Artificial intelligence is transforming Canadian business and society more generally.

The opportunities will only continue to accelerate, but a lack of AI literacy and training among the Canadian workforce is a huge barrier and holding us back from widespread adoption. NPower Canada, a national charitable organization is a solution to filling the talent gap, by providing free technical and professional skills training to help jobseekers, particularly those from underserved communities. 

It’s not that Canada isn’t investing in AI, because we are a global leader in this space, but much of the AI investment in Canada, from both government and the private sector, has been focused on technology. What’s missing is some balance to ensure we’re also investing in training and upskilling, so Canadians can use these tools. A recent KPMG global study revealed that Canadians have among the lowest levels of training and literacy in AI systems in the world, ranking 44 out of 47 countries that were part of the study. Many companies also report an absence of technical talent to scale up and produce market-ready AI products and services. 

Pairing talent with industry needs 

NPower Canada’s dual-client model is the secret sauce. Employers are a key client, providing insight into the skills they need in their workforce. Their input ensures training remains industry-informed and aligned to current and future demands.  

With this guidance, those who are unemployed or underemployed are offered free workforce-aligned digital skills training, including AI-related certifications and tech fundamentals. Industry mentors and coaches enhance knowledge building, while professional development and job placement services ensures a talented workforce is ready to use AI and supporting tech to solve some of our most pressing challenges.  

This model ensures training aligns with Canada’s evolving AI landscape and future-of-work demands, while strong employer partnerships connect graduates directly to open roles.   

AI will only reach its full potential if people have the knowledge and confidence to use it. Technology can move fast, but adoption will stall if we don’t invest in human capability. That’s where NPower Canada plays a critical role, bridging the gap between industry demand and a workforce that’s ready to contribute day one.

Pathway to economic prosperity

NPower Canada creates pathways to economic prosperity for Canada’s underserved youth and adults by launching them into meaningful and sustainable digital careers. Unlike many virtual technology programs, NPower Canada provides instructor-led classes, job-placement assistance, and alumni services and supports. Many of the participants are from communities that historically are underrepresented in the tech sector, including Indigenous or racialized, new Canadians, and women. 
 
Employer partnerships are critical to the program’s success. NPower Canada works closely with industry to learn about their talent strategy and hiring needs and then customizes training to align with junior tech talent requirements. In addition, candidates are pre-screened and referred so that skills best meet the needs of business. NPower Canada also collaborates with industry partners to ensure long-term success.  

And its success rate is good with 80 percent of participants graduating and 82 percent of those graduates obtaining tech-related employment or enrolling in post-secondary education within a year. 

“Our mission has always been about economic mobility. When you provide someone the skills, support, and opportunity to enter tech, you’re not just changing their job. You’re changing the trajectory of their life, their family, and their community. AI will reshape the future of work, and we’re making sure that future includes everyone.” 

Discover the opportunity for your future with NPower Canada at npowercanada.ca.

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Industry leaders share how Canada’s AI adoption diverges from global trends and how enterprises can set themselves up for AI success. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how organizations all around the world operate, make decisions, and serve customers. In Canada, however, AI adoption isn’t quite on par with global trends. According to new research from data and AI leader SAS, Canadian organizations have embraced traditional analytics and machine learning but have been slower to scale newer forms of AI, like generative AI. 

Why is Canada lagging behind our global peers? SAS’ research suggests that many factors are at play, including data silos and fragmentation,  and a significant gap between experimentation and strategic, trustworthy integration. 

We spoke with three industry experts to learn more about overcoming barriers to AI adoption, how building trust in AI increases tangible ROI, and how private- and public-sector organizations can develop data strategies that’ll set them up for success.

Canada’s Commercial AI Maturity:
Stuck in Experimentation

Resources Constraints Force Government to do More with Less

Breaking Down Data Silos to Build Smarter Systems

An effective data strategy is the basis for strong AI use cases within your organization. To learn more about how to effectively leverage AI, visit sas.com.

