Innovation Cluster Announce Record-Breaking Year In 2024

The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas have declared 2024 as its best-performing year on its twentieth anniversary, announced on Wednesday.

The organization serves over 125 early-stage companies in 23 countries and regional and provincial Ontario Canadian clients. File photo.

According to Innovation Cluster, in 2024, international and regional demand for technology-based incubator and accelerator programming drove a 19 per cent increase in active clients.

“Working with the Innovation Cluster was an incredible experience,” said Kinen Ocitti, CEO & Founder of Kuwota. “We received valuable guidance from the program's experts-in-residence, who helped us understand our platform's value to individuals and mental health professionals, explore different customer acquisition strategies and build partnerships with mental health organizations.”

The following are Innovation Cluster’s 2024 highlights:

● 30 events across a broad spectrum of topics focused on skill-building and networking

● Launched the LevelUP accelerator program and conducted two over-subscribed cohorts with over 50 per cent of the applicants new to the Innovation Cluster

● Expanded the Expert-in-Residence (EXiR) program with additional expertise in funding, IP, operations, and service models and delivered over 130 expert advisory hours

● Continued to receive Government funding for new programming.

● Added a virtual component to all programming and moved to new offices in response to client needs

“I am excited to bring my experience in deep tech, venture capital, and innovation strategy to help scale startups and drive transformative change,” said Moien Giashi of GreenSky Ventures Inc. “As an ExIR, my priority is to empower founders to overcome complex challenges, fast-track their journey to market, and contribute to the ongoing success of the Innovation Cluster's dynamic and impactful ecosystem.”

“The rapid growth we experienced last year, coupled with our ability to maintain consistently high customer satisfaction, validates our vision and the quality of our programming,” said Nicole Stephenson, Chair of the Board of Directors. “2024 was a year of change in the industries and communities we serve and our organization. We left 2024 well positioned for continued growth in 2025 and beyond.”

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Innovation Cluster Announces Headquarters Relocation

The Innovation Cluster - Peterborough and the Kawarthas doing a quick move as they are relocating from the third floor to the first floor of the VentureNorth building, announced on Tuesday.

File Photo.

The organization’s headquarters will move to Suite 102 on the first floor of 270 George Street North in Peterborough. The move is expected to be completed by Dec. 12.

The relocation is in response to the evolving needs of the Innovation Cluster’s clients, their desire for virtual engagement and changing market dynamics. The new office will provide a more accessible and welcoming environment, enhancing the organization’s ability to serve clients, the market and partners said Innovation Cluster.

“The new location will allow us to increase our capacity for hosting events, workshops, and networking opportunities as well as strengthen our partnerships with local and regional businesses and educational institutions, ultimately contributing to Peterborough's economic growth,” said Nicole Stephenson, Innovation Cluster Board of Directors Chair.

According to a press release, the move will minimally disrupt services and programming and have no impact on employees.

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WorkScore.ai Triumphs At Innovation Cluster's LevelUP Pitch Competition

After the dust settled, WorkScore.ai has been declared the winner of the Innovation Cluster’s LevelUP Pitch Competition at downtown Peterborough’s Market Hall on Tuesday afternoon.

The LevelUP Pitch Competition is the culmination of an intensive 12-week accelerator program that supports later-stage businesses. This second 2024 cohort brought together ten semi-finalists from a record pool of applicants, each representing the next generation of high-impact ventures poised to drive economic growth in the Peterborough region through job creation, innovation, and scalable solutions. Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster.

Alex Bilyan, Chief Sales Officer of WorkScore.ai, took home the top prize with its AI-powered platform which is designed to optimize warehouse efficiency through real-time performance tracking.

“We’ve come a long way since the start of the year, and the LevelUP program has been incredibly valuable in shaping our success,” said Bilyan. “The difference in our pitch from the beginning to now is remarkable. The mentor sessions were instrumental in helping us refine our pitch, stripping out unnecessary details and building confidence through feedback from different perspectives.”

Runner-up finalist Kuwota received a comprehensive branding package valued at $10,000. Their mental health platform provides a safe space for users to journal and share entries confidentially with their licensed therapists according to Innovation Cluster.

The audience participated in voting for the Best-in-Show prize which was awarded to Creativity by Cod. The prize includes five Expert-In-Resident (ExIR) sessions from the Innovation Cluster to help the company further advance its growth.

"Judges evaluate many factors—the polish, timing, and enthusiasm of each pitch. Some people are natural presenters, while others need to practice to convey their passion,” said Gilberto Gandra, competition judge. “What ultimately set the winner apart was a combination of enthusiasm, visuals, clarity, and investability.”

“The talent and dedication we witnessed at the second cohort of the 2024  LevelUP Pitch Competition were exceptional,” shared Nicole Stephenson, Chair of the Board of Directors. “It was inspiring to watch each cohort participant grow, evolve and refine their business during the program. LevelUP’s mission to foster the Peterborough and Kawarthas region’s most promising businesses is vital to strengthening our community’s economy and reinforcing our role as a center of innovation.”

