The December edition of the MaRS Monthly Roundup highlights various initiatives, events, and developments at the MaRS Discovery District, a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Toronto, Canada. This month’s roundup showcases the success of the 2022 MaRS Discovery District's…
RunQL, a technology startup based in Waterloo, Ontario, has recently secured $1.6 million in an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round. The investment was led by Mistral Venture Partners, with participation from various notable investors including MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund, Inovia Capital,…
In 2016, Shalini Gupta experienced a life-changing event when one of her ovaries was removed following a concerning ultrasound that indicated a cancer risk. Despite inconclusive biopsy results, this incident heightened her awareness of health and motivated her to monitor…
Members of marginalized groups often face significant challenges in securing meaningful employment, especially in the current job market climate. The unemployment rate in Canada is around 6.4%, with rising youth unemployment at 13.5%. This situation is particularly dire for the…
As 2024 comes to a close, celebrating Ottawa’s vibrant entrepreneurial community becomes essential. The November edition of the Ottawa Business Success Snapshots highlights three local companies — Solink, Wind River, and Shop ANTHONIA — showcasing their successes and contributions to…
The RBC Women in Cleantech Accelerator is making strides to support women-led startups in the climate technology sector, which continues to see a severe funding disparity for women founders compared to their male counterparts. In the U.S., only 6.6% of…
Many healthcare providers in Canada are still dependent on outdated technology like fax machines to communicate essential patient information. This situation persists despite the fact that 93% of primary care physicians utilize electronic medical records (EMRs). A significant roadblock is…
As the 2024/25 school year commences, Canadian schools grapple with resource limitations and various challenges, particularly regarding technology in the classroom. New provincial cellphone bans and a class-action lawsuit against social media companies such as Meta and TikTok reflect growing…
Christine Allen, CEO of Intrepid Labs and a chemistry professor at the University of Toronto, shares insights on Canada’s emerging role as an AI-driven powerhouse in the biotech sector. With a focus on transforming drug development processes, Allen has pioneered…
The building and construction industry significantly contributes to global carbon emissions, accounting for nearly 15 gigatons or approximately 40% annually. This environmental challenge grows with an increasing population, anticipated to double raw material demand by 2060. Susan Jayne Thams Carruth,…
Scott Patles-Richardson, CEO and founder of Indigenous Financial Solutions, advocates for the inclusion of First Nation communities in industry and infrastructure development as a vital step toward economic prosperity. His journey began two decades ago when he was approached by…
Michael Gryseels, co-founder of Antares Ventures and seasoned tech investor, aims to scale innovative deep-tech solutions globally, particularly in Southeast Asia. With over a decade of experience in Singapore, Gryseels focuses on transformative technologies that can address significant societal challenges,…
In 2016, Shalini Gupta's life changed dramatically when she underwent surgery to remove an ovary due to cancer concerns; while the biopsy was inconclusive, the incident inspired her to prioritize her health and advocate for better cancer diagnostic options. Witnessing…
Ben Thomas, CEO of AMPLY Discovery, holds a unique perspective on the intersection of biology and technology. Initially turned off by the messiness of biology filled with living organisms, he vented his interests into corporate finance, where he felt more…
Carbon Upcycling is leading a pioneering effort to reduce the significant carbon footprint associated with concrete production by utilizing industrial waste and recycled carbon dioxide. In Canada, the steel industry generates vast quantities of by-products, specifically basic oxygen furnace slag,…
The outcomes of COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, reveal the mixed state of global efforts to combat climate change. The conference concluded with a commitment to provide $300 billion annually to developing countries for decarbonization and climate adaptation—marking a significant…
In the second episode of the "Hiring Global Tech Talent" blog series, we delve into the complexities of bringing top-tier global tech talent to Canada. The initial step, after identifying suitable candidates, involves facilitating their temporary residency as foreign workers,…
Two Toronto-based startups, Diamond Therapeutics and GoodCap Pharmaceuticals, are pioneering the development of psilocybin-based medications aimed at expanding treatment options for mental health. The focus of their research is on sub-perceptual doses of psilocybin—the active compound in magic mushrooms—which may…
The latest Innovate UK cohort showcases a group of innovative startups focused on advancing manufacturing through the integration of cutting-edge technologies. These companies aim to tackle critical challenges within large-scale production, enhancing quality control, delivery systems, and machinery maintenance. Each…
ventureLAB is thrilled to announce its participation in the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit in Serbia, where Chief AI Advisor Garry Chan will be a panelist on "Collaborative Innovation: Partnerships Between Academia, Industry, and Government." GPAI, which launched…