The post How Canadian Organizations Can Move from Caution to Confidence with AI  appeared first on HiveInnovates.

Mitacs is supporting AI adoption by deploying talent where it’s needed most. 

Canada is entering a critical moment in the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI), with global competition accelerating and economic performance pressures increasing at home. Although the country has achieved global leadership in AI research, businesses continue to face persistent barriers including slow adoption and commercialization, low levels of AI literacy, inadequate access to secure data and infrastructure, and the need for stronger safeguards and governance frameworks. Mitacs, a national innovation connector, is well positioned to help translate Canada’s AI ambitions into practical outcomes and economic gains by mobilizing talent and strengthening research–industry collaborations. 

The recent launch of the federal government’s AI Strategy Task Force further reflects growing national attention to systemic gaps such as uneven sectoral readiness and misalignment between industrial needs and the infrastructure required to support adoption at scale. Budget 2025 and the federal commitment to build sovereign AI computational capacity reinforce these priorities, signalling the need for coordinated action. Stakeholders across industry, academia, and the broader innovation ecosystem have also emphasized that Canada’s research strengths must be better connected to real-world problem solving, ensuring that emerging capabilities are supported by trust, safety, and effective data stewardship.  

Talent and research powering innovation 

Mitacs is addressing these challenges by deploying highly qualified talent to accelerate AI research, commercialization, and adoption across the economy. Through more than 3,100 projects and 4,800 internships in AI since 2019, Mitacs embeds multidisciplinary teams directly into Canadian companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to help identify concrete opportunities to apply AI, de-risk adoption, demonstrate return on investment, and build internal readiness from within. This work is accelerating the path from lab to market by advancing prototypes, supporting academic entrepreneurs, and helping firms integrate AI into products, services, and operations. Through its dedicated AI strategy, Mitacs is also developing the AI-ready workforce Canada needs by equipping interns with applied AI, business, and commercialization skills, supported by new collaborations with post-secondary partners to deepen specialized training. These efforts are complemented by partnerships with key players in the national ecosystem, including CIFAR, Mila, Vector, Amii, and IVADO, whose thought leadership and research strengths help inform and extend this work.  

“The priorities outlined for Canada’s next AI strategy underscore the importance of the talent-driven model Mitacs delivers,” notes Mitacs CEO, Dr. Stephen Lucas. “Since 2018, Mitacs has invested $1.42B in research and development through more than 35,000 innovation projects and nearly 100,000 internships, helping connect emerging talent with public and private sector needs. With $174.4M invested in AI over the past seven years alone, we are supporting practical deployment and helping businesses build the talent and capacity they need to compete.” 

The value of this model is evident in Mitacs-supported projects applying AI to real-world challenges across the economy. 

Creating safer skies 

Thales, a global tech leader in defence and aerospace, conducts advanced research through its cortAIx labs. Mitacs collaborates with Thales on projects that apply Al to aviation safety, including autonomous obstacle detection, improved take-off and landing systems, and predictive maintenance support tools. The partnership also promotes long-term talent retention in Quebec: former Mitacs interns now make up roughly one-third of the cortAIx workforce. 

Since 2018, Mitacs has invested $1.42B in research and development through more than 35,000 innovation projects and nearly 100,000 internships, helping connect emerging talent with public and private sector needs.

With $174.4M invested in AI over the past seven years alone, we are supporting practical deployment and helping businesses build the talent and capacity they need to compete.

“Through its partnership with Mitacs, Thales applies AI to strengthen aviation safety, streamline critical operations, and drive innovation into business operations. This collaboration addresses complex aerospace challenges while cultivating top-tier talent, transforming research into a powerful engine for sustainable business growth,” says says Jean-François Gagnon, Director, cortAIx Labs, Thales.

Improving patient care 

For almost a decade, Mitacs has worked closely with FluidAI Medical to support prototype development, R&D, clinical validation, and business expansion. This ongoing partnership reduces research risks, speeds up commercialization, and provides access to top talent.  

