Author Archives: Lindsay Kavanagh

Posted in News, Press Releases
Apr 5, 2023

April 4, 2023 – Ottawa, ON – Invest Ottawa is thrilled to announce its tenth graduate from the IO Accelerator, Trualta. The program, now in its fifth year, is designed to use a phased and milestone-based approach to help entrepreneurs grow and scale on their Venture Path 

Trualta, a personalized, skills-based e-learning platform focused on helping families manage the care for aging loved ones living at home, is the most recent successful graduate from the flagship program.  

“It has been such a fabulous experience witnessing Trualta’s growth throughout the IO Accelerator,” said Megan Maltby, Manager, Accelerator Programs and Investor Relations at Invest Ottawa. “We admire CEO and Founder Jonathan Davis’ respectful, thoughtful, and hardworking approach, and the entire team’s willingness to give back and collaborate with other members of the Ottawa startup community.” 

Trualta, an e-learning health-tech company, was founded in 2017 and joined the IO Accelerator in 2018. Soon after, Trualta hired its first full-time employee (FTE), who is still at the company today, and now has more than 34 FTEs. Throughout most of their time in the Accelerator Trualta was bootstrapped but the team eventually raised equity funding from a US-based family office in late 2021.  

“The IO Accelerator has provided an incredible community as we’ve launched and scaled Trualta, said Jonathan Davis, CEO and Founder. “Whether it’s been connecting with other founders, or getting advice from mentors & advisors, the experience has been invaluable. We’ve connected with so many other startups, funders and investors through the Accelerator, which has enabled us to grow very quickly.” 

With the goal of being the market leader in family caregiver education, Trualta is achieving just that by partnering with state and local government, health insurers and health care providers across the U.S. They continue to prove that trained, confident family caregivers can improve health outcomes and reduce the cost of care. Today, Trualta partners with local & state government, health plans and healthcare providers in 32 states. 

“The big push this year is expanding our capabilities from educational content to community features like support groups, a chat room and care coaching,” said Davis. “As we enter IO ScaleUp, we’re expanding our sales and marketing footprint to reach a wider segment of the healthcare industry including managed care organizations, health plans, and health systems.” 

Trualta officially graduated this evening at the IO Accelerator Graduation Party where community members came together to celebrate all 10 graduates from the program since 2018. In total, these 10 incredible companies have created more than 643 jobs and raised more than $365 million in capital. On top of that, a number of them have been recognized on lists such as The Globe & Mail’s Canada’s Top Growing Companies, the Ottawa Business Journal’s Fastest Growing Companies, Top Places to Work in Ottawa, and some have even made an appearance on CBC’s Dragon’s Den.  

“Externally, Trualta is also making a positive difference in the lives of family caregivers and their loved ones – giving caregivers the confidence to deliver quality care at home,” Maltby explained. “In short, the Trualta team makes the Invest Ottawa network, and our world, a better place and we look forward to continue to support the team as they join IO ScaleUp.” 

 

About IO Accelerator 

The IO Accelerator is designed to rapidly and systematically accelerate the development and commercial success of high growth technology startups. In a phased and milestone-based approach, founders push themselves over 12 to 18 months to create a scalable and globally competitive technology company. Companies receive 10 hours of advisory services per month from experts in a variety of management fields, guidance and introductions to investors, curated market research, as well as access to the IO Accelerator co-working space and startup community and Bayview Yards operated by Invest Ottawa. The IO Accelerator has seen ten graduates since 2018: Rewind, Knak, Relogix, Rvezy, GoFor, Noibu, Growcer, Fellow, Spiderwort, and Trualta.  

 

About IO ScaleUp   

Designed for high-potential product-based technology firms, IO ScaleUp provides advisory services, networks and programming to help overcome three key challenges to rapid growth and market success – customers, revenue and talent. The platform is jointly delivered by Invest Ottawa, Communitech, and MaRs Discovery District to help scale-up firms rapidly scale revenues or teams and increase their potential of becoming $100 million companies. 

 

About Trualta 

Trualta’s online learning platform supports families managing care for loved ones at home by offering on-demand, personalized, skills-based training. In partnership with innovative healthcare payers, providers, and government and social service organizations, Trualta improves care at a lower cost. Currently available in 31 states, Trualta’s evidence-based offering is proving that trained, confident family caregivers can improve health outcomes and reduce costs. 

Media Contact: 

Amanda Speroni
[email protected]
613-790-1303 

Posted in News, Press Releases
Jan 31, 2023

Invest Ottawa Bayview Yards Area X.O logo

Ottawa (Ontario) – 31 janvier 2023 : L’écosystème d’innovation, de technologie et d’affaires d’Ottawa s’est réuni aujourd’hui au cœur de la capitale canadienne pour célébrer le dixième anniversaire d’Investir Ottawa, la principale agence de développement économique du secteur du savoir; le sixième anniversaire des cours Bayview, le guichet unique pour l’accélération d’entreprises et carrefour de l’innovation à Ottawa; ainsi que le fruit des efforts collaboratifs de la communauté et du pôle technologique mondial.  

De 2013 à 2022, Investir Ottawa a eu le privilège de contribuer à cet écosystème et a : 

  • aidé près de 14 000 entreprises; 
  • soutenu plus de 14 700 emplois; 
  • aidé des entreprises canadiennes à mobiliser 1,86 G$ en capitaux; 
  • généré des investissements intérieurs et étrangers de 1,47 G$ à Ottawa; 
  • créé, de concert avec des partenaires des secteurs public et privé, Zone X.O, le complexe de recherche et développement consacré aux technologies nouvelle génération de mobilité, d’autonomie et de connectivité intelligentes évalué (jusqu’ici) à 50 M$; 
  • donné à des entreprises accès à près de 30 M$ en renseignements et recherche sur le marché; 
  • offert plus de 75 730 heures de services-conseils à des fondateurs, des entrepreneurs, des propriétaires d’entreprises et des entreprises; 
  • formé plus de 60 000 participants dans son Centre de pédagogie. 

 

Afin de remercier comme il se doit tous les fondateurs, propriétaires, commerces, investisseurs, champions, commanditaires et partenaires, Investir Ottawa a organisé une célébration en mode hybride aux cours Bayview et en ligne. Le programme de la scène principale, webdiffusé en direct, comprenait : 

 

  • l’annonce d’un nouveau financement de près de 5,4 M$ pour Zone X.O (le complexe de recherche et développement consacré aux technologies nouvelle génération de mobilité, d’autonomie et de connectivité intelligentes) par l’honorable Filomena Tassi, ministre responsable de l’Agence fédérale de développement économique pour le Sud de l’Ontario;  
  • le dévoilement de deux magnifiques nouvelles murales dans la Fonderie RBC, au cœur des cours Bayview, en présence de Justin Schurman, vice-président régional, Services financiers à l’entreprise à la Banque Royale du Canada, commanditaire principal d’Investir Ottawa et des cours Bayview, de Michael Tremblay, président-directeur général d’Investir Ottawa, et de l’artiste ukrainienne Akseniia Karpachova, nouvellement immigrée à Ottawa et gagnante du concours organisé par RBC et Investir Ottawa l’automne dernier;  

Investir Ottawa a eu le privilège d’accueillir des centaines de participants sur place et en ligne, et de donner la parole à : 

  • Chandra Arya, député de Nepean; 
  • Jenna Sudds, députée de Kanata-Carleton, secrétaire parlementaire de la ministre des Femmes et de l’Égalité des genres et de la Jeunesse; 
  • Yasir Naqvi, député d’Ottawa-Centre, secrétaire parlementaire du président du Conseil privé du Roi pour le Canada et ministre de la Protection civile; 
  • Mark Sutcliffe, maire d’Ottawa; 
  • Michael Tremblay, président-directeur général, Investir Ottawa, cours Bayview et Zone X.O;  
  • l’honorable Merrilee Fullerton, ministre des Services à l’enfance et des Services sociaux et communautaires de l’Ontario; 
  • l’honorable Victor Fedeli, ministre du Développement économique, de la Création d’emplois et du Commerce de l’Ontario; 
  • Jeff Westeinde, entrepreneur, investisseur, président du conseil inaugural d’Investir Ottawa et vice-président du conseil inaugural des cours Bayview;  
  • Steve West, cadre supérieur du secteur des technologies, investisseur et président du conseil inaugural des cours Bayview. 

 

Les invités ont pu faire l’expérience des installations, de la technologie et de l’expertise d’Investir Ottawa, des cours Bayview et de Zone X.O, et rencontrer des fondateurs et représentants d’entreprises qui les utilisent pour accélérer leur croissance et leur réussite. Ils ont visité les cours Bayview et assisté à des démonstrations de la part d’entrepreneurs et d’entreprises en démarrage, en expansion ou ayant réussi un atterrissage en douceur qui collaborent avec Investir Ottawa par l’intermédiaire de Zone X.O, du labo de prototypage, de l’accélérateur IO et de la piste de décollage mondiale.  

 

« Je suis impressionné par tout ce que nous avons réussi à accomplir au cours des six dernières années grâce à notre engagement et à nos efforts collectifs. Je suis extrêmement reconnaissant envers tous les clients, employés, administrateurs, investisseurs, commanditaires, mentors, partenaires et membres de la communauté qui s’impliquent ou se sont impliqués dans le projet. Je pense notamment à la Ville d’Ottawa, au gouvernement de l’Ontario et au gouvernement du Canada », s’est réjoui Michael Tremblay, président-directeur général d’Investir Ottawa, des cours Bayview et de Zone X.O. 