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Innovation Cluster's LevelUP Program Invites Growth-Stage Tech Companies to Win $10,000

Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas’ (ICPK) business accelerator program ‘LevelUP’ is gearing up to begin its second cohort for growth-stage tech companies a chance to win $10,000 on Aug. 14.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The 12-week program supports innovative tech-based businesses ready to commercialize and scale. According to Innovation Cluster, the program focuses on validating business ideas and funding preparation, guided by industry experts who equip participants with practical knowledge, hands-on experience, and essential business skills.

They continue to state that program highlights include learning about branding, revenue models, go-to-market plans, customer acquisition, and funding and exit strategies.

The course ended with a pitch competition in November where participants will have a chance to win a $10,000 cash prize.

Latchmi Raghunanan, co-founder of Maman Biomedical Inc., won the $10,000 pitch competition in LevelUP’s inaugural cohort, pitching her company’s trailblazing products disrupting the in vitro fertilization sector. 

“Winning the LevelUP pitch competition allowed us to accelerate and move forward,” said Latchmi. “On top of the $10,000 we won, the program gave us the knowledge and tools to successfully raise $30,000 in funding and increase our visibility and credibility in a very short period of time.”

After completing the program, a press release states that participating businesses will have a detailed business plan, be ready to refine and test their MVP, have a robust go-to-market strategy, have an improved investor pitch, be ready to drive sales and customer acquisition and be well-networked among mentors, industry experts, and potential investors. 

“Our first cohort saw incredibly driven and innovative entrepreneurs whose businesses continue to grow since graduating from the program,” said Zahra Shafiei, LevelUP program lead. We are excited to invite all eligible and passionate business leaders to apply for our 2nd cohort so they too can experience these high levels of progress.”

Sessions will be held every Wednesday for 12 weeks, beginning on Aug. 14. Participants can join virtually or in person at ICPK’s downtown Peterborough location. 

Eligibility Requirements

• Open to entrepreneurs in sectors such as Clean Tech, Healthcare Tech, AgTech, and Digital IT.

• Must be an innovation-driven business with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and a team committed to growth and collaboration.

• Must be a company based in Ontario.
  
  This is the last cohort being offered free of charge to participants with applications due by July 15.

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Maman Biomedical Inc. Earns $10,000 From Innovation Cluster LevelUP Pitch Competition

Latchmi Raghunanan, co-founder of Maman Biomedical Inc. made a $10,000 pitch and was the winner of the Innovation Cluster’s first LevelUP pitch competition on Tuesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Raghunanan stood on top over seven other competing companies. This event marked the finale of a 13-week program to propel regional startups from concept to market readiness.

The event was held at Innovation Cluster’s facility in Downtown Peterborough at the Venture North Building.

Entrepreneurs pitched their innovative solutions to a panel of expert judges, Christine Crandell, Gail Moorhouse, and Amit Bhanot to try to claim the top prize.

Raghunanan’s pitch involves the in vitro fertilization (IVF) sector, offering products in patch and gel form. Their products eliminate pain and reduce costs for women facing infertility, both major barriers to accessing traditional needle-injected IVF treatments. 

“Winning this competition means we can accelerate and move forward,” said Raghunanan. “We loved the LevelUP program, and we’ve made a lot of progress in a very short period of time. I am extremely proud of where we are.”

“Our first cohort has set a high benchmark for success," said Crandell. “Seeing these entrepreneurs evolve over the past weeks has been profoundly inspiring.”

Innovation Cluster is accepting new applicants for the next LevelUP cycle beginning on Aug. 6. The application deadline is July 1.

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Innovation Cluster Seeking New Board Members

The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas individuals to their Board who can contribute to their mission of transforming Peterborough and the Kawartha Lakes into a recognized Centre of Innovation.

Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

Innovation Cluster are seeking individuals with:

• A strong passion for entrepreneurship, technology, and startup culture.

• A strong passion and knowledge of the latest technological trends

• Experience in accounting(CPA)/finance

• Experience with successful exits (IPO, M&A)

• Expertise in specialized fields such as agtech, healthcare, finance, or business leadership.

Board Member Expectations:

• Active participation in strategic discussions, events, and meetings.

• Contribution of unique insights and expertise to support the leadership team.

• Advocacy for the Innovation Cluster's mission and vision within the community and beyond.

Applications are due by April 19. Once completed, they can be emailedto board@innovationcluster.ca.

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Innovation Cluster and BWXT Announce Collaboration to Highlight Clean Technology For the Future

In an effort to highlight clean technology for the future with the nuclear industry, Innovation Cluster and BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada (BWXT NEC) have begun a collaboration, announced at the former’s offices at the Venture North Building on Tuesday morning.

(form left to right) Mayor Jeff Leal; Janice Johnston, Constituency Assistant; Camila Duarte, Innovation Cluster executive director and Brett Jermyn, BWXT director of fuel handling and engineered solutions. BWXT NEC employs roughly 400 employees at its Peterborough location which has the largest workforce of its three locations in Ontario. PHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

Three goals were set from the collaboration:

1. Nuclear Energy: Communicating nuclear energy's benefits and addressing and transforming public perception.

2. Boost Local Employment: For BWXT NEC to create job opportunities within the nuclear industry. Local talent including students from Trent University and Fleming College and skilled professionals in our region are being sought.