“Mitacs believed in our vision early on. Mitacs’ support helped us validate technology, access top student talent, and make the leap from student start-up to a company improving patient outcomes across Canada,”  says Amr Abdelgaward, Co-Founder and COO, FluidAI Medical.

Accelerating AI adoption across the economy

For more than 25 years, Mitacs has helped build the research and talent capacity needed to strengthen Canada’s productivity and global competitiveness. As federal efforts sharpen their focus on AI adoption and real-world impact, these collaborations demonstrate the value of industry–academic partnerships in driving commercial success, building innovation capacity, and supporting a resilient and high-performing economy.  

Canada continues to face persistent challenges, as the gap with key competitors widens due to limited investment in commercializing Canadian research and slow adoption of AI and other technologies. Mitacs will continue to help turn research strengths into economic prosperity by connecting ideas with application and developing the workforce of tomorrow. Building on our proven track record in fueling business–academic collaboration with top talent from across Canada and around the world, Mitacs is committed to accelerating AI use and adoption throughout the economy and helping businesses convert technological advances into competitiveness and long-term growth.

To learn more visit mitacs.ca.

The post How Canada Can Strengthen Its AI Capacity Through Talent and Applied Research  appeared first on HiveInnovates.

Lori Livingston

PhD, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Ontario Tech University

Ethics and accountability must guide the people developing AI as new technologies are introduced into the way we live, work and communicate. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the world, from medical breakthroughs to new ways of addressing complex social challenges. As AI becomes increasingly embedded into daily life, it prompts urgent questions for society: how do we build technologies the public can trust? And how do we ensure innovation doesn’t outpace the ethical frameworks or skilled talent required to guide it?  

Ontario Tech University is leading this work with an ethics-by-design philosophy that embeds human values into every stage of tech innovation and development. The priority is to translate intention into meaningful, measurable action.  

A commitment to tech with a conscience 

For Ontario Tech, ethical AI development isn’t an afterthought — it’s a foundation. 

“By addressing privacy, data protection, and bias early in AI’s development, we prioritize human-centred oversight and accountability. This strengthens AI’s reliability and ensures its application is used in ways that are ethical, socially responsible, and forward-looking,” says Steven Murphy, PhD, President and Vice-Chancellor at Ontario Tech University. “Within this framework, AI remains a tool for progress, not a replacement for human creativity.” 

This commitment, grounded in integrity, transparency, and accountability, has become one of the university’s defining strengths. 

Where collaboration meets real-world need 

Ethical approaches to AI cannot be developed in isolation. They must be shaped, tested, and refined through partnerships that reflect diverse needs and lived experiences. 

Across multiple sectors, Ontario Tech works with organizations to co-create advanced and responsibly designed AI solutions. With Lakeridge Health, the university is developing tools that help improve patient care, predict service demands, reduce system costs, and address issues such as patient social isolation. 

AI is no longer just a specialization — it’s an essential discipline that plays a major role in shaping our future.

Ontario Tech is also working with CNIB to integrate accessibility into AI designs from the beginning. This approach ensures people of all abilities are involved early, resulting in solutions that genuinely support them and their needs. 

These collaborations reinforce a shared belief that AI innovations must be designed to uplift communities and expand opportunity above all else.  

Building skills, standards, and a strong talent pipeline  

As industry and governments search for ways to responsibly regulate emerging technologies, Ontario Tech is helping lead the way forward. The Mindful Artificial Intelligence Research Institute brings together multi-disciplinary experts to study AI’s impact on human well-being and inform global policies and standards.   

That same commitment shapes the university’s approach to education. Through Canada’s first School of Ethical Artificial Intelligence, students gain both the technical expertise and moral judgment that an AI-driven economy demands.  

Ontario Tech prepares graduates to enter the workforce with confidence, skill, and purpose. With more than 65 AI-related courses, plus co-ops and internships supported by more than 500 partners, students develop deep expertise, strong ethical awareness, and the hands-on experience that employers demand. As AI transforms every industry, this talent pipeline positions Ontario Tech graduates not just to lead in the careers of today, but to define the future of work.  