 

« Je constate tous les jours tout le pouvoir de notre collaboration. Elle renforce notre communauté, crée des emplois et stimule notre économie. La création visionnaire d’Investir Ottawa et des cours Bayview, la mise en œuvre de notre plan stratégique de cinq ans et nos efforts collectifs aident Ottawa à réaliser son potentiel et à devenir une communauté d’affaires et un pôle technologique mondial novateur, avant-gardiste et inclusif. J’aimerais remercier tous ceux et celles qui ont mis la main à la pâte au fil des années. Je suis extrêmement fier de ce que nous avons accompli ensemble. Je suis impatient de voir ce que nous réussirons à faire de plus pour notre collectivité et notre économie au cours des prochaines années. Merci encore. »  

 

Citations 

« Félicitations à Investir Ottawa pour ses dix ans de présence dans la capitale nationale et les six ans des cours Bayview! Grâce à l’investissement dans Zone X.O annoncé aujourd’hui, nous continuerons de stimuler ensemble la production de solutions de conception canadienne, tout en accroissant la participation à l’économie de Canadiennes et de Canadiens issus de groupes sous-représentés. »  

L’honorable Filomena Tassi, ministre responsable de l’Agence fédérale de développement économique pour le Sud de l’Ontario 

 

« Félicitations à Investir Ottawa pour ses dix ans de présence dans la région de la capitale nationale. L’enveloppe annoncée aujourd’hui par le gouvernement du Canada aidera Zone X.O à poursuivre son implantation à Nepean, stimulera l’économie locale et ouvrira des avenues prometteuses pour les entrepreneurs de la région, dont certains sont issus de populations sous-représentées. Nous avons hâte de voir ce que les dix prochaines années vous réservent! »  

Chandra Arya, député de Nepean 

 

« Toutes mes félicitations à Investir Ottawa pour son dixième anniversaire et les six ans des cours Bayview. Le gouvernement du Canada continue de soutenir les entreprises de la région de la capitale nationale via Investir Ottawa, et l’annonce d’aujourd’hui concernant Zone X.O stimulera la croissance d’importants secteurs liés aux interventions d’urgence tout en renforçant l’économie régionale et en accroissant la participation de Canadiennes et de Canadiens issus de groupes sous-représentés. » 

Yasir Naqvi, député d’Ottawa-Centre 

 

« L’investissement d’aujourd’hui dans Zone X.O favorisera la participation économique de Canadiennes et de Canadiens de groupes sous-représentés, soutiendra nos secteurs ayant pour mission de protéger la sécurité du public et fournira à nos innovateurs locaux les outils et les ressources dont ils ont besoin pour prospérer. » 

Jenna Sudds, députée de Kanata–Carleton 

 

« Au cours des dix dernières années, Investir Ottawa a été d’une grande aide pour les entrepreneurs, les fondateurs, les propriétaires d’entreprises et les commerces de la région, que ce soit en contribuant à leur lancement ou leur croissance, en attirant des talents, des entreprises et des investissements ou en stimulant la commercialisation de nouvelles solutions. J’ai eu la chance de faire partie du conseil inaugural en 2012 et d’assister à l’évolution d’Investir Ottawa au fil de la dernière décennie. J’espère que cette collaboration perdurera et continuera d’être un moteur pour l’innovation et l’emploi. »  

Mark Sutcliffe, maire d’Ottawa 

 

« Au nom du gouvernement de l’Ontario, j’aimerais adresser mes sincères félicitations aux nombreux professionnels d’Investir Ottawa. En cet anniversaire spécial, merci pour la formidable incidence qu’a eue Investir Ottawa sur notre milieu des affaires et notre économie. En attirant des fonds de capital de risque, des investissements étrangers directs et des talents, vous avez contribué à créer et à faire grandir des entreprises ici, à Ottawa. Vous êtes un moteur d’entrepreneuriat, d’innovation et de croissance économique pour notre région et notre province. Je vous souhaite encore bien d’autres réussites au sein de notre communauté des affaires. » 

L’honorable Merrilee Fullerton, députée de Kanata–Carleton et ministre ontarienne des Services à l’enfance et des Services sociaux et communautaires 

 

« Sans la participation de tous les milieux, il serait impossible de bâtir une collectivité pour tous. Investir Ottawa ne s’occupe pas juste des problèmes externes; l’organisme s’attache aussi à incarner les valeurs qu’il met en avant dans le milieu entrepreneurial. C’est l’engagement à l’égard de ce travail et de ce parcours qui me rend si dévouée à sa cause. C’est un organisme qui est prêt à se montrer vulnérable et à avoir des conversations difficiles pour avancer avec intégrité et intentionnalité. C’est ce qui changera les choses au fil du temps. » 

Shav Hasfal-McIntosh, directrice de la diversité, de l’équité et de l’inclusion, Wealthsimple et membre du conseil d’administration et présidente du sous-comité des femmes fondatrices et propriétaires, Investir Ottawa 

 

« Dans la dernière décennie, Investir Ottawa a fourni du soutien et collaboré auprès de milliers d’entrepreneurs, d’entreprises en démarrage ou en croissance et de PME, dont bon nombre ont pris naissance aux cours Bayview. Leurs fondateurs ont collectivement créé des milliers d’emplois dans notre région. Comme administrateur ou investisseur dans quatre entreprises nées des cours Bayview, je sais que les cours Bayview et Investir Ottawa jouent un rôle crucial dans la croissance économique et la prospérité. » 

Jeff Westeinde, entrepreneur, investisseur, président du conseil inaugural d’Investir Ottawa, et vice-président du conseil inaugural des cours Bayview 

 

« Aux cours Bayview, les gens sont au cœur de tout. Toutes sortes de personnes passionnées et dévouées ont contribué ensemble à réaliser notre vision d’un premier carrefour d’innovation à Ottawa. Chaque jour, des gens collaborent aux cours Bayview pour contribuer à notre économie et à la collectivité. Je suis incroyablement fier de voir cet ancien garage municipal devenu un lieu où les entreprises de toutes sortes peuvent venir et trouver l’aide dont elles ont besoin pour passer au prochain niveau. » 

Steve West, cadre supérieur du secteur des technologies, investisseur et président du conseil inaugural des cours Bayview 

 

Citations de fondateurs sur l’importance du nouvel investissement dans la Zone X.O annoncé par Filomena Tassi, ministre responsable de FedDev Ontario 

 

« Pour une entreprise de technologie en plein essor, disposer d’un complexe de R.-D. pour développer, tester et valider des solutions, puis en faire la démonstration à des clients, à des partenaires et à des investisseurs potentiels, ça n’a pas de prix. Grâce à Zone X.O, nous collaborons avec des chercheurs, des organismes de réglementation et de grands noms de l’industrie. Nous avons aussi accès à des infrastructures uniques au monde pour tester et évaluer les performances de nos technologies dans toutes les conditions météorologiques au moment de passer du laboratoire au marché. Nous sommes ainsi en mesure de recueillir des commentaires d’utilisateurs d’une grande valeur, qui se traduisent en améliorations des produits et accélèrent leur mise en marché. » 

    Fahed Hassanat, cofondateur, chef de l’exploitation et directeur de l’ingénierie, Sensor Cortek  

« Kirality propose des solutions rapides, sûres et fiables pour transporter une panoplie de biens, notamment du matériel de premiers soins, de façon économique et écologique. Zone X.O a beaucoup à offrir aux nouveaux diplômés comme moi et mon partenaire d’affaires Mo. L’installation nous fournit l’infrastructure et l’expertise nécessaires pour tester et valider nos capacités et nos solutions. De plus, elle nous donne d’excellentes occasions de présenter notre technologie à des clients et à des investisseurs potentiels. »  

Zainab Badawi, cofondatrice, Kirality Drones 

 

Pour obtenir d’autres citations de fondateurs, d’entrepreneurs, de figures du milieu des affaires et d’anciens et actuels membres du conseil d’administration et partenaires, visionner les trois vidéos suivantes : 

 

À propos d’Investir Ottawa 

Investir Ottawa est la principale agence de développement du secteur du savoir de la capitale du Canada. Ses missions : la croissance économique et la création d’emplois. Pour contribuer à faire d’Ottawa une ville innovante, inclusive, tournée vers l’avenir et reconnue mondialement, l’agence fournit aux entrepreneurs de nombreux programmes et services sur le développement d’entreprises, l’expansion internationale et les talents afin de donner une impulsion aux projets d’affaires et aux entrepreneurs locaux, ce qui favorisera leur essor. Ces programmes et services comprennent notamment de la formation axée sur les petites entreprises, du mentorat, le développement d’entreprises de technologie, l’attraction d’entreprises et d’investissements étrangers, le renforcement et l’expansion d’entreprises locales dans des secteurs ciblés, la commercialisation, et la promotion de la diversité économique et de la qualité de vie à Ottawa. Investir Ottawa administre aussi les cours Bayview, qui sont le carrefour d’innovation et le guichet unique pour l’accélération d’entreprises à Ottawa, en plus d’avoir fondé et d’exploiter Zone X.O, un complexe de R.-D. axé sur la mobilité, l’autonomie et la connectivité intelligentes. Depuis 2013, l’agence a offert son soutien à près de 14 000 entreprises, participant à la création de plus de 14 700 emplois, aidant les entreprises locales à mobiliser 1,86 M$ en capitaux, et attirant à Ottawa plus de 1,47 M$ en investissements directs intérieurs et étrangers. Pour en savoir plus, consultez le Rapport sur les retombées économiques d’Investir Ottawa 2022 ou visitez https://www.investottawa.ca/fr/ 

 

À propos des cours Bayview 

Gérées par Investir Ottawa, les cours Bayview sont le guichet unique pour l’accélération d’entreprises et le premier carrefour d’innovation du genre dans la région de la capitale nationale. Véritable épicentre de la création d’emplois, les cours Bayview servent de camp de base à la crème des talents et des entreprises technologiques d’Ottawa. Ce carrefour regroupe sous un même toit des capacités en matière de technologies, d’affaires et de marchés dans le but d’aider entrepreneurs et sociétés à se lancer, à croître et à prospérer. Forts d’un financement de 38 millions de dollars de la Ville d’Ottawa, du gouvernement de l’Ontario et du gouvernement du Canada, et d’une contribution de plus de 1,3 million de dollars des commanditaires fondateurs, les cours Bayview rassemblent des organismes qui offrent des services et du soutien aux entrepreneurs et aux sociétés.  

