Emerging Local Tech Entrepreneurs Dazzle at Communitech Startup Bootcamp Showcase

The Communitech Startup Bootcamp Showcase, held on January 22, 2024, at the Communitech Hub, marked a celebratory evening filled with inspiration and exciting entrepreneurial pitches from 16 founders. Each founder had three minutes to present their innovative solutions to a receptive audience in an event that recognized the inaugural cohort of the Communitech Startup Bootcamp, an immersive six-week program designed to assist early-stage entrepreneurs in refining their business ideas.

Among the standout presentations, Dmitri Njila, co-founder of Citrus, introduced a platform focused on enhancing candidates’ technical interview skills. His pitch not only captivated the audience but also earned him the award for best pitch, which included a $2,000 prize and a $5,000 credit for product development services from FYELABS. Njila expressed gratitude for the structure and support the program provided, enabling entrepreneurs to navigate the challenges of startup life.

Angela Bruce, Startup Program Manager at Communitech, underscored the transformative journey of the participants, noting the significant progress they made from initial ideas to polished pitches. Angela Larraguibel, SVP of Founder Services at Communitech, emphasized the organization’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and market validation through tailored guidance and support.

The event served as a platform for these budding entrepreneurs to gain critical feedback and network with local tech leaders. Founders practiced their pitches in the weeks leading up to the showcase, preparing to present their business concepts effectively.

Notable innovators included:

• Michele Brannon-Hamilton with the Accessible Digital Design Academy (ADDA), employing AI to ensure digital content is accessible from the onset.
• Ayoola Gbade-Bello, whose platform Kintrace uses AI to help families craft cohesive narratives from fragments of their cultural history, a project inspired by the recent loss of his father.
• Maria Diaz’s Koostoo, a dating app designed to foster meaningful relationships by guiding users through all phases of dating rather than just emphasizing initial encounters.
• Alain Maisonneuve’s GoGedit Inc., which connects users needing to transport large items with available commercial vehicles, streamlining logistics.
• Brenda and Brooklyn Louis’ Loop platform, revolutionizing political campaign volunteer management by replacing traditional tools with streamlined technology.
• Leonardo Solorzano and Liliana Rodriguez, who are developing sustainable agricultural solutions through Telica Microbials.

Other presenters included innovators like Dmitri Njila of Citrus, aimed at helping job seekers excel in technical interviews; Nikolai Kouznetsov’s Makwab, focusing on cognitive skills development for all, including those with disabilities; and Saba Oji’s HolisticMindAI, which seeks to enhance mental health access via AI.

The evening concluded with heartfelt remarks from Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, who recognized all participants as winners and announced a significant investment in local innovation through the Make It Kitchener program. This initiative is designed to bolster the community’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, ensuring ongoing support for startups, especially underrepresented groups.

In summary, the Communitech Startup Bootcamp Showcase not only celebrated the achievements of aspiring entrepreneurs but also highlighted the vibrancy and collaborative spirit of Kitchener’s tech community, paving the way for future innovations and business success.