“AI is no longer just a specialization — it’s an essential discipline that plays a major role in shaping our future. Ontario Tech will remain committed to strengthening Canada’s leadership in AI innovation and in responsible AI education and application,” says Lori Livingston, PhD, Provost and Vice-President, Academic at Ontario Tech University. 

A model for responsible advancement 

AI’s influence will continue to grow at a rapid pace, and Ontario Tech shows how ethical leadership can and should evolve with it. By combining research excellence, community partnerships, and education that puts responsibility at the forefront, the university is charting an ambitious and accountable path for the future of AI.  

The message is clear: progress is strongest when guided by conscience.

Learn more at ontariotechu.ca/ai. 

The post Building a Human-Centred and Responsible Future for AI appeared first on HiveInnovates.

Ilyas Zakiat

Founder, BIASafe

Station Fintech Montréal spotlights two innovators using agentic AI to transform workflows in regulated financial services. 

Financial institutions are evaluating how agentic AI can reshape workflows, strengthen controls, and accelerate decision-making. We spoke with two Station Fintech Montréal founders — Felix Simard of Dimedove and Ilyas Zakiat of BIASafe AI — about deploying AI in regulated industries.   

What problem were you originally trying to solve, and how has it evolved? 

Felix Simard: We began by adding conversational intelligence to personal finance, but saw the real need was scalable qualification. Firms must manage inquiries efficiently, so we built a qualification platform. 

Ilyas Zakiat: Asset-management teams were slowed by fragmented workflows. We built BIASafe so a non-technical manager could design, test, and launch portfolios rapidly. 

What prompted your pivot, and what did you learn from financial institutions? 

FS: Human-driven qualification becomes a bottleneck as volume grows. Agentic systems remove that. Seeing firms ready for this shift directed our focus. 

IZ: Users wanted predictions, while institutions needed AI-native operating systems. The pivot realigned us with our mission. 

What have been the biggest regulatory challenges? 

FS: Compliance expectations shape everything we build. We apply strict privacy, security, and data-governance practices. 

IZ: Institutions expect built-in security. We invested in hardened cloud controls.  

What are financial institutions most concerned about? 

FS: Consistency: a system that reflects the brand, communicates clearly, and stays accurate with low latency. 

IZ: Data security, output reliability, and explainability.  

What early results are you seeing? 

FS: Our platform handles repetitive qualification, letting teams focus on higher-value prospects. 

IZ: Managers can describe strategies in plain language and generate production-ready portfolios in minutes. 

Where is agentic AI headed? 

FS: Businesses will become agent-first, with agents working across channels. 

IZ: Agentic AI will become the operational backbone, automating manual workflows and reducing risk.

Learn more at stationfintech.com/en. 

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Surrey is one of Canada’s most innovative cities, powered by education, research, business growth, and a rapidly expanding population.

With a population of over 700,000, Surrey is one of British Columbia’s fastest-growing cities and is poised to surpass Vancouver as the province’s most populous. It’s a city with ambition, and its abundance of assets is accelerating the transformation, including a diverse, highly skilled local workforce and the largest share of Metro Vancouver’s industrial lands. 

Education and innovation are driving transformation

Building a strong education hub is a key component of Surrey’s current and future vision. The city is home to campuses of major post-secondary institutions, including Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), Simon Fraser University (SFU), and the upcoming University of British Columbia Surrey campus, with some programs already being taught at the Surrey Health and Technology District. SFU Surrey’s new School of Medicine will be the first in nearly 60 years in Western Canada. The first cohort of aspiring physicians and medical professionals is set to begin studies next year. 