 

Parmi ceux-ci, il y a Investir Ottawa, qui propose à même le carrefour d’innovation ses programmes en collaboration avec des partenaires des secteurs universitaire, public et privé. Grâce à ces partenariats, on trouve bon nombre des clés du succès commercial aux cours Bayview : espaces d’incubation et de réunion; programmes, services et soutien pour les affaires; outils et technologies de prototypage; liens avec les marchés; accès aux investissements. Mises en commun, ces capacités accélèrent la croissance et la réussite des entreprises et stimulent la création d’emplois et de richesse à Ottawa. Pour en savoir plus, visitez le www.bayviewyards.org 

 

Renseignements  

Sonya Shorey  

Vice-présidente, stratégie, marketing et communications  

Investir Ottawa, cours Bayview et Zone X.O  

613 851-9416 [email protected]  

Posted in News, Press Releases
Jan 31, 2023

Invest Ottawa Bayview Yards Area X.O logo

Ottawa, ON – January 31, 2023:  Set in the heart of Canada’s Capital, Ottawa’s innovation, tech and business ecosystem today celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Invest Ottawa, lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries; the six-year anniversary of Bayview Yards, Ottawa’s one-stop business acceleration shop and innovation hub; and the collective outcomes and impact achieved together as a collaborative community and global tech hub.   

From 2013 to 2022 (inclusive), Invest Ottawa has been privileged to collaborate with our ecosystem, and: 

  • Support almost 14,000 companies 
  • Help to facilitate more than 14,700 jobs 
  • Help domestic companies raise $1.86 Billion in capital 
  • Attract $1.47 Billion in domestic and foreign direct investment to Ottawa 
  • Establish Area X.O, the R&D complex for next-gen smart mobility, autonomy and connectivity technologies valued at $50 million (and counting), together with public and private partners 
  • Enable companies to benefit from almost $30 million in market intelligence and research 
  • Provide more than 75,730 hours of advisory services to founders, entrepreneurs, business owners, and companies 
  • Facilitate training for almost 60,000 participants through our Education Centre 

 

To extend sincere appreciation to all founders, business owners, companies, investors, champions, sponsors and partners, Invest Ottawa hosted a special hybrid anniversary celebration with stakeholders at Bayview Yards and online. This included a live-streamed mainstage program featuring: 

  • The announcement of almost $5.4 million in new funding for Area X.O, the R&D complex for next-gen smart mobility, autonomy and connectivity founded and operated by Invest Ottawa by the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario;  
  • The unveiling of two stunning new murals in the RBC Foundry in the heart of Bayview Yards with Justin Schurman, Regional Vice President, Business Financial Services at Royal Bank of Canada, and Premier Sponsor of Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards; Michael Tremblay, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa; and Akseniia Karpachova, Artist, New Ukrainian Immigrant to Ottawa; and winner of the mural competition hosted by RBC and Invest Ottawa last fall; and  

 

Invest Ottawa was honoured to welcome hundreds of participants in-person and online, including the following speakers: 

  • Chandra Arya, MP for Nepean; 
  • Jenna Sudds, MP for Kanata-Carleton and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth; 
  • Yasir Naqvi, MP, Ottawa Centre, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness; 
  • His Worship Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa; 
  • Michael Tremblay, President and CEO, Invest Ottawa, Bayview Yards and Area X.O;  
  • The Honourable Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Minister, Government of Ontario; 
  • The Honourable Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Government of Ontario; 
  • Jeff Westeinde, Entrepreneur, Investor, Inaugural Chair of Invest Ottawa; Inaugural Vice Chair of Bayview Yards; and  
  • Steve West, Tech Executive, Investor and Inaugural Chair of Bayview Yards 

 

This anniversary celebration also enabled stakeholders to experience the capabilities, technologies and expertise offered by Invest Ottawa, Bayview Yards and Area X.O, and meet founders and companies that are putting them to work to accelerate their business growth and success. It featured tours of Bayview Yards and demonstrations from Ottawa entrepreneurs, startups, scaleups and soft-landed companies that collaborate with Invest Ottawa through Area X.O, the Prototyping Lab, the IO Accelerator and Global Runway.  

“Looking back on the last six years, I am humbled as a leader by the outcomes and impact we have achieved together as a committed and collaborative community. I am incredibly grateful to, and for, all past and present clients, employees, Directors, investors, sponsors, mentors, partners and community members. This includes the City of Ottawa, the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada,” said Michael Tremblay, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa, Bayview Yards and Area X.O. 

“I experience the power of our collaboration every day. It is strengthening our community, creating new jobs and growing our economy. It builds on the visionary establishment of Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards; the execution of our recent five-year strategic plan; and our collective action to help fulfil Ottawa’s potential as an innovative, future-ready, and inclusive business community and global tech hub. I want to thank everyone who contributes to this impact year after year. I am very proud of everything we have done together. I look forward to achieving even greater collaborative impact on our community and economy in the future.  Thank you all.”  

 

Featured Quotes 

“Congratulations Invest Ottawa on 10 years in Ottawa and six years with Bayview Yards! With today’s investment in Area X.O, we will continue working together to boost the production of made-in-Canada products and solutions while increasing the meaningful participation of underrepresented Canadians.”   

The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Agency for Southern Ontario 

 

“Congratulations Invest Ottawa on 10 years in the Ottawa region. As Area X.O continues to set roots in Nepean, today’s Government of Canada investment will support this growth while boosting the local economy and providing valuable opportunities for local entrepreneurs, including underrepresented Canadians. We look forward to seeing what the next 10 years has in store for you!”  

Chandra Arya, Member of Parliament for Nepean 

 

“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Invest Ottawa on their 10-year anniversary, including six years with Bayview Yards. The Government of Canada continues to support Ottawa-area businesses and entrepreneurs through Invest Ottawa and today’s announcement for Area X.O will boost growth in important emergency sectors while strengthening our regional economy and increasing the participation of underrepresented Canadians.” 

Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre 

 

“Today’s investment in Area X.O will boost the meaningful participation of underrepresented Canadians, support our emergency sectors with the vital job of protecting Canadians, and will provide our local innovators with tools and resources they need to thrive.” 

Jenna Sudds, Member of Parliament for Kanata–Carleton 

 

“Over the last ten years, Invest Ottawa has significantly impacted entrepreneurs, founders, business owners and companies across our region. Including helping firms launch, grow and scale; attracting talent, companies, and investment to our region; and driving the commercialization of new solutions. I was honoured to serve as an inaugural Director of the Board in 2012 and experience Invest Ottawa’s evolution over the last decade. I look forward to continued collaboration to drive innovation and job creation for years to come.”  

His Worship Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa 

 

“I want to extend sincere congratulations to the many professionals at Invest Ottawa on behalf of the Ontario Government. As you celebrate this milestone, thank you for the tremendous impact Invest Ottawa has had on our local business community and economy. This includes your work in attracting venture capital, foreign direct investment and talent to help build and grow companies here in Ottawa. You are driving entrepreneurship, innovation and economic growth in our region and province. I wish you many more successes together with out business community.” 

The Honourable Merrilee Fullerton, MPP for Kanata—Carleton; Minister of Ontario Minister of Children, Community and Social Services 

 

“If we do not have people from all walks of life building our community, we will never build a community for everyone. Invest Ottawa is not just committed to the external problems they’re trying to solve. They are looking at themselves as an organization to make sure that the values they strive to foster in Ottawa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem are reflected in their own organization. It is the commitment to this hard work and journey that keeps me here. An organization that is willing to be vulnerable and have uncomfortable conversations to move forward with intention and integrity. This is what will have an impact over time.” 

Shav Hasfal-McIntosh, Director of DE&I, Wealthsimple; Director of the Board and Chair of the Women Founders and Owners Sub-Committee, Invest Ottawa 

 

“Over the last decade, Invest Ottawa has supported and collaborated with thousands of entrepreneurs, startups, scaleups, and SMEs, including many that were incubated at Bayview Yards. These founders have collectively created thousands of jobs in our region. I’m on the board or an investor in at least four accelerator companies, so I know first-hand that Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards are critical ingredients to this economic growth and success.” 

Jeff Westeinde, Entrepreneur, Investor, Inaugural Chair of Invest Ottawa, and Inaugural Vice-Chair of Bayview Yards 

 

“Bayview Yards is all about people. It’s the collaborative impact of many passionate, committed people that helped translate our vision for Ottawa’s first innovation hub into a reality. And it is people who are collaborating every day within and through Bayview Yards that are achieving impact on our economy and community. As I visit Bayview Yards today, I am incredibly proud that what once was a municipal garage has become a place where any business can come and get the support they need to grow and thrive.” 

Steve West, Tech Executive, Investor and Inaugural Chair of the Board, Bayview Yards 

 

Founder Quotes Highlighting Critical New Investment in Area X.O Announced by the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister Responsible for FedDev Ontario 

“As a scaling tech company, the ability to further develop, test, validate and demonstrate our technology to prospective customers, partners, and investors at Area X.O is invaluable. This R&D complex enables us to collaborate consistently with researchers, regulators, and industry leaders, and access technology infrastructure that doesn’t exist anywhere else. We can test and evaluate the performance of our technology in true four-season Ottawa weather as we move from lab to market.  This provides us with critical user feedback that supports the evolution of our product and accelerates our time to market.” 

    Fahed Hassanat, Co-founder, Chief Operating Officer, and Director of Engineering, Sensor Cortek  

“Kirality provides fast, safe and reliable drone logistics platform to transport a variety of goods, including first aid, in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way. Area X.O has a lot to offer new graduates such as myself and my Co-Founder, Mo. It has provided us with the infrastructure and expertise required to test and validate our capabilities and solutions. In addition, it gives us great opportunities to demonstrate our technology for prospective clients and investors.” 

