Oshawa, ON – June 20, 2025 — The Spark Commercialization and Innovation Centre has announced the appointment of Martin Yuill as its new Executive Director, effective July 1, 2025. With over twenty years of experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic…
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 fintech landscape in Canada and globally has experienced remarkable growth and investment recently, as highlighted in KPMG’s Pulse of Fintech Report 2024, which noted a record US$9.5 billion invested across 121 deals in 2024, despite a decline in deal…
Xatoms Secures $3 Million in Pre-Seed Funding to Launch Quantum Chemistry Water Purification Pilot Projects
- 21 June 2025
- by TechAlliance
Toronto-based startup Xatoms has developed an innovative method to purify contaminated water using just sunlight and a photocatalytic powder. This process leverages advancements in quantum chemistry and artificial intelligence (AI) to discover effective photocatalysts—substances that utilize light to facilitate chemical…
Kitchener’s Fairly AI Acquires Swedish Startup Anch.AI to Support Companies in Developing Regulation-Compliant AI
- 20 June 2025
- by Communitech
AI technology is rapidly becoming ubiquitous, prompting calls for responsible practices in its adoption. Two companies, Fairly AI and Sweden’s anch.AI, have merged to form Asenion, aiming to tackle crucial issues surrounding AI—fairness, transparency, and safety. Asenion is designed to…
On a vibrant afternoon in downtown Kitchener, Communitech hosted a community Open House to unveil its newly refreshed Hub located within the historic Tannery building. This event marked not just the arrival of summer, but also a significant evolution of…
Trackunit Announces Completion of Investment from Goldman Sachs Alternatives and Reinvestment by Hg
- 20 June 2025
- by TechAlliance
Trackunit Secures Investment from Goldman Sachs Alternatives and Hg On June 16, 2025, Trackunit, a leader in software and IoT solutions for the construction sector, announced the successful closure of its investment from Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives. This…
Altitude Accelerator Unveils New Investor Fund and Honors Award Recipients at Founders and Funders Event
- 20 June 2025
- by Altitude Accelerator
Altitude Accelerator Announces Stoked Bio as the Winner of the First Look Competition Altitude Accelerator proudly announces that Stoked Bio, led by CEO Jeff Skinner, has emerged as the winner of the First Look Pitch Competition. Over 50 startups applied…
Two London Tech Startups Secure $500,000 Each in Provincial Funding
- 20 June 2025
- by TechAlliance
Two London-based startups have each secured $500,000 from the Ontario government to advance their innovative technologies. The first recipient is a software company creating solutions that have drawn significant interest from the U.S. military, particularly from marines and special forces.…
The Silent Pandemic: The Consequences of Antibiotic Misuse
- 20 June 2025
- by MaRS Discovery District
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing global health crisis that leads to approximately 1.3 million deaths annually, a figure projected to rise to 1.9 million by 2050. It poses a significant risk to a century of medical advances, making what…
Sensible Vascular Takes Audience Favorite Award at Communitech Startup Bootcamp Showcase
- 19 June 2025
- by Communitech
At the recent Communitech Startup Bootcamp Founder Showcase, Sensible Vascular, a startup co-founded by medtech veterans Kevin Macwan and Purvish Soni, won a $2,000 audience prize for their innovative thrombectomy device designed to more effectively and safely remove brain clots.…
Inside the Warframe Studios: Developing a New Fantasy Game
- 19 June 2025
- by TechAlliance
Digital Extremes, a London-based video game developer known for its hit sci-fi shooter Warframe, is set to introduce a new title called Soulframe. This game marks a significant shift from the high-paced universe of Warframe, as it immerses players in…
Dispatches from the Frontlines: A Month Across Three Continents
- 19 June 2025
- by VentureLAB
