More Canadian companies are remaining in Canada to grow “unicorns” (firms with a $1-billion or more valuation) rather than selling early to foreign entities, according to data in Startup Genome’s 2022 Global Startup Ecosystem Report. Meanwhile, in Atlantic Canada the number of startups slowed for the second year in a row, according to a separate report by Nova Scotia-based Entrevestor.
Organization: Invest Ottawa
The Short Report – April 7, 2021: VC investment hits $4.4 billion in 2020, Ontario’s rise as a hub for autonomous vehicles, Gairdner Awards recognize biomedical research, and more
VC investment in Canada hit its second highest level last year, Canada’s annual Gairdner awards announced, Quebec SMEs benefit from a $9 million e-commerce boost, Ontario invests in autonomous vehicles, and more.
Opinion: “Real-world,” publicly accessible 5G testbed needed to support SMEs in Canada’s growing 5G system
A “real-world,” publicly accessible 5G testbed is needed to support SMEs in growing Canada’s 5G system, Gordon Harling and Michael Turner write in an op-ed. The Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks in Kanata (in West Ottawa) is well placed to fill this gap, they say.
The Short Report – Nov. 4th, 2020: Tracking international travellers for COVID-19; $26 million for doctoral researchers, and more…
Surveillance border study at Toronto’s airport continues to track international travellers for COVID-19; the Canadian Space Agency supports the launch of two lunar technology payloads to the moon.
BC Innovation Commissioner’s final report calls for regional precincts to boost economic performance
Reports says BC needs boosts its R&D spending by $2.5 billion through partnerships with the federal government, the private sector and international investors.
The Short Report – May 20, 2020: Last network renewals for sunsetting NCE program; New accelerator targets healthy living; Canadian health research at “elevated risk” for hacking; and more
The Networks of Centres of Excellence has awarded $80.7 million in funding to five networks – the last cohorts to be renewed as the NCE program begins winding down over the next few years. Three-year renewals were granted to: Aging Gracefully across Environments using Technology to support Wellness, Engagement and Long Life (AGE-WELL) ($22 million);…
The Short Report, May 6, 2020: AbCellera receives $175.6M for COVID-19 therapies; Canada contributes $850 million to global pandemic response; new “super angel” fund launches; and more
Vancouver-based AbCellera Biologics will receive up to $175.6 million from the federal Strategic Innovation Fund to fast-track antibody therapies against COVID-19. The funding will also go to build a first-of-its-kind antibody manufacturing facility over the next four years to help Canada respond to future pandemics. AbCellera has partnered with global biopharmaceutical company Eli Lilly to…
The Short Report, March 18, 2020: Canadian researchers take first steps to a COVID-19 vaccine, University of Alberta announces drastic cuts, and more
This week, innovation hubs closed their doors and moved programming online, researchers made a critical discovery for the development of a COVID-19 vaccine, and the University of Alberta eliminated 400 positions in response to steep funding cuts from the provincial government.
The Short Report, February 12, 2020: Canada takes a step toward joining Horizon Europe; NSERC funding for basic research takes a dive; Google pursues rapid Canadian expansion
Microsoft is partnering with Invest Ottawa and the Bayview Yards business accelerator to offer technical and business resources to entrepreneurs. Called Microsoft for Startups, the program gives innovative Ottawa companies access to its cloud services, enterprise sales team and partner ecosystem. – Ottawa Matters Canada Infrastructure Bank CEO Pierre Lavallée signalled the bank is considering an investment…
Ontario innovation hubs join forces on new scale-up platform, despite provincial funding cuts
The federal government’s $52.4M investment allows hubs to offer joint programs and services to support scaleups