Your guide to Ottawa’s technology ecosystem

Ottawa-Gatineau’s technology ecosystem is bigger than you might think, with a host of private- and public-sector players, both local and national. These entities strengthen the ecosystem by providing a broad range of support, facilitating connections and idea sharing, and setting regulatory and legal standards.

WHERE TO CONNECT LOCALLY: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GROUPS IN OTTAWA

Invest Ottawa / Bayview Yards

• 7 Bayview Station Rd. Ottawa, ON Canada K1Y 2C5
• Invest Ottawa is a leading economic development agency, where it is not only a Regional Innovation Centre supporting tech founders, startups, and Ottawa’s top scaling tech firms, but also an Small Business Enterprise Centre, supporting main street entrepreneurs. IO fosters an entrepreneurial spirit through initiatives designed to enhance entrepreneurial momentum, wealth, and job creation in the City of Ottawa and the surrounding region. 
• Sonya Shorey, Interim President and CEO
• https://www.investottawa.ca/

Kanata North Business Association / Hub350

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• 350 Legget Dr., Kanata, Ontario, K2K 0G7
• In the heart of Ottawa’s tech haven, the Kanata North Business Association is a non-profit group dedicated to representing and promoting the growth of tech companies located in Kanata.
• Guy Levesque, Interim Executive Director
• http://kanatanorthba.com 

Ottawa Board of Trade

• 150 Elgin St. 10th Floor, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L4
• As the crucial voice for Ottawa business, the Ottawa Board of Trade is a non-profit organisation that advocates for the economic prosperity of Ottawa’s businesses and communities, and provides valuable programs and resources for its members.
• Sueling Ching, President & CEO
• http://ottawabot.ca 

HOW TO SCALE YOUR STARTUP: INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS

Alacrity Technology & Business Incubator

• 401 Corkstown Rd., Nepean, ON K2H 8T1
• Alacrity Ottawa is a key part of the start-up ecosystem, equipping entrepreneurs across industries with the skills, knowledge, network, and capital to launch and grow transformational businesses across Canada.
• Richard Egli, CEO
• https://www.alacritycanada.com/

Cilex

• 101 Rue Saint-Jean-Bosco Bureaux A-1330, Gatineau, QC J8Y 3G5
• Cilex is a non-profit organization that helps startups and companies achieve their technological innovation goals by offering a suite of services in incubation, acceleration, and research and development.
• https://en.cilex.ca/ 

Impact Hub Ottawa

• 123 Slater St. 6th Floor, Ottawa, ON K1P 5H2
• Impact Hub Ottawa is a community coworking space and centre of innovation located in downtown Ottawa for non-profits, entrepreneurs, and grassroots leaders to connect, collaborate, and change the world.
• Elizabeth Cleland, Managing Director
• ottawa.impacthub.net

Innovation Hub, Carleton University

• 1125 Colonel By Dr. 2020 Nicol Building, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6
• The Innovation Hub transforms visions and ideas into tangible solutions, promoting entrepreneurship on campus through experiential learning opportunities and by providing connections to industry placements, resources, and investors.
• John Nelson, Acting Director
• www.carleton.ca/innovationhub

Institut Innovation Gatineau

• 455 Blvd. de la Gappe, Gatineau, QC J8T 0G1
• Institut Innovation Gatineau is a startup accelerator and incubator that guides founders to key resources such as experienced coaches, non-dilutive funding, an extensive network of venture capital, and tailored programs designed to support their growth and success.
• https://institutig.ca/ 

IO Accelerator Program

• 7 Bayview Station Rd., Ottawa, ON K1Y 2C5
• IO Accelerator is an intensive program helping early-stage startups fast track to product-market fit and funding.
• Nick Quain, Vice President
• https://www.investottawa.ca/venture-path/ 

IO Flex Program

• 7 Bayview Station Rd., Ottawa, ON K1Y 2C5
• IO Flex Program is designed to provide founders and business leaders access to early-stage advisors, cost-saving start-up perks, and a network of like-minded peers.
• Nick Quain, Vice President
• https://www.investottawa.ca/venture-path/flex/ 