While UBC is consistently ranked as one of the world’s top universities, SFU is recognized as Canada’s top university for innovation and entrepreneurial spirit as per (WURI) 2025 rankings and KPU is recognized for its leadership in polytechnic training in Trades and Technology programming, and for its industry-supporting assets such as the Applied Genomics Centre 

It’s no surprise these universities have established a strong presence along Surrey’s Innovation Boulevard, an anchor of the city’s innovation ecosystem co-founded by the City of Surrey and SFU. This vibrant innovation platform of businesses, innovation labs, incubators, and university-industry research partnerships is unmatched in the Metro Vancouver region.

Where innovation, talent, and industry come together

Entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors are connected to expertise, university researchers, academia and talent to prototype, pilot, commercialize, and scale solutions faster in high-impact sectors, including cleantech, agritech, smart cities, health tech, and advanced manufacturing. This is backed by Surrey’s unique strengths: access to top-tier talent and research (through Innovation Boulevard, businesses can access innovation and research labs across the city) industrial and commercial lands, trade-enabling infrastructure, and easy access to major transportation corridors. 

These partnerships between industry, government agencies, post-secondary institutions, and the City of Surrey are helping to close Canada’s productivity gap while creating quality jobs and increasing national competitiveness. 

Looking to grow your business in Surrey or expand into the western Canadian market? Contact Us.

The post How One B.C. City Is Transforming Through Innovation and Business  appeared first on HiveInnovates.

Milton is shaping its future through practical, people-focused innovation grounded in local expertise.

Every growing community reaches moments that signal a shift. Milestones mark the point where a town moves from planning for the future — to building it.

In Milton, one such moment arrived in the form of a blue-and-white transit bus pulling into the Milton GO Station loop.

Except this bus wasn’t ordinary at all.

This was Canada’s first mid-life diesel-to-electric bus conversion — a made-in-Milton innovation born from a partnership between Milton Transit and local business MTB Transit Solutions.

The goal was bold: Reimagine a diesel bus halfway through its life cycle, rather than retire it early or buy a costly new electric vehicle. The result? A bus powered by a new battery-electric system that’s quieter, cleaner, and crafted from local ingenuity.

To make this happen, MTB Transit Solutions removed the diesel engine and other components and installed a fully electric powertrain. The back of the bus was taken apart, rebuilt, and engineered to run as a battery-electric vehicle, while maintaining its original shell. 

Gara Hay, president of MTB Transit Solutions, described the converted bus as a made-in-Milton solution that shows what is possible when local expertise and municipal leadership come together. By choosing a local partner, the Town of Milton demonstrated forward-thinking innovation. It’s a model with global potential, and its first chapter is unfolding in Milton.

Smart growth. Local innovation.

As Milton continues to evolve into a more urban centre, it’s seeing strong residential and business growth. Global companies are setting up headquarters here, drawn by Milton’s location near Highways 401 and 407, its proximity to major markets, and its position in one of Canada’s strongest economic regions.

The electric bus isn’t Milton’s only innovation.

In local parks and public spaces, Milton is working with Evolution Data, a local tech company, to install smart sensors that notify staff when garbage bins are close to full. This pilot project shifts service from scheduled to on-demand pickups — helping to keep parks cleaner, reduce fuel use, and save staff time and money. It’s a small change with a big impact.

Innovation in Milton doesn’t have to be flashy. It just has to work.

Built by people, in partnership

Milton’s strength lies in its people — residents, businesses, and innovators who look at everyday challenges and ask, “How can we make this better?”

This mindset fuels the Town’s partnerships with local post-secondary institutions like Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College. With both schools now offering programs in Milton, more opportunities for innovation and talent development are just around the corner.

Milton is a place of possibility — where new residents and businesses are welcomed, where connectivity and quality of life matter, and where public services grow alongside the community.

Projects like the electric bus conversion and bin sensor pilot are just the beginning. They hint at how practical partnerships and local expertise in Milton will continue to foster new approaches with measurable outcomes.

Together, they reflect a place built on a strong economic footing, open to new ideas, and committed to shaping the future with purpose.

To learn more about innovation in Milton, visit investmilton.ca and follow InvestMilton on LinkedIn.

