Community Comes Together to Mark a New Chapter at Communitech

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 a space that has undergone transformation for 170 years.

Tom Olajide, a Communitech member and founder of MissionSync, expressed excitement about the new Hub, stating, “The energy here is amazing.” The updated space features bright shared areas, meeting rooms, flexible hot desks, a weight room, and even a half basketball court. The design promotes community interaction and idea-sharing, fostering a collaborative environment. Jennifer Appleby Vines, CEO of Georgette Packaging, highlighted this aspect, noting that the community-focused ambiance has enabled tenants to connect more frequently through various events and informal gatherings.

The partnership between Communitech and the City of Kitchener has been vital, with deep roots dating back to 1997. Since relocating to the Tannery in 2010, this collaboration has achieved remarkable milestones. Mayor Berry Vrbanovic praised the newly opened space and reflected on the long-standing partnership, emphasizing the vast potential for future endeavors, including ongoing support like the Digital Innovation Lab.

The Open House was structured as a casual drop-in event, featuring tours and introductions to the Communitech team, including the new CEO, Sheldon McCormick. Attendees were encouraged to explore the specially themed areas within the Hub. “The Pit,” a modern reimagining of the former Velocity Garage, offers open-concept workspaces and fitness options on the first floor. The second floor, dubbed “The Lab,” is dedicated to collaboration, complete with coworking spaces and a ping-pong table, while the third floor, “The Launch Pad,” provides private work areas for independent founders and teams.

Christine Frim from the Children and Youth Planning Table shared her enthusiasm, stating, “Communitech truly is at the heart of our community.” Her own experiences within the building echoed a sentiment of connection and opportunity, which was palpable during the Open House. The sense of camaraderie among attendees reflected Communitech's commitment to fostering a responsive community.

Supporting over 1,000 innovation companies, ranging from startups to established global entities, Communitech was designed with a founder-first approach. Shreyonshi Mishra, a founder of Saga and a Communitech Startup Bootcamp graduate, emphasized the importance of community in her entrepreneurial journey.

Overall, the Open House served as a celebration of collaboration, connection, and innovation, inviting Kitchener's residents to engage with community resources and envision the potential for growth. The transformed Hub not only represents an upgraded physical space but also signifies a renewed commitment to the innovators and entrepreneurs within Kitchener and beyond. If you are interested in exploring the new facilities, opportunities await, highlighting the essence of teamwork and entrepreneurial spirit that Communitech embodies.