IO Ignition Program

• 7 Bayview Station Rd., Ottawa, ON K1Y 2C5
• IO Ignition (previously known as the IO Pre-Accelerator) is a 10-week bootcamp created for entrepreneurs in the ideation stage of a startup.
• Nick Quain, Vice President
• www.investottawa.ca/venture-path/ignition

IO ScaleUp Program

• 7 Bayview Station Rd., Ottawa, ON K1Y 2C5
• IO ScaleUp is a program designed to help rapidly expanding tech companies shorten the leadership learning curve, achieve rapid growth, and compete globally, targeting $100 million.
• Nick Quain, Vice President, Venture Development; Michelle Younes, Director, Venture Programs
• www.investottawa.ca/scaleup

Lead To Win

• 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6
• Lead To Win is an award-winning business development program with the objective of establishing and growing businesses in Canada’s National Capital Region.
• Tony Bailetti, Executive Director
• leadtowin.ca 

L-Spark

• 340 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 1Y6
• L-SPARK is the destination for Canada’s startup and tech ecosystem to learn, share, plan, execute, measure, adjust, scale and succeed.
• Leo Lax, Executive Managing Director
• https://www.l-spark.com/

Ottawa Health Innovation Hub

• 7 Bayview Station Rd., Ottawa, ON K1Y 2C5
• The Ottawa Health Innovation Hub strengthens the health research community in the National Capital Region by fostering a dynamic health and life sciences ecosystem. It encourages research collaboration, commercializes innovations, and assists entrepreneurs in launching and expanding cutting-edge firms.
• Ken Lawless, Senior Director
• https://www.ottawa-innovation.ca/

Startup Garage

• 75 Laurier Ave. E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5
• Startup Garage offers a year-round accelerator program that provides entrepreneurs with access to networks, mentorship, advisory services, capital, and resources. It supports entrepreneurs in evolving their ideas from conception, through launch, to growth.
• Kathleen Kemp, Manager
• https://startupgarage.ca/our-approach

WHERE TO GET MONEY: INVESTMENT GROUPS AND VENTURE CAPITAL

Backbone Angels

• Backbone Angels are a collective of angel investors who come together to invest in women and non-binary founders with a focus on investments in black, indigenous and women of colour-led companies.
• https://www.backboneangels.com/

Capital Angel Network

• 340 Legget Drive, Kanata, ON K2K 1Y6
• Capital Angel Network is a leading Canadian angel group and the largest network of early-stage investors in Ottawa, Gatineau and Kanata with a goal of lifting the region’s entrepreneurial potential and facilitating access to quality investment opportunities.
• Suzanne Grant, Executive Director
• https://www.capitalangels.ca/

Celtic House Venture Partners

• 239 Argyle Ave. Suite 100, Ottawa, ON K2P 1B8
• With a strong track record and a data-driven mindset, Celtic House Venture Partners is one of Canada’s most active technology and innovation investors, applying new cloud-based technologies to meet the evolving needs of businesses.
• David Adderley and Tom Valis, Managing Partners
• https://www.celtic.vc/

Fresh Founders

• 709 Laurier Ave. West, Ottawa, ON K2K 3G4
• Fresh Founders helps in launching startups by providing early-stage capital investments, advisory services, and access to elite partners who help them scale.
• Solon Angel, Managing Partner
• https://freshfounders.com/

Mistral Venture Partners

• 854 Bank St. #201, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W3
• Mistral Venture Partners is a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies that solve critical business problems across various business models.
• Code Cubitt, Managing Director
• https://mistral.vc/

Wesley Clover International

• 390 March Rd. Suite 110, Kanata, ON K2K 0G7
• Wesley Clover is a private, global investment management firm and holding company with an extensive track record in building businesses. They have active interests in innovative new Cloud and SaaS technology companies.
• Sir Terry Mathews, Chairman
• https://www.wesleyclover.com/

WHERE TO GET MONEY: GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS AND CROWN CORPORATIONS

BDC Venture Capital

• 55 Metcalfe St., Ottawa, ON K1A 1M5
• BDC Venture Capital is the strategic partner to Canada’s innovators, aiming to build strong Canadian companies and propel them onto the global stage.
• Jerome Nycz, Executive Vice-President
• https://www.bdc.ca/en/bdc-capital/venture-capital