Zainab Badawi, Co-Founder, Kirality Drones 

 

For additional quotes from founders, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, past and present Directors of the Board and partners, please reference the following three videos: 

 

About Invest Ottawa 

Invest Ottawa is the lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries in Canada’s Capital, facilitating economic growth and job creation in Ottawa. Guided by a vision to help realize Ottawa’s full potential as a globally recognized, innovative, inclusive, and future-ready city, Invest Ottawa delivers venture development, global expansion and talent programs and services that catalyze the growth and success of entrepreneurs and firms. These include small business training, mentorship, acceleration for technology firms, foreign business and investment attraction, local business retention and expansion in targeted sectors, commercialization, and marketing Ottawa’s diversified economy and high quality of life.  Invest Ottawa is also the manager of Bayview Yards, Ottawa’s innovation hub and one-stop business acceleration shop; and founder and operator of Area X.O, the R&D complex for next-gen smart mobility, autonomy and connectivity technologies. Since 2013, Invest Ottawa has supported almost 14,000; contributed to the creation of more than 14,700 jobs; helped domestic companies raise $1.86 billion in capital; and attracted $1.47 billion in domestic and foreign direct investment to Ottawa. Explore Invest Ottawa’s 2022 Economic Impact Report for additional details, or visit www.investottawa.ca  

 

About Bayview Yards 

Bayview Yards is Ottawa’s one-stop business acceleration shop and the first entrepreneurial hub of its kind in Canada’s National Capital Region, operated by Invest Ottawa. An epicentre for job creation, Bayview Yards serves as a base camp for some of Ottawa’s greatest homegrown technology talent, capabilities and companies. It is the ultimate mash-up of technological, business and market capabilities that help entrepreneurs and firms to launch, grow and thrive. Leveraging $38 million from the City of Ottawa, the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada, and more than $1.3 million from founding sponsors, Bayview Yards brings together many organizations that provide services and support to entrepreneurs and firms.  

 

This includes Invest Ottawa which delivers its economic development programs and works with fellow academic, public, and private sector partners at this innovation hub. Harnessing the power of these partnerships, Bayview Yards assembles many ingredients for commercial success under one roof. These include incubation and meeting space; business programs, services and support; prototyping tools and technologies; market linkages; and access to investment. These offerings work together to accelerate business growth and success and stimulate new jobs and wealth creation in the Ottawa economy. For more information, please visit: www.bayviewyards.org  

 

Media Contact  

Sonya Shorey  

Vice President, Strategy, Marketing and Communications  

Invest Ottawa, Bayview Yards and Area X.O  

613.851.9416 [email protected]   

 

Posted in News, Press Releases
Jan 31, 2023

Invest Ottawa and Area X.O logo

The Government of Canada and Industry Partners Contribute $6.6+ Million to Fuel Next-Gen Smart Mobility Solutions, Exports and Jobs 

Ottawa, Ontario – January 31, 2023:  Area X.O, the R&D complex for next-generation smart mobility, autonomy, and connectivity founded and established by Invest Ottawa, today announced more than $6.6 million in new investment that will accelerate the safe and secure development, commercialization, and adoption of new smart mobility technologies. This will help companies in Canada’s Capital and across Ontario accelerate their time to market and export, attract new investment, and create hundreds of jobs, fuelling commercial success and regional economic growth.   

This investment includes: 

  • Almost $5.4 million from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southwestern Ontario (FedDev Ontario); and  
  • $1.25 million in in-kind contributions of technology, services and expertise from partners including Ansys.  

 

It will help more companies capitalize on the lucrative global smart mobility market, which is expected to exceed USD $250 billion by 2030. The new technology and business capabilities at Area X.O will increase the customer, investment and market-readiness of innovators, founders, SMEs and their collaborators. They will also help catalyze new smart mobility applications in sectors such as telecom, smart agriculture, defence, security and public safety, unmanned aerial vehicles, and smart cities.  

This investment will enable: 

  • New simulation capabilities that will help companies in Ontario and across Canada conduct initial tests and demonstrations remotely, saving money, time and effort; increasing their productivity; and accelerating their technology commercialization and time to market.  
  • The creation of the first advanced robotic and unmanned aerial systems testbed of its kind in Canada. Mirroring a high-tech obstacle course, it will accelerate the safe development, testing, demonstration and application of Canadian unmanned ground robot and drone solutions, and the growth of the companies that create them. 
  • New smart mobility R&D projects and collaborations among local, provincial, national and global innovators and companies that catalyze new partnerships, client attraction, market opportunities, revenues and investment.  This includes new channels to global markets with collaborators such as the World Economic Forum, and their broad international network of decision-makers, prospective customers and investors, driving global exports and trade, 
  • The development and commercialization of new Canadian smart mobility solutions and applications for the defence, security and public safety sectors. This will leverage Invest Ottawa’s recent certification as a Public Research Institution under the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) Industrial Technology Benefits (ITB) Policy and Invest Ottawa’s Global Expansion team which is dedicated to foreign direct investment and business retention and expansion. 

 

This new investment in Area X.O builds on anchor support from the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario, the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) and founding industry partners over the last three years, creating an R&D complex currently valued at more than $51 million.   

 

Moreover, it will build on the strong collaboration established between Area X.O and Invest WindsorEssex (IWE), a fellow OVIN Research and Technology Development Site (RTDS). It will enable more companies to put the unique technological capabilities of both hubs to work in their R&D and business. This increases the impact and return on related private and public investment in both regions. 

 

The Honourable Filomena Tassi, the Minister Responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southwestern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced this new investment during a celebration of the 10-year anniversary of Invest Ottawa, and the six-year anniversary of Bayview Yards, Ottawa’s innovation hub, with more than 300 founders, startups, industry leaders and fellow stakeholders. 

  

Featured Quotes  

“Congratulations Invest Ottawa on 10 years in Ottawa and six years with Bayview Yards! With today’s investment in Area X.O, we will continue working together to boost production of made-in-Canada products and solutions while increasing the meaningful participation of underrepresented Canadians.”   

The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Agency for Southern Ontario 

 

“Congratulations Invest Ottawa on 10 years in the Ottawa region. As Area X.O continues to set roots in Nepean, today’s Government of Canada investment will support this growth while boosting the local economy and providing valuable opportunities for local entrepreneurs, including underrepresented Canadians. We look forward to seeing what the next 10 years has in store for you!”  

Chandra Arya, Member of Parliament for Nepean 

 

“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Invest Ottawa on their 10-year anniversary, including six years with Bayview Yards. The Government of Canada continues to support Ottawa-area businesses and entrepreneurs through Invest Ottawa and today’s announcement for Area X.O will boost growth in important emergency sectors while strengthening our regional economy and increasing the participation of underrepresented Canadians.” 

Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre 

 

“Today’s investment in Area X.O will boost the meaningful participation of underrepresented Canadians, support our emergency sectors with the vital job of protecting Canadians, and will provide our local innovators with tools and resources they need to thrive.” 

Jenna Sudds, Member of Parliament for Kanata–Carleton 

 

“We are incredibly grateful to FedDev Ontario, the Government of Canada, Ansys and all partners for this visionary investment.  It will enable more companies to seamlessly access the right capabilities at the right time and accelerate the commercialization and global export of their smart mobility solutions. This will stimulate new jobs, revenue and investment that build our regional economy. It will also bolster our thriving smart mobility cluster which is anchored by world leader BlackBerry QNX, more than 100 tech companies and organizations, and the highest tech talent concentration in North America.”  

Michael Tremblay, President and CEO, Invest Ottawa, Area X.O and Bayview Yards 

 

“On behalf of the City of Ottawa, I would like to thank FedDev Ontario and Ansys for their generous investment in our region. This includes high-growth smart mobility and tech companies that are driving innovation, creating new jobs and bringing Ottawa solutions to the world. I recently had the opportunity to tour Area X.O, experience the unique capabilities of this R&D complex, and meet the companies that are harnessing these capabilities to grow their business and our economy. It is impressive and impactful. Area X.O is a truly key differentiator that reinforces Ottawa’s impact as a global tech hub.” 

Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa 

 

“Congratulations, Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards, on your milestone anniversaries! Organizations like these help to ensure that Ontario’s world-class tech sector continues to drive global innovation and create new opportunities for people across the province. Our government is proud to support these efforts through our Regional Technology Development Sites, including Ottawa’s very own Area X.O.”  

The Honourable Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. 

  

“I want to extend sincere congratulations to the many professionals at Invest Ottawa on behalf of the Ontario Government. As you celebrate this milestone, thank you for the tremendous impact Invest Ottawa has had on our local business community and economy. This includes your work in attracting venture capital, foreign direct investment and talent to help build and grow companies here in Ottawa. You are driving entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth in our region and province. I wish you many more successes together with our business community.” 

Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, MPP for Kanata-Carleton. 

 

“As a scaling tech company, the ability to further develop, test, validate and demonstrate our technology to prospective customers, partners, and investors at Area X.O is invaluable. This R&D complex enables us to collaborate consistently with researchers, regulators, and industry leaders, and access technology infrastructure that doesn’t exist anywhere else. We can test and evaluate the performance of our technology in true four-season Ottawa weather as we move from lab to market. This provides us with critical user feedback that supports the evolution of our product and accelerates our time to market.” 

Fahed Hassanat, Co-founder, Chief Operating Officer, and Director of Engineering, Sensor      Cortek  

 

“Kirality provides fast, safe and reliable drone logistics platform to transport a variety of goods, including first aid, in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way. Area X.O has a lot to offer new graduates such as myself and my Co-Founder, Mo. It has provided us with the infrastructure and expertise required to test and validate our capabilities and solutions. In addition, it gives us great opportunities to demonstrate our technology for prospective clients and investors.” 

Zainab Badawi, Co-Founder, Kirality Drones 

 

“InDro Robotics is the leading Canadian Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), ground and sea robotics R&D company, and one of four companies in Canada with Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) certification. Area X.O is an ideal environment for our R&D. We have tens of millions of dollars in technology, capabilities, and expertise right at our fingertips. This was a key driver to our expansion here in Canada’s Capital. The development of a robotic and drone testbed will further catalyze the growth of Ontario’s robotics sector, new market-ready solutions, jobs and companies, including InDro Robotics.” 

