March 2025 Highlights – Communitech Roundup

The Dream Launch Startup Weekend, held on March 1 and 2 in Kitchener, brought together over 50 aspiring entrepreneurs who formed 14 teams to develop their business ideas. With expert coaching and workshops focusing on pitching and problem-solving, participants took significant strides in fast-tracking their ventures. The standout team, Vali Tech, created an innovative anti-theft solution that automatically deflates a car’s tires during unauthorized use. They earned a $1,000 cash prize from the City of Kitchener, marketing support, and a spot in the Communitech Startup Bootcamp. Founder Taiwo Oyewole emphasized the importance of taking actionable steps to initiate business ideas.

Derek Jouppi’s ByCanada.Tech platform aims to retain Canadian dollars within the local economy by connecting consumers with homegrown tech companies. The idea emerged from a poker game observation regarding San Francisco's economic ecosystem, leading to a directory that offers Canadian alternatives to foreign digital services. ByCanada.Tech quickly amassed over 10,000 listings, catering to needs such as suggesting "FreshBooks" instead of "QuickBooks."

At the Women In Communications & Technology International Women’s Day event, Julie Ellis, co-founder of Mabel’s Labels, inspired attendees to pursue bigger aspirations through her framework, "Big Gorgeous Goals," encouraging a community-building approach and commitment to long-term objectives.

During the annual CEO dinner on March 18, 2025, Dan Herman addressed Canadian tech leaders about the evolving global trade landscape, urging them to explore markets beyond the U.S. Herman’s insights emphasized the importance of adaptability, especially in the Waterloo Region’s tech community, known for its resilience.

In a groundbreaking initiative, Ontario companies Metropolitan Technologies and Quantum Bridge Technologies are collaborating to create a quantum-safe cybersecurity solution, bolstered by a $1.2 million investment from Canada’s Digital Innovation Cluster. Co-founders Daly Brown and Mattia Montagna stressed the essential nature of protecting data with future-proof cryptography.

Stephany Lapierre, founder of TealBook, shared insights from her entrepreneurial journey at a Communitech Breakfast event. Beginning her career at 18, Lapierre faced funding challenges but ultimately secured $73 million for her AI-driven supply chain software, which streamlines procurement processes. She stressed the significance of mental health for founders amid their entrepreneurial journeys.

Makeship, a startup launched in 2018 with a mere $8,000, has transformed into a leading figure in the creator economy by enabling content creators to fund plush toy creations through crowdfunding. Chief Operating Officer Landon Brett revealed their remarkable growth to eight-figure profits within six years, highlighting their commitment to supporting creators.

Additionally, three tech companies from the Waterloo Region—ConeLabs, Real Life Robotics, and TextGenetic AI—have been selected for the Pitch Kitchener program to pilot solutions addressing urban challenges, receiving $100,000 in funding to do so.

Juno Technologies, co-founded by engineers Lynn Doughane and Nanette Sene, seeks to redefine menstrual pain management with a wearable device that uses microelectronic currents to alleviate discomfort. Their innovative approach saw promising pilot study results and is undergoing regulatory approval.

Overall, the events and initiatives showcased the vibrancy and innovative spirit of the Kitchener tech community, highlighting successful entrepreneurship and collaboration with local municipalities to tackle various challenges.