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

• 50 R. O’Connor St. Suite 1100, Ottawa, ON K1P 5E1
• BDC is the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs, supporting the creation and development of strong Canadian businesses through financing, advisory services, and capital, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Isabelle Hudon, President & CEO
• http://BDC.ca

Export Development Canada (EDC)

• 150 Slater St., Ottawa, ON K1A 1K3
• EDC is a Crown corporation committed to assisting Canadian companies of all sizes in succeeding by providing them with the trade knowledge, financial solutions, equity, insurance, and connections they need.
• Mairead Lavery, President & CEO
• https://www.edc.ca/ 

NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)

• 1200 Montréal Rd., Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6
• NRC-IRAP is Canada’s premier innovation assistance program for small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Kari Harvey, CEO
• https://nrc.canada.ca/en/support-technology-innovation/about-nrc-industrial-research-assistance-program 

Ontario Centre for Innovation

• 7 Bayview Station Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2C5
• OCI brings industry, academic, and government partners together to invest in collaborative R&D, technology development, and commercialization opportunities that generate the highest return on innovation for Ontarians.
• Dr. Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO
• https://www.oc-innovation.ca/ 

Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED)

• The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax incentive program lets Canadian businesses receive tax incentives that can reduce their payable income tax. Corporations, individuals, trusts, and partnerships conducting eligible work may be able to claim SR&ED tax incentives for the year. There are two types of tax incentives available: claiming a deduction against income or earning an investment tax credit.
• https://www.canada.ca/

Sustainable Development Technology Canada

• 45 R. O’Connor St. #1850, Ottawa, ON K1P 1A4
• SDTC is a foundation established by the Government of Canada to invest in technologies that will generate economic and environmental prosperity for all Canadians. It is the single largest investor in Canadian sustainability entrepreneurs.
• Ziyad Rahme, CEO
• http://sdtc.ca 

WHERE TO TEST YOUR TECH: LABS AND TEST CENTRES

Area X.O

• 1740 Woodroffe Ave. Building 400, Nepean, ON K2G 3R8 
• Area X.O is a technology-rich, secure research and development complex created for all-weather experimentation.
• Susanne Cork, Business Development Director
• https://areaxo.com/

CENGN

• 555 Legget Dr., Kanata, ON K2K 3B8
• CENGN, Canada’s Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks, drives technology innovation and industry growth through our test bed, technical expertise, talent development, and partner ecosystem.
• Jean-Charles Fahmy, President and CEO
• https://www.cengn.ca/

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) 

• 1053 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9
• The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, formerly Ottawa Health Research Institute, is a non-profit academic health research institute located in the city of Ottawa.
• Dr. Duncan Stewart, CEO and Scientific Director
• http://ohri.ca 

WHERE TO FIND TALENT: UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES

Algonquin College School of Advanced Technology

• 1385 Woodroffe Ave. Ottawa, Ontario K2G 1V8
• Algonquin College’s School of Advanced Technology is an educational institution that believes in pushing the boundaries of education and fostering a dynamic environment that empowers students to embrace their full potential.
• Adam Shane, Academic Chair
• http://algonquincollege.com 

Carleton University Faculty of Engineering and Design

• 3010 Minto Centre, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6
• With great facilities, practical skills development programs and leading research initiatives, Carleton University’s Faculty of Engineering cultivates future engineering and design leaders who are ready to make significant contributions to society.
• Dr. Larry Kostiuk, Dean
• https://carleton.ca/engineering-design/ 

Carleton University Sprott School of Business

• 125 Colonel By Dr., 7007 Nicol Building, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6
• The Sprott School of Business is dedicated to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit within its students to foster shared prosperity and to advance equity and justice for all.
• Howard Nemiroff, Dean
• https://sprott.carleton.ca/ 