3. Grow Economy Through Innovation: To fuel the local economy by combining innovative nuclear energy projects with job creation, promoting sustainable community development.

“Our collaboration with the Innovation Cluster highlights BWXT's commitment to innovation, local job creation, and deepening our relationships within Peterborough,” said Brett Jermyn, BWXT NEC director of fuel handling and engineered solutions. “We’re excited to be working with the organization and tapping into their expertise and network to further enable our nuclear innovations and support our community.”

“Collaborating with BWXT NEC is a transformative step for our region, underscoring the synergy between cleantech innovation and sustainable development,” said Camila Duarte, Innovation Cluster executive director. “This collaboration aligns with our mission to cultivate a thriving innovation ecosystem and shows how strategic relationships can accelerate progress in essential sectors like health tech, cleantech, and nuclear energy.”

With the collaboration, Innovation Cluster launched its Corporate Sponsorship initiative to ignite innovation through corporate partnerships. As a result of the union, BWXT has become a Zone Partner and has an office inside the Innovation Cluster’s downtown Peterborough Incubator.

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Innovation Cluster Launches Program to Aid Student Entrepreneurs From Post-Secondary Institutions

The Innovation Cluster has launched the 2024 Slingshot Program to help accelerate student entrepreneurs from Trent University and Fleming College to enter the front lines of the startup world, announced on Monday morning.

pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

The program offers a seven-week course culminating in a pitch competition on July 4th. The winner will be awarded a $3,000 prize to aid their entrepreneurship. Applications are open until April 21.

The program offers a pioneering curriculum led by industry leaders, covering:

• Entrepreneurship Essentials: A deep dive into the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, equipping students with critical concepts and principles.

• Business Idea Development: Techniques to refine and market-validate business ideas.

• Business Model Analysis: Instruction on utilizing the Business Model Canvas for strategic venture development.

• Market Research and Marketing Plans: Training in conducting effective market research and crafting compelling marketing strategies.

• Pitching Skills and Competition: Opportunities to hone pitching skills and compete for a $3,000 prize.

Slingshot is open to university and college students or a graduate within the past six months.

Applications must meet the following criteria to apply:

• Must be in the region of Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes

• Must have a passion for entrepreneurship

• Must be beyond ideation (MVP ideal)

• Must have a business in innovation and technology (Social Innovation accepted)

An information session is scheduled for Wednesday at noon at the Innovation Cluster. It offers further insights into the program and its benefits. 

Potential applications are asked to RSVP for their information session.

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13 Business Startups to 'LevelUP' Through Innovation Cluster Peterborough's Accelerator Program

The Innovation Cluster has released the 13 companies selected for the inaugural cohort of LevelUP, a groundbreaking startup accelerator program, announced at the Venture North Building on Tuesday morning.

Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster.

LevelUP is a fully-funded, comprehensive startup accelerator created for experienced entrepreneurs and regional innovators according to a press release.

“The selection of these 13 companies for LevelUP is a milestone for our region,'“ said Camila Duarte, Innovation Cluster executive director. “We are fostering a sustainable ecosystem where innovation and economic growth thrive together. This program symbolizes our commitment to transforming our region into a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs.”

The program offers mentorship, workshops, networking opportunities and access to funding to transform startups into thriving businesses. It acts as a fast-track program to bring more products and businesses to market in the region.

LevelUP runs in three cohorts annually, hosting a select number of companies over a 12-week journey culminating in a competition where they will pitch for investment and compete for prizes up to $10,000 and access an exclusive AI platform - Pitch Bob - per cohort.

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'Quest It' Mobile App Creator Takes Grand Prize In Innovation Cluster's 'Cubs' Lair' Entrepreneurial Competition

Hadi Jakmora’s mobile app ‘Quest It’ took home first place at the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas’s ‘Cubs' Lair’ entrepreneurial competition held at Erben on Thursday.

Winner Hadi Jakmora (middle left) with his grand prize after winning the Cubs’ Lair competition. Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster Peterborough.

Jakmore took home the grand prize of $3,000, for his app, designed for everyday task assistance, facilitating local services from snow removal to meal preparation.

Matt Anderson clinched second place and a $1,500 award for Chemong City Greens, an enterprise cultivating organic microgreens. Its nutrient-rich produce enhances meals year-round, enriching Peterborough's local food network.

Nicholas Landon secured third place and a $500 prize for Course Sync Inc., an innovative platform revolutionizing student academic management.

Other participants included:

• Zachary McCue of REPWR

• Ashley Bonner of Community Pin

• Yash Ramnani of Nectar

• Jayden Smith of Cub Storage Inc

Judges for the event were Marcelo Sarkis of Prima IP, Jade Calver of Calver Immigration Consulting Inc. and Jason Fiorotto, a seasoned B2B marketing strategist.

“The Innovation Cluster extends heartfelt congratulations to all Cubs' Lair 2023 participants for their remarkable creativity and dedication,” according to a press release statement. “We eagerly anticipate the future success of these entrepreneurs in Peterborough and beyond as they continue to shape the landscape of innovation.”

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