My recent month-long journey spanning three continents—Marrakech for GITEX Africa, Singapore for GITEX Asia, and Jamaica for CEI—delivered remarkable insights into the global tech innovation landscape. Covering 15 flights between April 14 and May 10, this odyssey revealed a fundamental…
Cognitive Systems Transforms a Founder’s Caregiving Experience into a Global Technology Solution
- 18 June 2025
- by Communitech
When Taj Manku's parents relocated to Ontario in their 60s, they were enjoying their independence, but a couple of medical emergencies shifted everything. Manku, the co-founder and CEO of Cognitive Systems, found himself balancing medical appointments and family duties while…
AI Isn’t a Cure-All for Drug Discovery—At Least Not Yet
- 18 June 2025
- by MaRS Discovery District
At MaRS Impact Health 2025, industry leaders discussed the evolving landscape of AI life science startups, particularly their shift towards developing proprietary drug programs. This pivot reflects a broader trend within the industry, as startups harness artificial intelligence to enhance…
The IP Checklist for AI Systems Developers – Part 3: Features and Functionalities of AI Solutions
- 18 June 2025
- by VentureLAB
Building an AI system extends beyond merely developing algorithms, code, and data; it encompasses a range of responsibilities. One critical aspect is ensuring that no part of the system is developed using stolen data or without permission. Developers must also…
Canadians and Event Organizers Prefer Local Startups Over U.S. Tech Firms
- 16 June 2025
- by Communitech
As national pride swells across Canada, event organizers are reevaluating their ticket sales platforms, moving away from traditional U.S.-based services that often fail to accommodate the unique needs of Canadian events. This sentiment is echoed by Owen Stafford, co-founder of…
Trexo Visits the Zoo
- 16 June 2025
- by MaRS Discovery District
Summary: Trexo Goes to the Zoo The post "Trexo Goes to the Zoo" from MaRS Discovery District details an engaging outing where Trexo Robotics, a company focused on developing robotic technologies for children with mobility challenges, takes a group of…
13171229 B.C. Ltd. and Launchit Solutions Inc. Announce Business Combination Agreement and Concurrent Financing Initiative
- 16 June 2025
- by Innovation Factory
Summary of Business Combination Announcement On June 12, 2025, 1317229 B.C. Ltd. (referred to as "131"), along with Launchit Solutions Inc. ("Launchit") and 1001240330 Ontario Inc. ("Subco"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of 131, signed a Business Combination Agreement for the acquisition…
Overview of ventureLAB's Hardware Catalyst Lab and Keysight E5080B Vector Network Analyzer At ventureLAB’s Hardware Catalyst Lab, precision is paramount for fostering hardware innovation and product development. A critical tool in this environment is the Keysight E5080B Vector Network Analyzer…
What Strategies Could Increase Cancer Screening Participation?
- 13 June 2025
- by MaRS Discovery District
Early cancer detection significantly improves patient outcomes, yet screening access remains problematic, especially in rural and remote areas. Late-stage cervical cancer presents severe health challenges, with survival rates under 20% for those diagnosed at this stage. Conversely, early detection raises…
The PORCH Potluck held at Communitech in Kitchener brought together over 85 immigrant entrepreneurs, illustrating the importance of community in navigating the challenges of starting a business in a new country. Attendees enjoyed a diverse spread of homemade dishes, such…
A Significant Achievement for Invest Ottawa and Trellis: First Client Company to Progress Through the IO Venture Path
- 13 June 2025
- by Invest Ottawa
June 13, 2025 – Ottawa, ON – Invest Ottawa (IO) proudly announces that Trellis has become the first client company to successfully navigate the IO Venture Path program, graduating from the IO Accelerator and advancing to IO ScaleUp. Co-founded in…
Certainly! Here’s a 500-word summary about the impact of Meta's new policy on Canadian news and the regional tech and innovation landscape. --- In light of Meta’s recent policy changes that restrict Canadian news outlets from sharing their content on…
Back with a Bang: AccelerateOTT 2025 Makes a Significant Impact—Now Sold Out!