La Cité

• 801 Aviation Pkwy., Ottawa, ON K1K 4R3
• LA Cite is the largest French-language college of applied arts and technology in Ontario, dedicated to offering innovative programs, quality learning experiences, and improving the overall quality of its services.
• Lise Bourgeois, President & CEO
• http://collegelacite.ca 

University of Ottawa Faculty of Engineering

• 800 King Edward Ave., Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5
• The University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Engineering is committed to fostering the next generation of innovative thinkers by offering a range of hands-on programs that will shape the future of engineering.
• Michel Labrosse, Interim Dean
• http://uottawa.ca 

University of Ottawa Telfer School of Management

• 55 Laurier Ave. E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5
• The Telfer School of Management is a business school that supports students, educators and researchers who are passionate about business and who are dedicated to using their knowledge and abilities to build a better Canada.
• Stephane Brutus, Dean
• https://telfer.uottawa.ca/en/ 

WHERE TO GET GOVERNMENT HELP: FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)

• 235 Queen St., Ottawa, ON K1A 0H5
• ISED collaborates with Canadians nationwide to enhance investment conditions, boost innovation, expand global trade share, and cultivate a fair and competitive marketplace.
• Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister
• https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en 

Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

• The Ministry of Economic Development is committed to providing policies, programs, and services that help businesses of all sizes and in every region to start, grow, invest, trade, create jobs and to attract investment in Ontario.
• Victor Fedeli, Minister
• http://ontario.ca 

National Research Council of Canada (NRC)

• 1200 Montreal Rd. Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6
• The NRC is the leading federal research and development organization in the country, dedicated to advancing knowledge, innovation, and providing scientific and technical expertise in various fields.
• Mitch Davies, President
• https://nrc.canada.ca/en 

HOW TO CHANGE POLICY: ADVOCACY GROUPS

Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI)

• 251 Laurier Ave. W #300, Ottawa, ON K1P 5J6
• With advocacy at the heart of its organization, the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) helps bridge the gap between government and industry, working in the best interests of Canada’s defence, security, and cybersecurity technology companies.
• Christyn Cianfarani, President & CEO
• http://defenceandsecurity.ca 

Canadian Chamber of Commerce

• 275 Slater St. #1700, Ottawa, ON K1P 5H9
• The voice of the Canadian Business ecosystem, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the largest business association in Canada, representing businesses of all sizes in all sectors of the economy.
• Perrin Beatty, President & CEO
• https://chamber.ca/ 

Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA)

• 979 Bank St. #400, Ottawa, ON K1S 5K5
• The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) helps Canadians bring their ideas to life in the online world by managing the .ca domain and increasing cybersecurity.
• Byron Holland, President & CEO
• https://www.cira.ca/ 

Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA)

• 180 Elgin St. Suite 1100, Ottawa, ON K2P 2K3
• The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) highlights the contributions of the telecommunications sector to Canada’s growth, innovation, social well-being and sustainability. It acts as an advocate and supporter of industry initiatives, and is actively involved in research and educational initiatives.
• Robert Ghiz, President & CEO
• http://canadatelecoms.ca 

Startup Canada

• 56 Sparks St. Unit #300, Ottawa, ON K1P 5A9
• Startup Canada is the gateway to Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem that points you in the right direction, eliminates barriers and champions your needs to private and public sector partners. It connects you with support organizations and peers across the country with industry expertise, regional knowledge, and funding to help you start and build successful businesses.
• Kayla Isabelle, CEO 
• https://www.startupcan.ca/ 

Tech Nation Canada

• 220 Laurier Ave. W., Suite 1120. Ottawa, ON, K1P 5Z9
• Tech Nation Canada is a dynamic organization that brings together Canada’s technology sector, government, and communities. Its mission is to leverage the latest technologies to drive collaboration, growth, and to advance Canada’s technological future.
• Angela Mondou, President & CEO
• http://technationcanada.ca 

Women in Communications and Technology (WCT)

• 7 Bayview Road, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3B5
• WCT, with 30 years of success, is the sole national organization dedicated to advancing women in digital workplaces. It connects them to a vast network and equips businesses with the necessary tools to create inclusive environments and develop female leaders.
• Rebecca Bailey, CEO
• https://wct-fct.com/