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas made up of carbon and hydrogen, plays a significant role in climate change, often overshadowed by carbon dioxide. While methane is far more effective at trapping heat—being about 80% more potent than CO2 in the…
Nfinite Nanotech is seeking to address the pressing challenge of food packaging waste through innovative nanotechnology. Each year, the world generates approximately 300 million tons of plastic, with less than 10% being recycled. The food packaging sector is a significant…
Building a career in the tech industry requires adapting to emerging trends, with artificial intelligence (AI) being a primary focus for many companies today. A McKinsey report indicates that 72% of businesses are already utilizing AI, leading to a growing…
Bug Mars and Neuraura are positioned for commercial success following their access to high-compute power, low-latency networks, and a specialized support initiative designed to aid startups in testing and refining their technologies. Bug Mars, co-founded by Seth Hardy, operates in…
TerraFixing, an Ottawa-based startup, is preparing for the deployment of its innovative direct air capture (DAC) technology, aimed at addressing the pressing issue of carbon dioxide accumulation in the atmosphere. With growing climatic challenges like hurricanes and wildfires, carbon reduction…
Starting and scaling a tech company presents numerous challenges, but support is available to navigate these hurdles successfully. For over 25 years, Communitech has played a crucial role in assisting founders in various aspects essential for building and growing their…
The climate challenges of 2024 were severe, marked by record high temperatures, catastrophic floods, and geopolitical tensions complicating global net-zero initiatives. Nonetheless, signs of progress are emerging in the realm of cleantech and renewable energy. The growing affordability of renewables…
The inception of Willful, an online legal will and estate planning platform, traces back to a personal experience shared by Erin Bury and her husband, Kevin Oulds. Following the passing of a family member who had not expressed end-of-life wishes,…
As an entrepreneur, it's essential to recognize that success is often achieved through connections and collaborations. Networking events serve as vital platforms for building these relationships, allowing innovators to come together and share ideas. At Spark Centre, we prioritize creating…
On November 27, 2024, the Femtech Canada Forum took place in Montréal, Québec, gathering key opinion leaders, industry experts, and advocates to highlight Canada’s emerging role in the global women’s health sector. The event was themed ‘Canada’s Path to Global…
In the fourth episode of Season 14 titled "Invested in Downtown Stores and Shops," of the podcast Invested in Our New Reality, host Sam Laprade speaks with Benson Mutalemwa, the founder of Knyota Drinks, a shop in Ottawa dedicated to…
At the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit in Serbia, ventureLAB recognizes Serbia's proactive leadership and dedication to advancing responsible AI. With ventureLAB's Chief AI Advisor, Garry Chan, actively participating in discussions on collaborative innovation, the summit is seen…
In the fifth episode of Season 14 of the podcast "Invested in Our New Reality," host Sam Laprade speaks with Erin Kelly, CEO of Advanced Symbolics Inc., an AI-powered market research company based in Ottawa’s ByWard Market. The episode delves…
Entrepreneurship is often marked by unexpected twists and turns, with founders sometimes needing to completely redefine their professional identities. At a recent "Ask the Founder" event, Moatassem Moatez, founder of MyCourier, shared insights from his extraordinary transition from a corporate…
In Ottawa's competitive tech sector, cultivating a thriving workplace culture is key to attracting and retaining top talent. A significant measure of employee satisfaction within organizations is the Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS), which assesses the likelihood of employees to…
The University of Waterloo’s Velocity Incubator hosted an Innovation Challenge in collaboration with FemTech Canada, focused on addressing critical areas of women’s health: menopause, gynecological health, and breast health. Rachel Bartholomew (MBET ’14), an alum and founder of Hyivy Health,…
On November 20, 2024, the CHEO Research Institute hosted the Bears’ Den pitch event in Ottawa, where four innovative local start-ups presented their healthcare solutions to a panel of seasoned judges. This event, organized by Core Innovation, focused on cutting-edge…
Meta's recent policy changes have had a significant impact on local news access in Canada, as it prohibits Canadian news outlets from sharing their content on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. In response to this situation, a selection…
Creating innovative medical technologies presents a unique opportunity, particularly in Canada, where this sector makes up approximately 12% of the economy. Despite its potential, the MedTech landscape can seem intimidating due to its complexity and funding hurdles. Colin Hung from…
The discussion centers on the transformative journey of a company driven by a culture imbued with innovation, particularly in the software development domain. The speaker (referred to herein as Speaker 1) shares insights into how they have cultivated an organizational…
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