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News from across the Regional Innovation Centres

We have gathered news from all the regional innovation centres (RICs) in Ontario. Be sure to connect with your local RIC to be a part of your local ecosystem.

Digital Media and ICT Entrepreneur Stories

Quantum Companies at the Forefront of Safeguarding Critical Infrastructure Against Future Cyber Attacks

21 March 2025
by Communitech

Two Ontario companies, Metropolitan Technologies and Quantum Bridge Technologies, are collaborating to enhance Canada’s critical infrastructure against potential cyberattacks, particularly those leveraging future quantum computing capabilities. With $1.2 million in support from the federally funded Digital Innovation Cluster (DIGITAL), the…

Funding News Legal

Startup Financial Planning: Your Complete Guide to Preparing for Angel Investment

21 March 2025
by Altitude Accelerator

Preparing for angel investment is a critical step for startups looking to secure funding and grow. This guide outlines the essential components of financial planning pertinent to engaging with angel investors effectively. Understanding Angel Investors: Angel investors are individuals who…

Upcoming Events

MaRS Impact Health 2025 Preview Trailer

20 March 2025
by MaRS Discovery District

The post "MaRS Impact Health 2025" introduces an initiative aimed at transforming healthcare through innovative solutions and partnerships. MaRS Discovery District, a hub for innovation in Toronto, is focusing on enhancing health and wellness by leveraging technology and interdisciplinary collaboration.…

Marketing

Strategic Approaches to Effective Demand Generation Targeting

20 March 2025
by Boundless Accelerator

In the competitive business environment of today, effective demand generation is crucial for driving growth. Companies must strategically target specific buyers, refine their messaging, and create structured marketing efforts that resonate with their audience. This requires moving away from generic…

Auto & Transportation

Boundless Innovation: Pioneering the Future of Aerospace & Defence and High-Impact Leadership with France Hébert

20 March 2025
by Invest Ottawa

The featured content celebrates notable women leaders in Ottawa, highlighting their contributions in light of International Women's Month 2024. Produced in collaboration with the Power of Why Podcast and Invest Ottawa, with support from BDC Capital's Thrive Venture Fund, this…

Companies Funded / Acquired Entrepreneur Stories Life Sciences and Advanced Health

CELLECT Laboratories and NovaSonix Healthcare Win $37.5K at TechAlliance’s Polaris Pitch Competition

20 March 2025
by TechAlliance

On March 19, 2025, the TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario held its inaugural Polaris Pitch Competition at the London Music Hall, recognizing innovative ideas from early-stage technology founders. The competition concluded with two winners: CELLECT Laboratories and NovaSonix Healthcare Inc., who…

RIC News

York University and ventureLAB Enhance Collaboration with Updated Memorandum of Understanding

20 March 2025
by VentureLAB

On March 18, 2025, York University and ventureLAB solidified their ongoing partnership through a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at enhancing collaboration in talent development, research, and innovation driven by industry needs. This renewed commitment underscores both entities' goal…

Cleantech Life Sciences and Advanced Health

Missed Opportunity: Is It Possible to Eliminate Plastic from Healthcare Design?

20 March 2025
by MaRS Discovery District

Modern medicine's heavy reliance on plastic has brought significant advancements in patient care, but it's also created a pressing health crisis. Approximately a third of healthcare waste consists of plastics, contributing to around 87,000 tons of waste annually in Canada…

Featured Featured Home Funding News

CEO Dinner Unveils New Trade Playbook as Tech Leaders Confront Tariffs

20 March 2025
by Communitech

The phrase "When the U.S. sneezes, Canada catches a cold" has gained renewed urgency as Canada navigates the complex landscape of economic dependency on its southern neighbor. This sentiment was echoed by Dan Herman, a prominent keynote speaker at a…

Intellectual Property Legal

Patent Prosecution 1: When Will My Application Be Reviewed?

