Hoarders, rejoice! New app keeps track of your stuff
Itemtopia wants to make it easier to stay organized. The Ottawa startup’s free iOS application lets users store info about any of their many things, such as their notes, service records, warranties and the like. “For example, users can quickly find their printer model number when buying ink, or search for their pet’s vaccination records when at the groomers,” according to a media release. The company says the app’s next update will send notifications whenever a manufacturer issues a recall on an item in someone’s knowledge bank.
Applications open for pumped-up L-Spark accelerator
OBJ360 (Sponsored)
The value of an Algonquin College degree: Experiential learning, taught by industry experts
Zaahra Mehsen was three years into a biology degree at a local university when she realized she wanted to take a different path. “I realized that it’s not my thing,”
Last month Ottawa Salus launched “Opening Doors to Dignity,” a $5-million campaign to construct a 54-unit independent living building on Capilano Drive. Set to open in late 2025, this innovative
L-Spark, the Kanata-based incubator and accelerator for enterprise software, is accepting new applicants for its accelerator’s second session this fall. The program begins with a month-long boot camp, during which 15 to 20 startups will receive one-on-one mentorship to shape their businesses. The startups will then make their pitches, hoping to be one of up to six companies admitted to the L-Spark accelerator. Last year, only two companies made the cut. The selection committee targets software-as-a-service companies with a commercial product and at least $10,000 to $30,000 in monthly recurring revenue. Applications are due Aug. 28.
You.i’s mobile design goes to preschool
Young kids can now watch Dora and Friends and a number of other Treehouse children’s television shows on the network’s new mobile streaming app, thanks in part to the design by Ottawa’s You.i TV. Corus Entertainment announced on June 29 the TreehouseGO app, which optimizes the kids’ shows for viewing on iOS and Android devices. You.i, which was recently named one of the city’s fastest-growing companies by OBJ, designed the app’s interface.
Ottawa startups seek growth on Silicon Valley trip
Ottawa companies Klipfolio and Interset were two of 20 Canadian startups that took part in the C100 “48 Hours in the Valley” trip from June 22 to 24. The companies were given a chance to expand their businesses through networking, mentoring and business growth opportunities in Silicon Valley. The C100 is a San Francisco-based non-profit group focused on connecting Canadian companies with partners in Silicon Valley. Interset’s cybersecurity solution uses analytics to detect possible cyber threats. Klipfolio develops cloud-based business dashboards.
Mayor expects more funding for Invest Ottawa
As Invest Ottawa looks to promote the capital as Canada’s most innovative city, it could be in line for another $1.5 million of city funding over the next four years, according to Mayor Jim Watson. The mayor told more than 120 private-sector leaders gathered for the Invest Ottawa open house on June 23 that he has “every confidence we will see that increase of dollars to help Invest Ottawa.” The economic development agency’s CEO Bruce Lazenby also outlined a plan to support recent ecosystem improvements such as Canada’s Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks and the Innovation Centre, promote the city’s successes here and abroad, attract more capital and continue to build the region’s talent base.