Philip Reece, CEO, InDro Robotics and CTO at InDroTek & Bravo Zulu Secure 

 

“This critical support will help us to expand our reach and increase our impact on companies in priority sectors across the province. It will enable us to help more firms access Area X.O’s V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) capabilities, deep telecom and cybersecurity expertise, and our communications infrastructure, one of the most advanced in the world. It will also facilitate even more productive R&D collaboration between SMEs, multinational firms, the City of Ottawa and regulators such as Transport Canada. This will fuel the safe and secure adoption of promising Ontario smart mobility solutions.”  

Kelly Daize, Strategic Market Director, Area X.O 

 

“Our Invest WindsorEssex team is excited to build on our strong collaboration with Area X.O, combine our unique capabilities and deliver even greater value to the companies we serve.  For example, the new virtual simulation capabilities at Area X.O complement the physical simulation capabilities of our IWE Virtual Reality CAVE. We have created a digital model of the Area X.O private test facility, enabling firms to conduct a wider array of tests, and validate key elements of their technology before investing in broader development. This helps to maximize their resources, time and impact.” 

Ed Dawson, Senior Manager, Automobility and Innovation – Simulation Team, Invest WindsorEssex 

 

“As the global leader in engineering simulation, Ansys is proud to partner with Invest Ottawa on its Area X.O initiative to propel smart mobility solutions forward. With ADAS and autonomy as key drivers for growth in the automotive industry, we look forward to helping companies simulate, test, and deliver cutting-edge solutions to advance mobility in Canada and beyond.”  

Walt Hearn, Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Customer Excellence, Ansys 

 

“We are delighted to welcome Area X.O operated by Invest Ottawa to the World Economic Forum. We look forward to harnessing the unique expertise of this world-class innovation hub in support of our shared goals. This includes strategic global initiatives that bring together innovators, companies, and policymakers and leverage technology to create a more connected, sustainable and equitable world. It was a pleasure to welcome Area X.O leaders to our Urban Mobility Summit in Detroit last fall to share lessons learned and explore opportunities to achieve greater impact as a global community.” 

Jeff Merritt, Head of Urban Transformation; Member of Executive Committee, World Economic Forum 

 

“Congratulations Invest Ottawa on this important 10-year anniversary. Today’s Government of Canada investment will further build on the continued Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) partnership, boosting economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs and underrepresented groups. Looking forward to working together for the next 10 years and beyond.”  

Claudia Krywiak, President, and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). 

  

The Government of Ontario, through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), has created the roadmap for our province to lead the future of the automotive and mobility sector – from critical minerals to manufacturing.  Our regional technology development site in the Ottawa region, led by Invest Ottawa and centred around Area X.O, is a crucial part of this roadmap. Today’s announcement reaffirms our approach and helps to further cement Ontario’s leadership position on the global stage for years to come.  

Raed Kadri, VP of Strategic Initiatives and Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). 

 

About Area X.O  

Area X.O is the R&D complex in Canada’s Capital that enables and accelerates the safe and secure development, testing, and application of next-generation technologies.  Combining diverse expertise with Ottawa’s telecom and cybersecurity strengths as a tech hub, Area X.O helps local, national, and global startups, SMEs, multinationals, and governments address grand challenges and opportunities. It fuels the creation, commercialization and adoption of breakthrough innovations in mobility, autonomy and connectivity that benefit our community, economy and environment. These applications span telecom; smart agriculture; defence, security, and public safety; unmanned aerial vehicles; and smart cities. Established and managed by Invest Ottawa and evolving from the Ottawa L5 Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Test Facility, Area X.O leverages critical support from world-class founding partners. These include: the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, the City of Ottawa, Accenture, BlackBerry QNX, Ericsson, Microsoft, Nokia, and Ottawa’s post-secondary institutions.  For additional information, please visit: www.AreaXO.com    

 

About Invest Ottawa 

Invest Ottawa is the lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries in Canada’s Capital, facilitating economic growth and job creation in Ottawa. Guided by a vision to help realize Ottawa’s full potential as a globally recognized, innovative, inclusive, and future-ready city, Invest Ottawa delivers venture development, global expansion and talent programs and services that catalyze the growth and success of entrepreneurs and firms. These include small business training, mentorship, acceleration for technology firms, foreign business and investment attraction, local business retention and expansion in targeted sectors, commercialization, and marketing Ottawa’s diversified economy and high quality of life.  Invest Ottawa is also the manager of Bayview Yards, Ottawa’s innovation hub and one-stop business acceleration shop; and founder and operator of Area X.O, the R&D complex for next-gen smart mobility, autonomy and connectivity technologies. Since 2013, Invest Ottawa has supported almost 14,000; contributed to the creation of more than 14,700 jobs; helped domestic companies raise $1.86 billion in capital; and attracted $1.47 billion in domestic and foreign direct investment to Ottawa. For more information, please visit: www.investottawa.ca  

 

Media Contact  

Sonya Shorey  

Vice President, Strategy, Marketing and Communications  

Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards  

613.851.9416 [email protected]   

 

 

Posted in News, Press Releases
Jan 31, 2023

Invest Ottawa and Area X.O logo

Le gouvernement du Canada et des partenaires du secteur injectent plus de 6,6 M$ pour stimuler la mise au point de solutions de prochaine génération, ainsi que les exportations et l’emploi 

Ottawa, le 31 janvier 2023.  Zone X.O, un complexe de R.-D. fondé par Investir Ottawa qui se consacre aux technologies de prochaine génération axées sur la mobilité, l’autonomie et la connectivité, a annoncé aujourd’hui plus de 6,6 millions de dollars de fonds neufs pour accélérer le développement, la commercialisation et l’adoption, en toute sécurité, de nouvelles technologies de mobilité intelligente. Des entreprises de la capitale nationale et de partout au Canada pourront ainsi raccourcir leurs délais de lancement et d’exportation, attirer de nouveaux investisseurs et créer des centaines d’emplois, ce qui stimulera la prospérité et la croissance économique régionale.   

 

L’investissement comprend : 

  • près de 5,4 millions de dollars du gouvernement du Canada, par l’intermédiaire de l’Agence fédérale de développement économique pour le Sud de l’Ontario (FedDev Ontario);  
  • 1,25 million de dollars de contributions sous forme de technologies, de services et d’expertise de divers partenaires, dont Ansys.  

 

Grâce à cette initiative, un nombre accru d’entreprises pourront tirer parti du lucratif marché mondial de la mobilité intelligente, dont la valeur devrait dépasser 250 milliards de dollars américains en 2030. Les nouvelles technologies et capacités opérationnelles de Zone X.O aideront les innovateurs, les fondateurs, les PME et leurs collaborateurs à se préparer aux clients, à l’investissement et au marché. Elles favoriseront aussi la création d’applications de mobilité intelligente dans des secteurs comme les télécommunications, l’agriculture, la défense, la sécurité, la sécurité publique, les véhicules aériens sans pilote et les villes intelligentes.  

 

Cet investissement aura de nombreuses retombées : 

  • des capacités de simulation grâce auxquelles des entreprises de l’Ontario et de tout le Canada pourront réaliser des essais et des démonstrations initiaux à distance, ce qui leur fera gagner du temps, allégera leur charge de travail et leurs coûts, augmentera leur productivité et raccourcira les délais de lancement de leurs technologies;  
  • la création d’un banc d’essai de systèmes aériens sans pilote et robotisés avancés, le premier du genre au Canada, à l’installation d’essai privée de Zone X.O. Reproduisant un parcours à obstacle de haute technologie, ce banc d’essai accélérera le développement, la mise à l’essai, la démonstration et l’application, en toute sécurité, de solutions exploitant des robots terrestres télécommandés et des drones, et favorisera l’essor des entreprises qui les créent; 
  • des projets et des collaborations de R.-D. en mobilité intelligente entre innovateurs et entreprises locaux, provinciaux, nationaux et mondiaux qui stimuleront les partenariats, l’acquisition de clients, les débouchés, les revenus et les investissements. Qu’on pense notamment à l’ouverture sur les marchés mondiaux avec des collaborateurs comme le Forum économique mondial et son vaste réseau international de décideurs, de clients potentiels et d’investisseurs, qui stimuleront les exportations et le commerce à l’échelle mondial; 
  • le développement et la commercialisation de solutions et d’applications de mobilité intelligente canadiennes pour les secteurs de la défense, de la sécurité et de la sécurité publique. Cela fera appel à deux leviers : la récente désignation d’Investir Ottawa comme institut de recherche public aux termes de la Politique des retombées industrielles et technologiques d’Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada, et l’équipe d’expansion à l’échelle mondiale d’Investir Ottawa, dont la mission est centrée sur l’investissement direct étranger et sur le maintien et l’expansion des entreprises. 

 

Cet investissement dans Zone X.O vient consolider le soutien fondamental qu’ont apporté ces trois dernières années le gouvernement du Canada, via FedDev Ontario, celui de l’Ontario, via le Réseau ontarien d’innovation pour les véhicules (ROIV), et des partenaires du secteur, pour mettre sur pied un complexe de R.-D. actuellement évalué à plus de 51 millions de dollars.  

 

Il renforcera aussi les liens étroits de collaboration qu’ont noués Zone X.O et le site régional de développement de technologies de Windsor-Essex, exploité par Invest WindsorEssex (IWE). Il permettra à un plus grand nombre d’entreprises d’utiliser les installations technologiques uniques des deux établissements au profit de leur R.-D. et de leurs activités. Il en résultera un accroissement des retombées et du rendement des investissements publics et privés connexes dans les deux régions. 

 

L’honorable Filomena Tassi, ministre responsable de FedDev Ontario, a fait cette annonce aux côtés de plus de 250 fondatrices et fondateurs, entreprises en démarrage, chefs de file de l’industrie et autres parties prenantes lors de la célébration du dixième anniversaire d’Investir Ottawa et du sixième anniversaire des cours Bayview, le pôle d’innovation de la capitale nationale. 

  

Citations  

« Félicitations à Investir Ottawa pour ses dix ans de présence dans la capitale nationale et les six ans des cours Bayview! Grâce à l’investissement dans Zone X.O annoncé aujourd’hui, nous continuerons de stimuler ensemble la production de solutions de conception canadienne, tout en accroissant la participation à l’économie de Canadiennes et de Canadiens issus de groupes sous-représentés.  