20 March 2025
by VentureLAB

The first part of a three-part series delves into the prosecution process of patent applications, focusing on timelines and procedural steps that arise before a patent is either granted or rejected. This introductory article sets the stage for understanding the…

Entrepreneur Stories Life Sciences and Advanced Health

The Power of Community-Driven Innovations in MedTech

20 March 2025
by TechAlliance

Carla du Toit, a trained Kinesiologist, embarked on her graduate studies at Western University, where she unexpectedly found herself on an entrepreneurial journey that would lead to her becoming the CEO of a MedTech company, NovaSonix. Initially seeking a lab…

Advanced Manufacturing & Materials Digital Media and ICT

Dispatches from the Field: Insights from LEAP 2025

19 March 2025
by VentureLAB

LEAP 2025, held from February 9-12 in Riyadh, marked a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s aim to become a global digital technology center, aligning with its Vision 2030 plans. Drawing over 200,000 attendees, the event prominently featured advancements in artificial…

Digital Media and ICT Entrepreneur Stories Life Sciences and Advanced Health Women

Launching a Startup in Medical School: Yoobin Lee Discusses Innovation, AI, and Mastering Time Management

19 March 2025
by Invest Ottawa

The featured story from the Power of Why Podcast, in partnership with Invest Ottawa and supported by BDC Capital’s Thrive Venture Fund, highlights the achievements of women leaders in Ottawa for International Women’s Month 2024. Each year, five exemplary women…

Digital Media and ICT Entrepreneur Stories

Shaker Recruitment Marketing Teams Up with JobAdX: A Founder’s Path to a Transformative Alliance

19 March 2025
by Altitude Accelerator

JobAdX, co-founded by Amit Chauhan in 2017, has recently been acquired by Shaker Recruitment Marketing, a veteran agency in recruitment marketing with a 74-year history. This acquisition is a significant milestone for Chauhan and his team, marking not just recognition…

Entrepreneur Stories Women

Embracing the ‘F’ Factor: Celebrating International Women’s Month 2025

18 March 2025
by Invest Ottawa

March marks International Women's Month, and across the globe, particularly in Ottawa, women are shattering ceilings and transforming the business landscape. Celebrating this momentum, Invest Ottawa launched its flagship event, "The 'F' Factor: Fueling Founders," on March 3rd, aiming to…

Advanced Manufacturing & Materials Entrepreneur Stories

Graditi: Transforming Construction Management for a Better Building Experience

18 March 2025
by TechAlliance

Graditi, an innovative construction management software founded by Tony Boyle in March 2025 in London, Ontario, is making significant strides in the construction industry by addressing the increasing demand for housing in Canada. This rising demand, driven by factors such…

Talent, People Management Value Proposition

Introducing the Expert: Sai-Kit Eng

17 March 2025
by VentureLAB

Sai-Kit Eng, an Executive in Residence (EIR) at ventureLAB, brings a wealth of 40 years of experience in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology to support and innovate within the Canadian tech community. His career spans various roles in engineering and…

Featured Featured Home Funding News Legal

Strategic Negotiations: Navigating Contracts Amid Tariff Uncertainty

14 March 2025
by MaRS Discovery District

Navigating the complexities of trade negotiations in North America, particularly with the current volatility surrounding tariffs, presents significant challenges for business leaders. With the U.S. having imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum and Canada retaliating with $155 billion in tariffs…

Entrepreneur Stories Life Sciences and Advanced Health

FluidAI Pioneering AI-Enhanced Post-Operative Care

13 March 2025
by Innovation Factory

Youssef Helwa, a graduate from the University of Waterloo, was inspired by his mother’s experiences as a surgeon, which motivated him to co-found FluidAI, a company dedicated to revolutionizing post-operative care through artificial intelligence (AI). The rapid advancement of AI…

RIC News Value Proposition Women

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: HERhalton 2025 Inspires Bold Leadership and Innovation

13 March 2025
by Innovation Factory

On March 13, 2025, Innovation Factory hosted its annual women’s networking event, HERhalton, in Burlington, Ontario, attracting over 150 attendees, including founders, business leaders, and entrepreneurs. This year’s theme, "Driving Results: Women in Leadership," focused on celebrating the accomplishments of…

