Innovate Niagara
2023 Year In Success
Our business is your business.
2023 in Numbers
Our clients secured
of new funding
we help our clients find, apply for, and receive millions of dollars a year
139 Local Companies
Serviced
Innovate Niagara Helped 139 businesses succeed this year
950 mentorship hours
provided to our clients
innovate niagara provides invaluable mentorship at no cost
we provided
$707k
worth of market intelligence
Clients can receive research and analysis worth thousands of dollars
a total of
2,332
Attendees at events
Between 40 events hosted by innovate niagara and parters throughout the year,
i.d.e.a.Fund
Government-backed i.d.e.a Fund Grants $3.75M to 125 Companies in Southern Ontario
$3.75 Million
125 Companies
Across Southern Ontario
Our clients
In partnership with the Government of Canada, our i.d.e.a Fund initiative reached new heights.
Innovate Niagara provided 22 companies with $660,000
through Cohort 2 of i.d.e.a. Fund
Hear from our clients...
See how Innovate has helped locally-owned businesses in 2023!
EATable
destiny copper
Tailwind
caddle
International Zeolite Corp
ENEREAU
Niagara 4 Mile Creek Farms
Engaging Events
We hosted a series of insightful events throughout the year
Black Canadian Innovation
the importance of celebrating Black History Month and recognize Black Canadian Innovators and Entrepreneurs
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
building DEI into the foundations of your work can help you produce a product that has a further reach
Living Intentionally
strategies you can put into place daily that minimize stress and overwhelm, and to maximize your personal and professional output.
Women in STEM
environmental management and ecosystem, restoration in a changing climate
Looking Ahead
We plan to...
Reach even more entrepreneurs and startups
Increase funding avenues and bring ideas to life.
Continue Partnerships with other providers in the innovation ecosystem
Gratitude and Acknowledgments
We want to express our sincere thanks to the entrepreneurs, partners, supporters, and the entire Innovate Niagara community. Your passion, dedication, and innovative spirit make the future of entrepreneurship in Niagara possible.
In our joint pursuit of innovation, each of you plays a vital role, bringing unique perspectives and talents. Together, we build a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures creativity and growth. Let's celebrate achievements and anticipate the opportunities that lie ahead.
Executive-In-residence Spotlight
HUGH SCHOLAERT
Hugh Scholaert co-founded Aastra Technologies, which developed communication network products. The company, reaching $800 million in revenues, was acquired by Mitel Networks in 2013. With over 40 years at Aastra, Hugh briefly retired, later joining the National Research Council and, after leaving in 2022, supporting Innovate Niagara as Entrepreneur in Residence.
BROCK DICKINSON
Brock Dickinson is currently the Entrepreneur-in-Residence and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Waterloo, where he works to strengthen the University’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. A serial entrepreneur, he has owned and operated businesses in the environmental consulting, waste management, technology commercialization, and import/export fields.
Celebrating Nick DiPietro
A 15-Year Journey of Impact at Innovate Niagara
After an incredible 15-year journey with Innovate Niagara, Nick DiPietro, a true cornerstone in our company, is retiring.
Nick's roles at Innovate have been diverse, from serving on our Board of Directors for over 5 years including his role as Chair to an extraordinary 13-years spent as Executive-In-Residence, he became the foundation upon which our success was built.
Without his guidance, strategic insight and commitment, the company wouldn't be where it is today. His support is truly immeasurable. But beyond the boardrooms and business metrics, Nick's influence has rippled through the community, touching countless lives, and shaping the fabric of the local business network in Niagara including leading the creation of the Niagara Angel Network.
As we bid farewell to a leader, mentor, and friend, we carry forward the lessons learned, the inspiration gained, and the camaraderie that has defined this era. Nick, your presence will be deeply missed, but your legacy will remain as a testament to the power of passion, commitment, and the spirit of innovation.
- From the team at Innovate Niagara
PARTNERS
innovation
Innovate Niagara has strengthened its collaborative efforts by partnering with other esteemed incubators in the region. These partnerships created a supportive network, fostering knowledge exchange, and opening new doors of opportunity.
Platinum
gold
silver
Funded by the Government of Ontario, Regional Innovation Centres are designed to help Ontario-based innovators and entrepreneurs clear commercialization hurdles -- accelerating the growth of companies so that they can compete and succeed globally, and create high quality jobs in our province.
Do You Have an innovative business idea?
We can turn it into a reality!
why you should become a client:
Mentorship:
Wisdom from industry vets.
Funding Opportunities:
Tap into the i.d.e.a. Fund.
Networking:
Connect + Collaborate in Niagara’s tech community.
Location
Innovate Niagara
386 St. Paul Street
Suite 102
St. Catharines ON
Phone
(905) 685-3460
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