  • L’honorable Filomena Tassi, ministre responsable de l’Agence fédérale de développement économique pour le Sud de l’Ontario 

 

« Félicitations à Investir Ottawa pour ses dix ans de présence dans la région de la capitale nationale. L’enveloppe annoncée aujourd’hui par le gouvernement du Canada aidera Zone X.O à poursuivre son implantation à Nepean, stimulera l’économie locale et ouvrira des avenues prometteuses pour les entrepreneurs de la région, dont certains sont issus de populations sous-représentées. Nous avons hâte de voir ce que les dix prochaines années vous réservent! »  

Chandra Arya, député de Nepean 

 

« Toutes mes félicitations à Investir Ottawa pour son dixième anniversaire et les six ans des cours Bayview. Le gouvernement du Canada continue de soutenir les entreprises de la région de la capitale nationale via Investir Ottawa, et l’annonce d’aujourd’hui concernant Zone X.O stimulera la croissance d’importants secteurs liés aux interventions d’urgence tout en renforçant l’économie régionale et en accroissant la participation de Canadiennes et de Canadiens issus de groupes sous-représentés. » 

Yasir Naqvi, député d’Ottawa-Centre 

 

« L’investissement d’aujourd’hui dans Zone X.O favorisera la participation économique de Canadiennes et de Canadiens de groupes sous-représentés, soutiendra nos secteurs ayant pour mission de protéger la sécurité du public et fournira à nos innovateurs locaux les outils et les ressources dont ils ont besoin pour prospérer. » 

Jenna Sudds, députée de Kanata–Carleton 

 

 « Nous sommes on ne peut plus reconnaissants envers FedDev Ontario, le gouvernement du Canada, Ansys et l’ensemble des partenaires. Grâce à leur investissement visionnaire, encore plus d’entreprises pourront accéder facilement et rapidement aux capacités voulues et accélérer la commercialisation et l’exportation de leurs solutions de mobilité intelligente à l’échelle de la planète. Il en résultera des emplois, une prospérité et des injections de capitaux propres à renforcer l’économie régionale. Cet investissement donnera aussi une nouvelle impulsion à notre vibrante grappe de mobilité intelligente, qui réunit plus de 100 entreprises et organisations, dont le leader mondial BlackBerry QNX, et la plus forte concentration de talents en technologies en Amérique du Nord. »  

 

Michael Tremblay, président-directeur général d’Investir Ottawa, de Zone X.O et des cours Bayview 

 

« Au nom de la Ville d’Ottawa, je tiens à remercier FedDev Ontario et Ansys pour leur généreux investissement dans notre région. Ces fonds aident directement des entreprises de technologie et de mobilité intelligente en forte croissance qui innovent, créent des emplois et proposent au monde entier des solutions conçues à Ottawa. J’ai eu l’occasion récemment de visiter Zone X.O, de constater les capacités sans égales qu’offre ce complexe de R.-D. et de faire la connaissance de certaines des personnes qui les mettent à profit pour faire croître leur entreprise et notre économie. Tout ça est fort impressionnant et porteur. À n’en point douter, Zone X.O aide Ottawa à se démarquer et à affirmer son statut de pôle technologique mondial. » 

Mark Sutcliffe, maire d’Ottawa 

 

« Félicitations à Investir Ottawa et aux cours Bayview pour leur important anniversaire! C’est grâce à ce type d’organisations que le secteur des technologies d’Ottawa est devenu un incontournable sur la scène internationale et continue de propulser l’innovation de par le monde tout en créant des emplois dans notre province. Notre gouvernement est fier de soutenir votre travail par l’intermédiaire des sites régionaux de développement de technologies, comme Zone X.O à Ottawa. » 

L’honorable Vic Fedeli, ministre du Développement économique, de la Création d’emplois et du Commerce de l’Ontario 

 

« Au nom du gouvernement de l’Ontario, j’aimerais adresser mes sincères félicitations aux nombreux professionnels d’Investir Ottawa. En cet anniversaire spécial, merci pour la formidable incidence qu’a eue Investir Ottawa sur notre milieu des affaires et notre économie. En attirant des fonds de capital de risque, des investissements étrangers directs et des talents, vous avez contribué à créer et à faire grandir des entreprises ici, à Ottawa. Vous êtes un moteur d’entrepreneuriat, d’innovation et de croissance économique pour notre région et notre province. Je vous souhaite encore bien d’autres réussites avec notre communauté des affaires. » 

La Dre Merrilee Fullerton, députée de Kanata-Carleton 

 

« Pour une entreprise de technologie en plein essor, disposer d’un complexe de R.-D. pour développer, tester et valider des solutions, puis en faire la démonstration à des clients, à des partenaires et à des investisseurs potentiels, ça n’a pas de prix. Grâce à Zone X.O, nous collaborons avec des chercheurs, des organismes de réglementation et de grands noms de l’industrie. Nous avons aussi accès à des infrastructures uniques au monde pour tester et évaluer les performances de nos technologies dans toutes les conditions météorologiques au moment de passer du laboratoire au marché. Nous sommes ainsi en mesure de recueillir des commentaires d’utilisateurs d’une grande valeur, qui se traduisent en améliorations des produits et accélèrent leur mise en marché. » 

    Fahed Hassanat, cofondateur, chef de l’exploitation et directeur de l’ingénierie, Sensor Cortek  

« Kirality propose des solutions rapides, sûres et fiables pour transporter une panoplie de biens, notamment du matériel de premiers soins, de façon économique et écologique. Zone X.O a beaucoup à offrir aux nouveaux diplômés comme moi et mon partenaire d’affaires Mo. L’installation nous fournit l’infrastructure et l’expertise nécessaires pour tester et valider nos capacités et nos solutions. De plus, elle nous donne d’excellentes occasions de présenter notre technologie à des clients et à des investisseurs potentiels. »  

Zainab Badawi, cofondatrice, Kirality Drones 

 

« Chef de file canadien de la R.-D. en véhicules aériens sans pilote et en robotique terrestre et maritime, InDro Robotics compte parmi les toutes premières entreprises du pays à obtenir la certification relative aux opérations hors visibilité directe (BVLOS). Zone X.O convient parfaitement à notre travail de R.-D. : nous avons accès à des dizaines de millions de dollars de technologies, de capacités et d’expertise. C’est en grande partie ce qui a motivé notre expansion dans la capitale nationale. La création d’un banc d’essai de drones et de robots contribuera à l’essor de la robotique en Ontario et à la constitution d’une pépinière de solutions prêtes pour la mise en marché, d’emplois et d’entreprises, dont InDro Robotics. 

Philip Reece, chef de la direction, InDro Robotics, et chef de la technologie, InDroTek et Bravo Zulu Secure 

 

« Ce soutien crucial nous aidera à élargir notre rayon d’action dans des secteurs prioritaires partout dans la province. Il nous permettra d’aider encore plus d’entreprises à accéder aux capacités V2X (véhicule à tout) de Zone X.O, à une vaste expertise en télécommunications et en cybersécurité et à notre infrastructure de communications, l’une des plus avancées au monde. Il facilitera aussi une collaboration en R.-D. encore plus productive entre des PME, des multinationales, la Ville d’Ottawa et des autorités de réglementation comme Transports Canada. Tout cela accélérera l’adoption, en toute sécurité, de solutions ontariennes prometteuses en mobilité intelligente. »  

Kelly Daize, directrice, Marchés stratégiques, Zone X.O 

 

« Au site régional de développement de technologies de Windsor-Essex, nous sommes emballés de poursuivre notre collaboration avec Zone X.O, de conjuguer nos capacités uniques respectives et d’offrir encore plus de valeur aux entreprises que nous accompagnons. Par exemple, les nouvelles installations de simulation virtuelle d’Ansys à Zone X.O sont complémentaires aux installations de simulation physique qu’elle propose au CAVE de réalité virtuelle d’Invest Windsor-Essex. Nous avons créé un modèle numérique des installations d’essai de Zone X.O afin que les entreprises puissent réaliser divers essais et valider des éléments clés de leurs technologies avant d’investir davantage dans le développement. Elles peuvent ainsi utiliser au mieux leurs ressources et leur temps, et maximiser leur impact. » 

Ed Dawson, directeur principal, Automobilité et innovation, équipe Simulation, Invest WindsorEssex  

 

« En tant que leader mondial de la simulation pour l’ingénierie, Ansys est fière de s’associer à Investir Ottawa, dans le cadre de son initiative Zone X.O, pour propulser des solutions de mobilité intelligente. À l’heure où les systèmes avancés d’aide à la conduite et l’autonomie s’imposent comme vecteurs de croissance clés de l’industrie automobile, nous sommes heureux d’aider des entreprises à simuler, à tester et à commercialiser des solutions de pointe qui feront avancer la mobilité au Canada et ailleurs dans le monde. »  

Walt Hearn, vice-président, Ventes mondiales et Excellence du service à la clientèle, Ansys 

 

« L’annonce d’aujourd’hui témoigne du rôle essentiel de la collaboration public-privé dans l’avenir des villes et de la mobilité. Je salue le gouvernement du Canada pour le leadership et la vision dont il fait preuve en investissant dans ce pôle d’innovation de calibre mondial à Ottawa, et je suis ravi des contributions en technologies, en services et en expertise du secteur privé. Le Forum économique mondial est fier de compter Zone X.O et Investir Ottawa parmi ses partenaires dans ses démarches mondiales visant à rendre les villes plus durables, résilientes et inclusives. Je suis impatient de contribuer à faire connaître les innovations de Zone X.O en matière de mobilité intelligente par-delà les frontières et à faire venir le monde à Ottawa. »    

Jeff Merritt, responsable de la transformation urbaine et membre du comité exécutif du Forum économique mondial  

 

« Félicitations, Investir Ottawa, pour cet important dixième anniversaire! L’investissement qu’annonce le gouvernement du Canada viendra renforcer le partenariat du Réseau ontarien d’innovation pour les véhicules, ce qui multipliera les débouchés pour les entreprises et les groupes sous-représentés de la région. Au plaisir de travailler ensemble encore 10 ans, et au-delà. »  

