Innovation Factory

08/22/2025

📣Attention all innovators in Hamilton and the GTHA!

is a can't-miss event that brings the entire Canadian tech community together. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible innovation happening right here in our region and forge new connections.

🌟Don't miss your chance to get Advance Tickets, available until September 4: https://loom.ly/f6-iQ3A

🎟️Leverage our additional 20% OFF Community Partner discount code on your ticket of choice: https://loom.ly/0yiJgRc

08/20/2025

Last call! 📢 Tomorrow, we're welcoming all our to the Innovation Factory Client Summer Patio Social, sponsored by Marks & Clerk!

Whether you're looking for new collaborators, expert advice, or just a chance to unwind with your peers, this event is for you.

👉Join us tomorrow on August 21, from 3:00pm - 5:00pm: https://loom.ly/OxFz7qM
See you on the patio!

Take a break on our patio to mix and mingle with like-minded innovators, the Innovation Factory team, our Expert Advisors and more!

08/18/2025

Ready to celebrate an evening where community, growth and collaboration meet innovation?

's 15th anniversary event brings together over 350 entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to forge new strategic connections and strengthen existing relationships across our regional innovation ecosystem.

Meet all 10 finalists and watch as they bravely pitch their innovations live on stage. They've spent the season working diligently through our program, refining their business strategies and developing pitches designed to impress our LiONS.

📍September 25, 2025 | 5:00pm - 9:00pm | Oakville Banquet & Conference Centre (2515 Wyecroft Rd., Oakville, ON L6L 6P8)

✨Tickets are selling fast! Don't miss your chance to attend: https://loom.ly/ADfG_uw

08/17/2025

Funding your startup doesn’t always mean giving away equity. 💰

Read our latest blog to explore alternative funding options for scaling your business without diluting ownership. Discover how options like pitch competitions, grant programs, tax credits, and even investment networks could accelerate your startup journey.

📖 Read the blog here: https://loom.ly/s0RVo_k

Explore all the resources and tools available for Hamilton-Halton businesses and start-ups to secure alternate sources of funding.

08/15/2025

The countdown to the 15th annual LiONS LAIR Gala is officially on, and our top 10 finalists are deep in the final stretch.

Yesterday, our finalists came together for an exclusive Pitch Feedback Night, where they received invaluable insights and strategic feedback from our expert mentors to help refine their pitches and get them stage-ready. The dedication and focus in the room was seriously inspiring.

We can't wait to see the results of all their hard work at the competition!!

💡Looking forward to seeing their pitches live? Grab your tickets for the 15th annual LiONS LAIR Pitch Competition and Gala, happening on September 25!
👉 Learn more and reserve your tickets: https://loom.ly/QO2JhCc

08/15/2025

Nothing beats a summer BBQ with great company! 🍔

We had a fantastic time yesterday joining our fellow tenants and partners at the McMaster Innovation Park Summer BBQ.

It was an awesome opportunity to connect, catch up, and celebrate the innovation community right here in Hamilton. Thanks for a great afternoon, MIP! We're already looking forward to the next one.

08/14/2025

What a fantastic afternoon yesterday at the 2025 Annual Open House!

It was a privilege to be part of the conversation, marking a new era of innovation and partnerships in the region. Our CEO, David Carter, had the opportunity to share remarks alongside leaders from Burlington Economic Development and Tourism and Tourism and Angel One Investor Network, reinforcing our commitment to building a collaborative ecosystem.

We were especially proud to support so many of our incredible and exhibitors showcasing the future of innovation: K3 Green Tech, iMatr Canada Inc., FN Immersive Innovation, Dental Assist AI, d2AI.ca Inc, Call Agent Ai, Circle Bay Medical,
Tech4Life Enterprises Canada Inc., EarthSuds, Xubin Aerospace, Topeic Inc., Radical eCoaching 联动国际体育, Mave & Chez, Catapult Tactical XR
Vocaly.ca and Palette Skills!

Plus, a huge shout-out to our partners at TechPlace for their collaboration on hosting such an inspiring event!

08/14/2025

From a competition victory to FDA clearance and first use in a hospital, the journey of Mariner Endosurgery's business growth is a testament to the power of the Hamilton innovation ecosystem.

With guidance from Innovation Factory's Expert Advisors and strategic connections to institutions like Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University, Mariner successfully built, grew, and scaled its business.

Today, their LaparoGuard™ AR system enables surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with advanced visualization, and according to founder Mitch Wilson, "Hamilton has everything we need to be successful at this point."

👉Discover how they scaled a MedTech company on both sides of the border: https://loom.ly/UAuuars

Explore how Mariner Endosurgery made non-invasive surgeries safer while also growing and scaling the company.

08/13/2025

We're thrilled to announce we are an official Community Partner at Elevate Festival 2025.

As a champion of Canadian tech and innovation, we look forward to seeing many of you at from October 7-9!

🌟Don't miss your chance to get Advance Tickets, available until September 4: https://loom.ly/f6-iQ3A

🎟️Leverage our additional 20% OFF Community Partner discount code on your ticket of choice: https://loom.ly/0yiJgRc

08/13/2025

One week to go! ☀️ This summer, we’re opening our doors for the Innovation Factory Client Summer Patio Social, sponsored by Marks & Clerk Canada! Secure your spot for a fantastic afternoon of networking, insights, and collaboration.

Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, get insights from our iF Expert Advisors, and meet the Innovation Factory team in a relaxed, summer setting.

👉Join us on August 21, from 3:00pm - 5:00pm: https://loom.ly/OxFz7qM

Take a break on our patio to mix and mingle with like-minded innovators, the Innovation Factory team, our Expert Advisors and more!

08/13/2025

In today’s fast-moving tech world, the most successful founders plan for their company’s future from day one.

At TechExit.io Toronto, you’ll learn how to:
✅ Build acquisition-ready companies
✅ Spot signs of operational & strategic readiness
✅ Structure clean, compelling exits for maximum valuation
✅ Navigate investor dynamics, deal timelines, and due diligence

This is your chance to hear directly from the founders, investors, and dealmakers who have been in your shoes.

And beyond building a company that's ready to be acquired, the insights from TechExit.io Toronto are a masterclass in building a scalable company with practical tips for sustainable growth!

🗓️ October 21 | MaRS Centre - Toronto
🎟️Super early bird ticket sales end TOMORROW! Don't miss your chance to save: https://loom.ly/qke5i8k

Join TechExit.io Toronto to learn how to acquire or get acquired in the dynamic tech industry. Unlock growth opportunities with expert insights on mergers, acquisitions, and successful exits.

08/12/2025

The biggest test for any EdTech innovation isn't in a lab, it's in a classroom.

Yesterday, we were thrilled to facilitate a collaboration between some incredible educators to provide live discovery and problem validation, as well as an opportunity for product demonstration for two of our innovators: Ariella Racco, CEO of CoLab Education, and Aman Sahota, CEO of Factors Education.

Building an EdTech solution demands a deep, practical understanding of a teacher and student's daily pain points. This session was a crucial step for Ariella and Aman to validate their product concepts and ensure their platforms are built to succeed where it matters most: in the hands of teachers.

A huge thank you to the educators who made this session so valuable!