor. This sentiment was echoed by Dan Herman, a prominent keynote speaker at a…
Patent Prosecution 1: When Will My Application Be Reviewed?
- 20 March 2025
- by VentureLAB
The first part of a three-part series delves into the prosecution process of patent applications, focusing on timelines and procedural steps that arise before a patent is either granted or rejected. This introductory article sets the stage for understanding the…
The Power of Community-Driven Innovations in MedTech
- 20 March 2025
- by TechAlliance
Carla du Toit, a trained Kinesiologist, embarked on her graduate studies at Western University, where she unexpectedly found herself on an entrepreneurial journey that would lead to her becoming the CEO of a MedTech company, NovaSonix. Initially seeking a lab…