Claudia Krywiak, présidente-directrice générale, Centre d’innovation de l’Ontario 

 

« Le gouvernement de l’Ontario, via le Réseau ontarien d’innovation pour les véhicules, prépare notre province à façonner l’avenir des secteurs de l’automobile et de la mobilité – des minéraux critiques à la fabrication. Notre site régional de développement de technologies d’Ottawa, dirigé par Investir Ottawa et centré sur Zone X.O, joue un rôle crucial dans la création des technologies de demain. L’annonce d’aujourd’hui réaffirme notre approche et aidera l’Ontario à rayonner comme leader sur la scène mondiale des années durant. » 

Raed Kadri, vice-président, Initiatives stratégiques, et chef du Réseau ontarien d’innovation pour les véhicules, Centre d’innovation de l’Ontario 

 

À propos de Zone X.O  

Complexe de R.-D. situé dans la capitale du Canada, Zone X.O accélère le développement, la mise à l’essai et l’application sécuritaire de technologies de prochaine génération. Combinant diverses expertises aux forces vives des pôles technologiques en télécommunications et cybersécurité d’Ottawa, Zone X.O offre aux entreprises en démarrage, aux PME, aux multinationales et aux gouvernements une plateforme pour développer des solutions à des enjeux planétaires. Elle stimule la création, la commercialisation et l’adoption d’innovations en mobilité, autonomie et connectivité dont bénéficient la société, l’économie et l’environnement. Les technologies qui y sont développées trouvent application dans les domaines des télécommunications, de l’agriculture intelligente, de la défense, de la sécurité, de la sécurité publique, des véhicules aériens sans pilote et des villes intelligentes. Prolongement de l’installation d’essai de véhicules connectés et autonomes Ottawa L5, Zone X.O a été fondée et est exploitée par Investir Ottawa avec le soutien essentiel de partenaires de calibre mondial, dont le gouvernement du Canada, le gouvernement de l’Ontario, la Ville d’Ottawa, Accenture, BlackBerry QNX, Ericsson, Microsoft, Nokia et les établissements postsecondaires d’Ottawa. Elle jouit également du généreux parrainage de FAC, de Rogers et de MDK Business Law. Pour en savoir plus : www.areaxo.com/fr/http://www.areaxo.com/fr.   

 

À propos d’Investir Ottawa 

Investir Ottawa est la principale agence de développement du secteur du savoir de la capitale du Canada. Ses missions : la croissance économique et la création d’emplois. Pour contribuer à faire d’Ottawa une ville innovante, inclusive, tournée vers l’avenir et reconnue mondialement, l’agence fournit aux entrepreneurs de nombreux programmes et services sur le développement d’entreprises, l’expansion internationale et les talents afin de donner une impulsion aux projets d’affaires et aux entrepreneurs locaux, ce qui favorisera leur essor. Ces programmes et services comprennent notamment de la formation axée sur les petites entreprises, du mentorat, le développement d’entreprises de technologie, l’attraction d’entreprises et d’investissements étrangers, le renforcement et l’expansion d’entreprises locales dans des secteurs ciblés, la commercialisation, et la promotion de la diversité économique et de la qualité de vie à Ottawa. Investir Ottawa administre aussi les cours Bayview, qui sont le carrefour d’innovation et le guichet unique pour l’accélération d’entreprises à Ottawa, en plus d’avoir fondé et d’exploiter Zone X.O, le futurplex de l’innovation et de la collaboration. Depuis 2012, l’agence a travaillé avec des milliers de PME et d’entreprises en démarrage et en expansion, les aidant à mobiliser plus de 992 M$ en capitaux, à créer plus de 11 178 emplois et à attirer plus de 1 G$ en investissements directs du Canada et de l’étranger. Pour en savoir plus, consultez le Rapport sur les retombées économiques d’Investir Ottawa 2021. 

 

Renseignements  

Sonya Shorey  

Vice-présidente, stratégie, marketing et communications  

Investir Ottawa et les cours Bayview  

613 851-9416 [email protected]   

Nov 22, 2022

Area X.O logo and Invest Ottawa logo.

Celebrating Smart Mobility Innovation and Collaboration that is Driving the Safe Adoption of Future Transportation Solutions as a Community

Tuesday, November 22, 2022: Area X.O, the R&D complex for next-generation smart mobility, autonomy, and connectivity founded and established by Invest Ottawa is being celebrated for pioneering work in smart mobility with the 2022 ITS Canada Excellence in R&D Award, recognizing outstanding contributions in the Canadian Intelligent Transportation Systems industry.

This award recognizes the First Low-Speed Automated Shuttle (LSAS) Trial conducted on public city streets in Ontario by Area X.O in collaboration with Transport Canada, the City of Ottawa, EasyMile, Ottawa startups, and the National Research Council Canada (NRC) during the first year of the pandemic. The outcomes of this trial supported the development, validation, and safe implementation of future transportation solutions, including connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) and shuttles with the potential to create cleaner and more efficient mobility for citizens in urban and rural areas.

ITS Canada is a member-driven organization dedicated to the advancement of the Canadian transportation network through the application of technology solutions. The national organization presented Area X.O and Invest Ottawa with the annual Excellence in R&D Award for the LSAS trial, which effectively assessed how automated vehicles can safely operate in real-world conditions. As noted in the final report published by Area X.O and NRC, this project represents a critical step toward the safe, efficient integration of LSAS technology into future Canadian passenger transportation systems.

Executed in late 2020 in Canada’s Capital and funded by Transport Canada, this collaborative project brought Area X.O and Invest Ottawa together with the following public and private partners, including:

  • All levels of government, including Transport Canada, The Ontario Ministry of Transportation, and the City of Ottawa
  • EasyMile, an industry leader in driverless technology
  • Ottawa startups including SmartCone Technologies and Ride Shark
  • Multinational companies including Accenture
  • The National Research Council Canada.

Guided by safety, the project team first conducted rigorous testing of the low-speed automated shuttles at Area X.O’s private test facility and then executed a 10-day trial on public city streets at Tunney’s Pasture. This activity enabled hundreds of citizens to safely experience an autonomous ride on a 1.5-kilometre route and share their feedback. It was the first project of its kind to be approved in the province under the Ontario Automated Vehicle Testing Program.

“It is an honour to receive this national recognition from ITS Canada,” said Sonya Shorey, Vice President, Vice President of Strategy, Marketing, and Communications for Invest Ottawa, who accepted the award on behalf of Area X.O and the project team. “Building on the unique capabilities of Area X.O, regulators, innovators, and companies across Canada’s Capital, this project underscores the power and impact of smart mobility innovation and collaboration. It harnessed our collective expertise and experience to evaluate LSAS technology as a safe and sustainable potential transit solution for the future. Together, we are driving the development and safe adoption of Canadian smart mobility technologies. We look forward to many more visionary collaborations that leverage Ottawa’s top talent and capabilities as a global tech hub and help bring Canadian smart mobility solutions to the world.”

“It was a great pleasure to present this ITS Canada award to Area X.O,” said Omar Choudhry, Project Lead, Traffic Systems Management, City of Ottawa. “It was an honour to collaborate with Area X.O and all partners on this great project. It truly moved the needle on our understanding of how low-speed automated shuttles could add value to our transit system, and how this technology operates in a real-world setting in multiple conditions. The outcomes of this project will help to shape the future of safe, sustainable, eco-friendly transportation in Ottawa, Canada, and around the world.”

This project builds on critical contributions from Area X.O’s co-founding partners including:

  • The Government of Canada: FedDev Ontario and the National Capital Commission (NCC)
  • The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), Government of Ontario; and the Ontario Centre of Innovation, manager of OVIN
  • The City of Ottawa
  • Accenture
  • BlackBerry QNX
  • Ericsson
  • Microsoft
  • Nokia
  • Ottawa’s post-secondary institutions including Algonquin College; Carleton University; Collège La Cité and the University of Ottawa.

For more information, please contact:
Patrick Kenny
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
Invest Ottawa and Area X.O
613-724-7160
[email protected]

 

About Area X.O

Area X.O is the R&D complex in Canada’s Capital that enables and accelerates the safe and secure development, testing, and application of next-generation smart mobility, autonomy and connectivity technologies. Combining diverse expertise with Ottawa’s telecom and cybersecurity strengths as a tech hub, Area X.O helps local, national, and global startups, SMEs, multinationals, and governments address grand challenges and opportunities. It fuels the creation, commercialization, and adoption of breakthrough innovations that benefit our community, economy and environment. These applications span telecom; smart agriculture; defence, security, and public safety; unmanned aerial vehicles; and smart cities. Established and managed by Invest Ottawa and evolving from the Ottawa L5 Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Test Facility, Area X.O leverages critical support from world-class founding partners. These include: the Government of Canada (FedDev Ontario and the National Capital Commission), the Government of Ontario, the City of Ottawa, Accenture, BlackBerry QNX, Ericsson, Microsoft, Nokia, and Ottawa’s post-secondary institutions. For additional information, please visit: www.AreaXO.com

 

About Invest Ottawa
Invest Ottawa is the lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries in Canada’s Capital, facilitating economic growth and job creation in Ottawa. Guided by a vision to help realize Ottawa’s full potential as a globally recognized, innovative, inclusive, and future-ready city, Invest Ottawa delivers venture development, global expansion and talent programs and services that catalyze the growth and success of entrepreneurs and firms. These include small business training, mentorship, acceleration for technology firms, foreign business and investment attraction, local business retention and expansion in targeted sectors, commercialization, and marketing Ottawa’s diversified economy and high quality of life. Invest Ottawa is also the founder and manager of Area X.O, the futureplex of innovation and collaboration. Since 2012, Invest Ottawa has worked with thousands of startups, scale-ups and SMEs; helped firms to attract more than $992 million in capital; contributed to the creation of more than 11,178 jobs; and attracted more than $1 billion in domestic and Foreign Direct Investment. For additional information, please visit: investottawa.ca

Posted in News, Press Releases
Nov 3, 2022

Capital ANgel Network logo and Invest Ottawa logo

Mistral Ventures and Welch LLP logos

SheBoot is Helping to Address the Investment Challenges Facing Women Founders Across in Canada’s Capital and Across the Country While Growing a National Network of Women Angels

Ottawa, Ontario – November 3, 2022: Invest Ottawa, lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries in Canada’s Capital, and the Capital Angel Network, a group of angel investors in the Ottawa-Gatineau Region, are delighted to announce the winners of the third annual SheBoot pitch competition.

