Canada’s Innovation Breakthrough: Ottawa Responds as AccelerateOTT Makes a Strong Comeback

Summary of AccelerateOTT 2025

On May 29, 2025, Invest Ottawa announced the return of AccelerateOTT, a premier event for technology companies in Canada, scheduled for June 12. The theme for this year's event, "Legends in the Making," reflects the significance of innovation in Canada, particularly in Ottawa. Sonya Shorey, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa, emphasized that this is a critical moment for Canadian entrepreneurs, who are displaying resilience and vision in building a strong economy within the G7.

Hosted by Invest Ottawa, the economic development agency for Canada's capital, AccelerateOTT 2025 arrives at a pivotal time as leaders aim to enhance Canada's innovation capacity and support the growth of high-potential firms. The event will showcase notable founders of high-growth companies through keynotes and panels. This emphasis on local innovation comes in light of the BDC's report, "Venture Capital Landscape in Canada," which called for renewed attention on domestic investment for sustained innovation. As part of the event, local startups will compete in the Startup World Cup Ottawa Regional Competition, with the chance to win up to $50,000 in non-dilutive capital and advance to global finals in San Francisco.

Nick Quain, VP of Venture Development at Invest Ottawa, remarked on a significant transformation underway, positioning startups at its core. He highlighted that Ottawa's entrepreneurs, who have often remained less visible, are now emerging with capital-efficient strategies aimed at creating lasting impact. AccelerateOTT provides a platform for this revelation, showcasing a new era of entrepreneurship characterized by operational sustainability and export readiness, contrasting sharply with previous waves of startups that relied heavily on rapid capital influx.

Notably, the timing of AccelerateOTT coincides with the inaugural Ottawa Innovation Week. This strategic alignment aims to bolster local innovation, facilitate commercialization, and attract global investment during a time of economic uncertainty.

About AccelerateOTT and Invest Ottawa

Founded in 2013, AccelerateOTT has evolved into one of Canada’s significant entrepreneurial conferences. Following adaptations to virtual formats due to global changes, 2025 signifies a return to a large-scale, in-person event, emphasizing the urgency of fostering Canada's innovation economy through collaboration and leadership.

Invest Ottawa serves as the primary economic development agency in the region, focusing on knowledge-based industries to drive economic growth and job creation. The agency aims to enhance Ottawa’s stature as a globally recognized, inclusive, and innovative city. It provides various programs and services including venture development, mentorship for technology firms, and strategies to attract both domestic and foreign investment. Notably, it manages Bayview Yards, Ottawa’s innovation hub, and Area X.O, which specializes in next-gen smart mobility and connectivity technologies. Since its inception, Invest Ottawa has supported nearly 14,000 companies, contributing to the creation of over 14,700 jobs and successfully helping domestic firms raise $1.86 billion in capital while attracting $1.47 billion in investments.

For more information, stakeholders are invited to access media contacts at Invest Ottawa or visit their website for additional resources and updates on the event.