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As Atlantic Canada’s Knowledge Capital, Fredericton, New Brunswick is powering the national shift toward a modern, innovation-driven economy

Fredericton, N.B., is an innovation hub that’s fuelling Canada’s nation-building projects and economic development priorities. Having seen its population grow by 35 per cent in the last decade — largely driven by young, educated people seeking opportunities in Fredericton’s research and tech sector, along with a better quality of life — the city is now home to over 2,700 knowledge-based businesses and Atlantic Canada’s largest concentration of knowledge workers. Fredericton also boasts over 60 leading R&D organizations within its Innovation District, anchored by Knowledge Park, the Cyber Centre, and numerous educational institutions, including the University of New Brunswick and its renowned McKenna Institute advancing digital transformation.

The city’s thriving knowledge ecosystem and public-private-university partnerships are driving growth across sectors like defence, construction and housing, natural resources, and technology, vitally contributing to Canada’s ambition of becoming a global leader in science and innovation.

Defence and cybersecurity: Fredericton’s nation-building powerhouse

Fredericton is an engine for talent that’s driving Canada’s most important defence and cyber sectors. With defence readiness and cybersecurity elevated as national priorities, the city’s proximity to Canada’s largest military base (CFB Gagetown) and world-class cyber ecosystem makes it a strategic national asset.

Fredericton is home to innovative research, business and community leaders delivering on national priorities in the cybersecurity, defence, natural resources, and construction sectors, as a vibrant, affordable, smart city, Fredericton is ready to meet the moment.

Mayor Kate Rogers

New Brunswick is proud of its position as the epicentre of Canada’s cybersecurity sector, and Fredericton’s Innovation District includes Cyber Centre (Canada’s most advanced networking and data fibre facility), the Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity, and world-leading cyber companies. Recent success stories include Opportunities NB attracting Thales Group’s Canadian National Digital Excellence Centre to the province (a first-of-its-kind in Canada research and talent development hub) and the achievements of local technology firms Beauceron Security and HotSpot, both of which were early adoptees from Boost Fredericton, the city’s living lab for civic innovation.

Critical minerals and Sisson Mine: fuel for Canada’s economy   

Canada’s recent commitment to fast-track projects of national significance aligns directly with the advancement of Sisson Mine, one of the region’s most important economic opportunities. Located about 60 kilometres northwest of Fredericton, Sisson Mine offers a world-class deposit of tungsten and molybdenum, two critical minerals used in everything from EV batteries and renewable energy technologies to aerospace, defence systems, and advanced manufacturing.

As the closest major city, Fredericton is Sisson Mine’s talent and services hub.

Housing innovation and off-site construction leadership

As the federal government invests in prefabricated and modular housing to double the rate of homebuilding, Fredericton’s expertise in off-site construction positions it as a key partner in solving Canada’s housing challenges. The city is home to one of the largest manufacturers of modular and off-site homes, Maple Leaf Homes, among others. By providing diverse, rapid, and repeatable housing options, manufactured housing is helping to address the housing crisis and supporting the federal government’s goal of 500,000 new homes per year over the next decade.

Fredericton is also home to the University of New Brunswick’s Off-Site Construction Research Centre, an innovation hub that aims to accelerate construction innovation through the improvement and adoption of off-site construction technologies and practices.  

A growing destination for talent and innovation   

Fredericton’s innovation-driven economy presents myriad opportunities for individuals and businesses alike, and it’s also just a really great place to live. The city is beautiful, welcoming, diverse, and affordable. Residents can enjoy a balanced lifestyle with abundant outdoor recreation opportunities (including 120 kilometres of maintained trails to walk, run, and bike) and a vibrant arts and culture scene.

Fredericton is ready to welcome innovators, builders, researchers, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals looking to play a role in Canada’s next chapter. Learn more at fredericton.ca. 

Some other resources to check out:

Opportunities New Brunswick
onbcanada.ca

Ignite Fredericton
myignite.ca

Fredericton Chamber of Commerce frederictonchamber.ca

The post How Fredericton’s Knowledge Economy Is Fuelling Canada’s Future  appeared first on HiveInnovates.