Set on the stage of AccelerateOTT, the flagship entrepreneurship conference hosted by Invest Ottawa, hundreds of participants at Bayview Yards and online across Canada cheered on 15 women-led companies as they vied for $300,000 in investment from 30 women angels. The following founders claimed top awards:

  • Negin Ashouri, Co-founder & CEO, and Inara Lalani, Co-founder & COO of FemTherapeutics Inc., a Canadian-based medical device company specializing in the development of the world’s first customizable gynecological prosthetic: Top prize winner with $150,000 in investment.
  • Macarena Cataldo-Hernandez, Ph.D., Co-founder & CEO of Viridis Research, the future of advanced water treatment: Second prize winner: $100,000 in investment.
  • Lianna Genovese, Founder & CEO of ImaginAble Solutions, a medical equipment manufacturing company creating innovative assistive devices to improve the quality of life for people living with limited motor skills: Third prize winner: $50,000 in investment.
  • Livia Han & Eve Staszczyszyn, Co-founders of Compass, a holistic mental health platform that provides students with resources based on their unique needs, wants and identity: Crowd Favorite award winner with an opportunity to pitch the Capital Angel Network.

Established by Invest Ottawa and the Capital Angel Network, SheBoot aims to address long-standing systemic challenges in the investment landscape by increasing funding for women founders and the number of women making investments. It is a critical objective. Over the last five years, women-founded startups have never exceeded 2.8 percent of the total investment allocated to firms.

As an example, new PitchBook data found that U.S. companies with all-women founders are raising less capital this year than in 2021 amid current economic challenges. According to Crunchbase, women raised around 2.4% of all venture capital allocated in the US last year, a figure that stands at 1.9% in the third quarter of this year. This number becomes even lower and even worse if we factor race into account. While the overall percentage of US investment allocated to for all-women teams was 2.4% last year, Black and Latinx women hovered around 0.05% each, while Indigenous founders raised approximately 0.004%.

These statistics must change. SheBoot is addressing this challenge head-on. Research shows when more women are making investments, more women founders get funded.

SheBoot is an intensive six-week investment-ready bootcamp designed by women founders and investors concluded with a pitch competition that awarded a total of $300,000 in equity-based funding from 30 women investors in the Capital Angel Network. This year, SheBoot is receiving advisory services and up to $342,000 in funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) to fuel the expansion and pilot this program across the country.  In addition to this investment, all founders participating in the third cohort received Small Value Contribution project allocations of $10,000 through NCR-IRAP this year.

SheBoot is helping more women tech founders get investment-ready and secure the capital required to fuel their growth and commercial success. Over the last 18 months, graduates have raised more than $11 million in follow-on investment. With current and previous SheBoot-ers participating in a multi-city investor roadshow this fall, millions more in investment is expected to be announced in the months ahead.

In addition to critical funding from NRC IRAP, Welch LLP joined SheBoot this year as a sponsor. Welch LLP delivers accounting, tax and advisory services to private enterprises, government, and non-for-profit businesses. Mistral Venture Partners, a seed-stage venture firm based in Canada’s Capital, annually establishes a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the SheBoot angel investments. Welch and Mistral are managing the angel investments now and into the future.

It was a privilege to collaborate closely with all founders participating in our third cohort of SheBoot, the 30 women angels who contributed critical investment, and 25+ leaders, mentors and supporters who help deliver this program. I am incredibly encouraged by the steps we are taking as a community. We launched SheBoot in the middle of the pandemic three years ago. Today, we have helped to catalyze the investment readiness, growth, and success of 34 women founders. I am thrilled to see Negin & Inara, Macarena, and Lianna on this path. Our goal is to help all SheBoot founders acquire investment. We look forward to supporting the long-term growth of every company and all those that follow.”

  • Julia Elvidge, Director, Capital Angel Network; Advisor, Invest Ottawa; and SheBoot Co-founder

“Heartfelt congratulations to our pitch winners and all entrepreneurs who participated in our first national SheBoot program this year. With founders from Canada’s Capital and eight fellow cities across five provinces, these entrepreneurs are leveraging disruptive technologies and creating high-potential visionary ventures. It was exciting to help these companies pursue new opportunities, address key hurdles, and experience their incredible growth over six weeks. I am delighted this investment will help propel the scaleup of FemTherapeutics Inc., Viridis Research, and ImaginAble Solutions.”

  • Jennifer Francis, Chair, Capital Angel Network; Director of the Board, Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards; SheBoot Co-founder

“SheBoot directly supports the goals established in our Women Founders and Owners Strategy: to enable and accelerate the growth and success of women entrepreneurs from every walk of life. We strive to help more women founders acquire the capital they need to scale strong, sustainable global companies. We aim to support the first woman-owned and led $100 million company in Canada’s Capital and help build a robust pipeline of many more across the country. Our 2022 pitch winners are helping to realize this objective from coast to coast. These founders are creating impactful solutions for global markets that will help build a stronger and more inclusive economy, society, and world.”

  • Sonya Shorey, Vice President, Strategy, Marketing and Communications, Invest Ottawa; SheBoot Co-founder

 

About SheBoot

SheBoot is a six-week bootcamp based in Ottawa, Ontario, that prepares women founders across Canada to pitch their business and secure investment. Launched in March 2020 during International Women’s Week by founding organizations Capital Angel Network and Invest Ottawa, this program aims to help address the funding gap facing women entrepreneurs by increasing the number of women making and receiving investment. Designed and delivered by women investors and entrepreneurs, SheBoot arms technology and technology-enabled startups with fundamental business skills with a focus on investment and market readiness. It culminates in a pitch competition for a minimum of $300,000 of equity-based capital. This investment is made by women investors committed to fueling the next generation of women-owned and led firms. SheBoot has partnered with Mistral Ventures and Welch, and is delighted to receive funding support from NRC IRAP. It also benefits from previous investment through the ScaleUp platform supported by FedDev Ontario. For additional information, please visit: www.sheboot.ca

 

About the Capital Angel Network

Founded in 2009, the Capital Angel Network (CAN) has been investing in startups in the National Capital Region for over a decade. Since its inception, CAN members have invested close to $60M into 120 early-stage companies 90% of which are based in the National Capital Region. This early-stage funding has led to over $500M in additional investment through grants, syndication with other angel groups and venture capital funds. The membership base now consists of over 50 Angels, 20% of which are women. In 2021, CAN invested over $7M in 26 companies – 20 new investments and six follow on. For additional information, please visit: www.capitalangels.ca/

About Invest Ottawa

Invest Ottawa is the lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries in Canada’s Capital, facilitating economic growth and job creation in Ottawa.  Guided by a vision to help realize Ottawa’s full potential as a globally recognized, innovative, inclusive, and future-ready city, Invest Ottawa delivers venture development, global expansion and talent programs and services that catalyze the growth and success of entrepreneurs and firms.  These include small business training, mentorship, acceleration for technology firms, foreign business and investment attraction, local business retention and expansion in targeted sectors, commercialization, and marketing Ottawa’s diversified economy and high quality of life.  Invest Ottawa is also the founder and manager of Area X.O, the futureplex of innovation and collaboration. Since 2012, Invest Ottawa has worked with thousands of startups, scale-ups and SMEs; helped firms to attract more than $992 million in capital; contributed to the creation of more than 11,178 jobs; and attracted more than $1 billion in domestic and Foreign Direct Investment. For additional information, please visit: investottawa.ca

About Mistral Venture Partners

Mistral is a seed-stage venture capital firm with offices in Toronto, Ottawa, and California. Mistral is currently investing from their third fund, with a focus on SMB and enterprise software. Since they were founded in 2012, Mistral has invested in more than 30 startups – including companies like Ritual, Symend and Rewind. www.mistralvp.com

About Welch LLP

Welch LLP is a Chartered Public Accounting firm that has deep roots in the communities it serves. Since 1918, Welch has been providing a wide range of accounting, tax and advisory services to private enterprises, government, and not-for-profit businesses. Welch experts are industry specialists who have an in-depth understanding of marketplace influences, issues, and trends unique to each sector. A true partner, Welch takes a collaborative, relationship-driven approach to client service. Big firm expertise, with small firm service and value. Welch LLP is a firm like no other. For more information, please visit: https://welchllp.com/

Here for All Women

When we use the term ‘women,’ we are referring to all individuals who identify as women. This includes women of colour, transgender women, and women with gender-diverse identities, including non-binary and gender non-conforming women (as we know that gender is fluid and can change throughout one’s lifetime). These women have historically and systemically been excluded from many mainstream programs, services, and opportunities. At SheBoot, Invest Ottawa and the Capital Angel Network are making a concerted effort to prioritize equity, access, and inclusion in everything we do. Our goal is to ensure that anyone who wants to access our programs and services feels welcome and supported. We recognize that every founder has unique needs and lived experiences and that, in some cases, we are not currently well-equipped to address all of these unique needs.

At SheBoot, we have not yet systematically assessed how we can enhance our programming and advisory to best support gender-diverse founders. For example, our advisors and program teams have not yet received training to help them address the needs of racialized and gender-diverse founders; however, this is now in process at Invest Ottawa. Leveraging the diversity of our partners and networks, our internal DEI experts, and our generous, committed community, we will do our best to support the needs of all participants. We welcome all women, non-binary, gender diverse, and non-conforming founders to SheBoot, and are committed to listening, learning, and helping every founder to thrive.

 

Media Contact

Sonya Shorey

Vice President, Strategy, Marketing and Communications

Invest Ottawa, Bayview Yards, and Area X.O

613.851.9416

[email protected]