Innovation Factory Honors Entrepreneurship and Community Impact at 16th Annual Big DiF Open House

On May 15, 2026, Innovation Factory, the innovation hub for Brant, Halton, Hamilton, and Norfolk, celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit at the 16th annual Big DiF Open House & Client Showcase, attended by over 250 participants. This event spotlighted the successes of the local start-up community while recognizing partners who support the innovation ecosystem.

A significant moment of the evening was the presentation of the Mark Chamberlain DiFizen of the Year Award. This award honors individuals who significantly contribute to the region’s innovation landscape. This year's recipient, Rob McCann, serves as President of the Hamilton Technology Centre (HTC) and is a staunch advocate for Hamilton's role within the strategic Toronto-Buffalo-Detroit innovation corridor. McCann is also the founder of Clearcable Networks, a telecommunications company based in Hamilton that was acquired by Rogers Communications in 2021. Under McCann, Clearcable has made substantial strides in enhancing broadband access in underserved areas across North America and beyond.

Adding to his accolades, McCann chairs the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Digital Infrastructure Working Group and is an inaugural board member of the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) Canada. His influence was pivotal in Hamilton receiving the ICF's SMART 21 designation as a leading smart city globally. Two years later, Hamilton secured a spot as one of ICF’s Top 7 Intelligent Communities, showcasing the outstanding efforts of local champions. David Carter, CEO of Innovation Factory, emphasized that Hamilton's recognition in the ICF is a result of persistent advocacy and strategic initiatives led by McCann.

Under McCann’s leadership, Clearcable's acquisition of the HTC has transformed it into a thriving private innovation hub, keeping this essential community asset within local control. Carter praised McCann’s long-standing role as Hamilton's ambassador in international intelligent communities and noted his contributions to enhancing the region's reputation as a hub for technology innovation and investment.

The event also featured 16 diverse companies, each presenting innovations poised to influence the future of the region. These companies included Alpaca Fibreshed, Altis Labs, CoLab Education, cultara.ai, Epiloid Biotechnology, Hop In Technologies, InclusifAI, J-SAS, LIVESENS, Moonrise Medical, QCare, Resiliocs Intelligence, ROZOR, Sleaks, Technology Trace, and ToeFX.

Carter reiterated Innovation Factory’s commitment to supporting these dynamic entrepreneurs, underscoring the importance of their innovations in improving lives and driving economic growth in Ontario and Canada.

Established in 2010, Innovation Factory is a not-for-profit business accelerator dedicated to fostering regional economic growth by nurturing start-up and scale-up companies. It offers various services, including business training, mentorship, and strategic connections, all aimed at enhancing market adoption and increasing revenues and investment. Additionally, innovators gain access to sector-specific resources and an established health and life science innovation ecosystem, indicating a comprehensive approach to regional economic development focused on innovation and entrepreneurship.