Alexei Miecznikowski

CEO, Northern Transformer

Innisfil’s unique approach to supporting businesses both big and small is redefining how Canadian communities grow, attract talent and welcome new industry.

Over the last few years, the town of Innisfil has been experiencing a remarkable evolution, quietly going from a sleepy lakeside community to one of the country’s most innovative, economically active regions. This transformation is no accident. It’s the hard-won result of future-looking policies, creative partnerships and a focus on sustainable economic development. Located just an hour north of Toronto, Innisfil is ideally situated along Highway 400 and is also connected to the Barrie Collingwood Railway, providing seamless connections to businesses and cities across Canada and the eastern United States. With so many assets, it’s no wonder this entrepreneurial hub is beginning to turn heads.

Embracing innovation

Innisfil has quickly garnered national attention for its willingness to do things differently. Over the past several years, the town has become a laboratory for public and private sector innovation, piloting partnerships with organizations like Uber, Rover, Coinberry, and Swap Robotics. These collaborations have reimagined everything from local transit to digital services, showcasing how even the most traditional municipal operations can benefit from the fresh perspective and energy of entrepreneurs.

“Many of the traditional services that municipalities provide could benefit from the insights of emerging entrepreneurs. The founders we tend to work with are often more comfortable with risk and foster a natural passion and curiosity for adapting new technologies to solve long-standing challenges,” says Laura Thompson, Innisfil’s Manager of Economic Development. The town’s enthusiasm for experimentation has not only improved service but led to major changes in how local government approaches economic growth. Recently the Town’s Innisfil Heights Investment Readiness Initiative was chosen as a finalist for the Economic Developers Council of Ontario Planning & Strategic Development Award of Excellence. 

A culture of innovation

A key component of the city’s entrepreneurial culture is DMZ Innisfil. In 2020, Innisfil embarked on a partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University to bring the acclaimed tech incubator to town. DMZ is a novel tech incubator that helps build, launch and scale tech companies that are just starting up. This community-driven initiative offers resources, mentorship, marketing guidance, workshops and more to companies looking to expand their reach. 

Originally started with 16 founders, the program has grown exponentially to become one of the most successful iterations of DMZ’s global hubs. It’s now helped over 100 program graduates scale their businesses even as they continue to enjoy the advantages of a lakeside lifestyle.  

Innisfil not only met our specific location needs—including a strong technical workforce, excellent logistics, diverse housing options and proximity to key markets—but the town also demonstrated a highly client-oriented and business-friendly approach. This gave us peace of mind that we were making a smart business decision. 

What makes DMZ Innisfil’s program stand out is that, while it’s designed to serve the needs of more-rurally located innovators, the program also offers the top-tier support typically only found in an urban setting. Programs feature everything from networking events and bootcamps to connections with world-class mentors and participation in global events like Collision Tech Conference in Toronto. DMZ Innisfil has even hosted events connecting members with startup founders from around the world, including Brazil, China, Egypt, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Japan. Programs are carefully planned to ensure they meet the needs of entrepreneurs from all industries. 

Strategic and sustainable growth 

Looking towards 2026, Innisfil’s economic growth spurt doesn’t show any signs of slowing. The town is set to grow 32 per cent, which is faster than the regional average and is expected to add 16,000 jobs by 2051—a testament to its productive, forward-thinking support for investment.

Innisfil’s Economic Development Office has many new projects in the works. For example, the new Innisfil Heights Investment Readiness Initiative is focused on positioning the Innisfil Heights Employment Area as an attractive development region offering 1,600 acres of land along Highway 400. The initiative’s aim is to encourage and simplify collaboration between municipal departments and businesses and provide white glove treatment to new site selectors, businesses, and investors. 