Funding News

Igniting Growth in Canada’s Investment Landscape

11 March 2025
by TechAlliance

The path from idea to investment for innovators is often complex and non-linear, shaped by personal experiences and market dynamics. Through the podcast “Idea to Investment,” hosted by Ken Eastwood of TechAlliance, the intricate world of Canadian entrepreneurship and innovation…

Digital Media and ICT Entrepreneur Stories

Hackforge Hosts a Watch Party for the Open Data Awards to Honor Local Data Champions

10 March 2025
by WETechAlliance

On March 5, Hackforge Windsor organized a watch party for the 2025 Canadian Open Data Awards, hosted by the Canadian Open Data Society (CODS). Though the awards ceremony took place live from Edmonton, Hackforge infused a local touch by presenting…

Featured Featured Home Funding News

US Tariffs Are Now a Reality: Canadian Businesses Must Brace for a Volatile Economic Landscape

10 March 2025
by Altitude Accelerator

In times of economic uncertainty, it is crucial for businesses to prepare for market fluctuations through strategic planning. The maxim “plan for the worst and hope for the best” suggests that companies should anticipate various scenarios and assess their potential…

Marketing Sales Value Proposition

Strategic Approaches to Effective Demand Generation Targeting

8 March 2025
by Boundless Accelerator

In the competitive business landscape of today, a strategic approach to demand generation is essential for growth. Companies need to move beyond generic outreach and adopt a focused strategy that targets the right buyers, refines messaging, and builds structured marketing…

Value Proposition Women

The Essential “Big Gorgeous Goals” Formula for Entrepreneurs, as Explained by Julie Ellis

7 March 2025
by Communitech

Julie Ellis, co-founder of Mabel’s Labels, executive coach, and author of "Big Gorgeous Goals," spoke at an International Women's Day event organized by the Women in Communications and Technology (WCT) Waterloo chapter, sharing her inspiring journey from a humble basement…

Featured Featured Home Funding News

Essential Insights on U.S. Tariffs for Founders

6 March 2025
by MaRS Discovery District

With the introduction of U.S. tariffs, business leaders in Canada face what some economists describe as potentially "the largest trade shock in nearly 100 years." Specifically, Canadian goods are subjected to a 25% tariff, unless they are energy products or…

Entrepreneur Stories Featured Featured Home Women

Honoring Women Entrepreneurs in Recognition of International Women’s Month

6 March 2025
by WETechAlliance

In celebration of International Women’s Month, we highlight five remarkable women founders from various regions, each making a significant impact in their respective fields. Jessica O. Matthews - Founder and CEO of Uncharted Power (USA): Jessica Matthews has made waves…

Life Sciences and Advanced Health

This Toronto Startup is On the Hunt for Early Indicators of Neurological Disorders

6 March 2025
by MaRS Discovery District

Cove Neurosciences, co-founded by Toronto neurologist Nardin Samuel and Irene Harmsen, is pioneering efforts to expedite the development of personalized treatments for brain disorders by identifying key biomarkers. Samuel emphasizes that, despite the individual differences in patients with conditions like…

Advanced Manufacturing & Materials Cleantech Entrepreneur Stories Life Sciences and Advanced Health Women

$50,000 DELIA Loan Boosts Growth for Maison Apothecare

5 March 2025
by Boundless Accelerator

Maison Apothecare, a family-owned Canadian skincare brand founded in 2012, is set to expand its operations and pursue new opportunities in the natural skincare market. Known for its sustainable and gentle products made from exceptional ingredients and bio-active formulations, the…

Companies Hiring

10 Global Tech Companies in Ottawa Hiring in March 2025

5 March 2025
by Invest Ottawa

As March arrives in Ottawa, the city prepares for the transition from winter to spring, offering various activities for residents to enjoy. With the maple syrup season underway and interactive exhibits at the Canadian Museum of Nature available during March…