- 12 June 2025
- by Invest Ottawa
Summary of AccelerateOTT 2025 Conference On June 12, 2025, the AccelerateOTT conference took place in Ottawa, marking a significant milestone in Canada's entrepreneurial landscape. Attracting over 580 participants, this year’s event underscored the flourishing entrepreneurial spirit across the nation, bringing…
Picsume Secures Major Funding Boost to Propel Innovation in Recruitment Technology
- 11 June 2025
- by WEtechAlliance
Please provide the content you'd like summarized, and I'll help you condense it to 500 words. Original Article on WEtechAlliance
The IP Checklist for AI System Builders – Part 2: Data Creation and Storage
- 11 June 2025
- by VentureLAB
Building an AI System: Key Considerations Developing an AI system encompasses more than just algorithms and code; it includes ethical responsibilities to ensure the system is created using data that is legally acquired, is not derived from stolen sources, and…
Navigating Tariff Turbulence: Strategic Sales and Marketing in a Volatile Environment
- 11 June 2025
- by Boundless Accelerator
Adapting to Uncertainty: Strategies for Canadian SMEs in 2025 In an unpredictable economic landscape, Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face significant challenges exacerbated by U.S. tariff threats and global supply chain disruptions. Rather than retreating, resilient SMEs are embracing…
Each year, WEtechAlliance assembles a dynamic group of Growth Coaches—specialists dedicated to assisting founders and clients in navigating challenges, especially during difficult periods. These coaches serve as the go-to experts, diving deep into specific problems to provide valuable, experience-based…
Scispot Partners with CAN Health Network to Enhance Diagnostic Data Reporting and Promote Timely, Accurate Care
- 10 June 2025
- by Communitech
On June 2, 2025, the CAN Health Network announced the addition of Scispot, a prominent Canadian life sciences technology company, to its expanding group of innovators. Scispot has developed a no-code AI platform designed to revolutionize how health care and…
Introducing the Cleantech Investor Behind One of Canada’s Largest and Most Dynamic Climate Funds
- 10 June 2025
- by MaRS Discovery District
Susan Rohac, who recently retired from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) after over three decades, dedicated her last eight years to advancing climate technology investment. As the managing partner of BDC’s Climate Tech Fund, her mission was clear:…
TechAlliance Members Awarded Up to $500,000 in Provincial Funding
- 10 June 2025
- by TechAlliance
Ontario Government's Investment in Life Sciences Innovation On June 9, 2025, the Ontario government announced a significant investment of $6.5 million to support 13 companies through the Life Sciences Innovation Fund (LSIF), delivered by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI).…
The ventureLAB team, including Michelle Ng and myself, joined our local colleagues Garry Chan and Hilary Kilgour at Web Summit Vancouver, embracing the vibrant tech ecosystem of Canada’s largest western city. Attending this prominent conference with over 1,500 innovative individuals…
Donnager AI Secures $1.5 Million in Pre-Seed Funding to Revolutionize Cold Outreach Personalization for Startup Founders
- 10 June 2025
- by Communitech
Donnager AI officially launched in Toronto’s bustling AI startup ecosystem, aiming to tackle a significant challenge for founders: creating personalized cold outreach messages at scale. The company emerged from stealth mode with a $1.5 million pre-seed investment led by a…
Why Strategies Fail Without Execution: Closing the Gap for Growing SMEs
- 10 June 2025
- by Boundless Accelerator
In the realm of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), creating an effective strategy often appears to be a significant milestone. However, many SMEs find themselves grappling with the strategy-execution gap—a critical issue that stifles growth. George Staikos from Boundless Business…
Tech Connect: Runeborn Edition Event to Celebrate Launch of Windsor-Made Video Game
- 9 June 2025
- by WEtechAlliance
Tech Connect: Runeborn Edition Event Celebrates Local Gaming Innovation On July 8th, Windsor’s tech and gaming communities unite for the "Tech Connect Meetup: Runeborn Edition," a celebration dedicated to local innovation and the official launch of Runeborn, the first PC…
AI Systems Developer’s IP Checklist – Part 1: Leveraging External Data for Training and Building AI Solutions
- 9 June 2025
- by VentureLAB
Building an AI system involves more than just algorithms, code, and data; it also entails significant ethical and legal responsibilities. Ensuring that data is not stolen or used without permission is crucial, as improper use can lead to serious consequences,…
Pulse Check: Strategies for Strengthening Canada’s Health Tech Sector
- 9 June 2025
- by MaRS Discovery District
The post discusses the need for Canada to enhance its health tech sector through a comprehensive approach that includes investment, collaboration, and innovation. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the current landscape of health technology in Canada, which is seen…
LBMX, Digital Extremes, Western University, OpenText, and Trojan Technologies Recognized as Top Employers in Southwestern Ontario (2025)
- 9 June 2025
- by TechAlliance
Five companies deeply integrated into Southwestern Ontario's innovation ecosystem—LBMX, Digital Extremes, Western University, OpenText, and Trojan Technologies—have been recognized as Southwestern Ontario's Top Employers for 2025. This honor is part of the second annual editorial competition by Canada’s Top 100…
From Vision to Transformation: Apurva Jain Fuels Lumotive’s Global Growth and Drives Change in Canada
- 9 June 2025
- by VentureLAB
Apurva Jain's journey in optics began during his undergraduate studies at McGill University, spurred by a single transformative course that ignited his passion for light and optical technologies. Originally from India, he pursued a PhD in Florida, where he tackled…
Generative AI: A Challenge for Copyright Law
- 6 June 2025
- by Altitude Accelerator
OpenAI unveiled a controversial image-generation feature called GPT-4o on March 25, allowing users to transform various visuals into styles reminiscent of Studio Ghibli, the iconic Japanese animation studio. This has sparked backlash, particularly from fans and co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, who…