Innovation Factory Appoints New Director of Strategic Partnerships and Growth

On February 4, 2025, Innovation Factory announced the appointment of Stephanie Holko as the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Growth. This strategic hire exemplifies Innovation Factory's ongoing growth and reaffirmation of its commitment to building a vibrant innovation ecosystem in the Hamilton-Halton region of Ontario.

Innovation Factory is instrumental in the region's economy, representing 10% of Ontario's GDP and supporting over 30,000 businesses. It acts as a bridge, connecting innovators to essential resources, networks, and stakeholders. By fostering collaboration among businesses, investors, institutions, and government entities, Innovation Factory plays a pivotal role in helping start-ups and scaling companies bring their innovative solutions to market, thereby driving economic development in the area.

In her new role, Holko will be tasked with developing strategic partnerships, driving new program offerings, and strengthening connections between various ecosystem players, including funders, corporate allies, and start-ups. She aims to enhance collaborative efforts and create new growth opportunities within the innovation ecosystem.

David Carter, CEO of Innovation Factory, expressed confidence in Holko’s abilities, noting her expertise, established connections, and passion for innovation. He believes her efforts will enhance the value provided to clients and stakeholders, ensuring that the Hamilton-Halton innovation ecosystem sets a benchmark for collaboration and growth.

Holko echoed this sentiment, highlighting the critical role that Innovation Factory plays in connecting ideas, people, and resources to generate meaningful impact. She expressed her enthusiasm for contributing to the organization's vision of fostering a vibrant hub that supports start-ups and scaling companies.

As a recognized business accelerator, Innovation Factory engages with over 850 clients annually, assisting businesses across all stages of the entrepreneurial journey. This support includes refining business models, overcoming commercialization challenges, and scaling operations internationally. Innovation Factory’s clients have collectively generated over $730 million in revenues, attracted more than $1.2 billion in investments, and created over 6,800 jobs in the region.

Innovation Factory has served as the innovation hub for the Hamilton-Halton area since its inception in 2010. The organization operates as a not-for-profit entity, fostering technology innovation across the Brant, Halton, Hamilton, and Norfolk regions. It provides a range of services, including business training, mentorship, and strategic connections aimed at enhancing market adoption, maximizing intellectual property usage, and boosting revenues, investment, and employment figures. Additionally, innovators can access sector-specific resources such as smart transportation test environments and a formal life science and health innovation ecosystem.

Holko’s appointment is seen as a significant move forward for Innovation Factory, as it aims to enhance partnerships and drive economic impact in Ontario. The infusion of her expertise is expected to stimulate further growth and collaboration within the region’s innovation landscape, reinforcing Innovation Factory's dedication to supporting entrepreneurs and fostering economic development across the Hamilton-Halton region.