Two major projects really highlight Innisfil’s entrepreneurial approach to promoting development. DSV Global Transport and Logistics just recently completed development of a 1.3 million-square-foot LEED-certified facility in Innisfil Heights, making full use of the location’s unparalleled highway access. This warehousing facility underscores the economic strength of Innisfil’s infrastructure and its appeal to global businesses.

Northern Transformer Corporation’s $207 million investment in a new 180,000-square-foot manufacturing facility is another endorsement of the town’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for investment. The state-of-the-art facility will create 151 jobs and provide critical support to the province’s energy grid. “Innisfil not only met our specific location needs—including a strong technical workforce, excellent logistics, diverse housing option and proximity to key markets—but the town also demonstrated a highly client-oriented and business-friendly approach. This gave us peace of mind that we were making a smart business decision,” says Alexei Miecznikowski, CEO of Northern Transformer. “This investment is creating high skilled jobs, supporting our local suppliers, and building a future where Canadian-made solutions can power Canadians.” Innisfil is now setting its sites on complementary industries to support major anchors like Northern Transformer, including those in the advanced manufacturing sector and sub-sectors such as metal fabrication, electrical goods and general factory supplies.

Boasting a business-friendly council and a supportive community enthusiastic about promoting growth, jobs and innovation, Innisfil will continue to evolve as a thriving hub where investment, entrepreneurship and community building are powerfully intertwined.

Visit InvestInnisfil.ca to learn how your business can leverage the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of Innisfil.

The post All Eyes Are On Innisfil — Innisfil’s Economic Edge appeared first on HiveInnovates.

Offering business incentives and support, the Town of Cochrane is an attractive spot for startups, scale-ups, and established companies.

The Town of Cochrane is one of the fastest growing communities in Canada. 2024 municipal Census data reports Cochrane’s population as just over 37,000, more than triple of that in 2001. Cochrane is poised for more growth in the years ahead and here’s why. 

Cochrane’s proximity to Calgary, an international airport, and key transportation corridors, plus low barriers to entry and plenty of support, make it an ideal location for business and entrepreneurship. It’s also a great place to live, with plenty of high paying jobs, beautiful scenery, quality schools, and a vibrant historic downtown. 

Good things start in Cochrane

While not top of mind as a strategic business location, Cochrane has been an industry and innovation hub for over 75 years. Many companies with local roots have gone on to achieve international success, including Garmin Canada, a leading technology developer, known worldwide for its sports watches and wearables. Garmin’s choice to maintain and expand its headquarters in Cochrane speaks to the Town’s capacity to nurture entrepreneurial ventures at all stages.  

Cochrane continues to support industry startups and entrepreneurs by creating a business-friendly economic environment which includes no business tax, competitive costs, and a skilled workforce.

Cochrane continues to support industry startups and entrepreneurs by creating a business-friendly economic environment which includes no business tax, competitive costs, and a skilled workforce. These efforts are paying off as Cochrane boasts a five-year average business retention rate of 93 per cent, with 2,361 active licenses and 460 new business launches as of July 2025. 

From startup to scale

As part of its commitment to foster innovation and strengthen relationships with existing businesses, Cochrane is in the process of developing a new Economic Development Strategy for the next 10 to 15 years in alignment with Envision Cochrane 2050. Cochrane also has an array of new business programs designed to meet entrepreneurs where they’re at and support them in their journey  —  from idea to scale. 

One is the SMARTstart entrepreneurial training and development program designed by Community Futures Centre West and delivered in partnership with the Municipality. SMARTstart is designed to help new entrepreneurs survive the crucial early years by providing mentorship, networking, online training, and in-person workshops with local experts. 

The other is The Engine Room, Cochrane’s Business Incubator for startups that are ready to grow and scale. The Engine Room connects entrepreneurs to experts and resources to help build, scale, and grow in Cochrane. 

With an already established industrial base, a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, and new sectors like film, energy, and manufacturing coming on board, there is a wealth of opportunities to be had in this picturesque town east of the Rockies.

Whether you’re looking to start a business, find a job, or invest, learn more by visiting cochrane.ca/business-innovation.  

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