Digital Media and ICT Featured Featured Home Fintech

ByCanada.Tech Simplifies Support for Local Tech Initiatives

5 March 2025
by Communitech

Derek Jouppi, a seasoned entrepreneur, recently reflected on the tech ecosystem in San Francisco while at a poker table with fellow founders. He realized that one reason for San Francisco's prominence in technology is that local companies frequently engage with…

Digital Media and ICT Entrepreneur Stories

Digital Risk Inc. Introduces Tool for Assessing Digital Footprint Exposure

5 March 2025
by TechAlliance

On March 5, 2025, Digital Risk Inc., a prominent player in cybersecurity solutions, unveiled its new digital footprint exposure assessment tool. This innovative tool aims to assist organizations in recognizing and addressing cybersecurity threats associated with human behaviors and their…

Life Sciences and Advanced Health

Enhance Your Growth with CDD Vault’s Research Data Management Solutions

5 March 2025
by Innovation Factory

Life science ventures often face the challenge of managing disorganized and scattered data, which can include spreadsheets, lab notebooks, and emails filled with critical information. This chaos can lead to confusion, duplicate efforts, and lost opportunities, ultimately hindering the progress…

Companies Funded / Acquired Entrepreneur Stories Funding News Life Sciences and Advanced Health Women

University Spin-Out Afynia Secures $5 Million Seed Funding to Launch MicroRNA Panel Test for Endometriosis

5 March 2025
by Innovation Factory

Afynia Laboratories, a Canadian biotech startup spun out of McMaster University, is advancing the commercialization of a blood test aimed at diagnosing endometriosis, a condition affecting approximately 200 million people globally. The startup recently secured $5 million in seed funding…

Entrepreneur Stories Life Sciences and Advanced Health

Introduction of New Life Science Products and Services with the Help of Innovation Factory

4 March 2025
by Innovation Factory

Innovation Factory’s SOPHIE program is pivotal for start-ups and entrepreneurs in the life science sector, mainly due to its emphasis on commercialization. The SOPHIE (Southern Ontario Pharmaceutical and Health Innovation Ecosystem) initiative offers financial backing, mentorship, training, and access to…

Cleantech Entrepreneur Stories

Stephanie Lipp and Leo Gillis of MycoFutures: Driving Meaningful Change with Sustainable Material Innovations

4 March 2025
by Altitude Accelerator

Stephanie Lipp, CEO and Co-Founder of MycoFutures, emphasizes that a founder's passion should be directed towards solving a problem rather than merely promoting a solution. MycoFutures' journey, from growing gourmet mushrooms in rural Newfoundland to receiving a $100,000 order for…

Intellectual Property

The Foundation of Innovation: The Importance of Intellectual Property for Startups

4 March 2025
by Altitude Accelerator

Intellectual Property (IP) is a critical asset for startups, playing a significant role in their success and sustainability. Understanding and managing IP effectively is paramount in today's competitive environment. Stephen Beney, Principal at Smart & Biggar LP, and Carolyn Moorlag,…

Auto & Transportation Cleantech Entrepreneur Stories

Accelerating Innovation: Enedym’s Groundbreaking Electric Motors Pave the Way for the Future

4 March 2025
by Innovation Factory

Electric motors are a crucial part of everyday life, found in various appliances and vehicles, and they account for nearly half of the electric power consumed in North America. Dr. Ali Emadi, founder of Enedym and a professor at McMaster…

Funding News

ventureLAB Update on U.S. Tariffs

4 March 2025
by VentureLAB

Dear ventureLAB community, In the early days of President Trump's second term, significant changes have emerged that could affect founders in our network. This message aims to update you on the situation, our responses, and gather your input. 1. The…

Entrepreneur Stories RIC News

Entrepreneurs Accelerate Business Concepts at Communitech Dream Launch Startup Weekend

4 March 2025
by Communitech

The Dream Launch Startup Weekend, hosted at the Communitech Hub, was an event focused on nurturing first-time entrepreneurs, allowing them to develop ideas and pitch to expert judges in just 48 hours. The weekend brought together 56 participants, facilitating collaboration…