If you believe that innovation only happens inside semiconductor chips and software, think again.
Two social entrepreneurs from Ottawa are determined to improve food security, especially for Indigenous communities in Canada’s North, through innovation in agriculture.
Back in 2015, Corey Ellis and Alida Burke co-founded The Growcer and created a food system solution that allows “anyone anywhere to grow food locally.” Years later, they are perfecting hardware, education and distribution to help The Growcer flourish. The company has sold approximately 85 of its growing systems, which range in price from $250,000 to $350,000, and employs about 30 people, most based in Ottawa.
OBJ360 (Sponsored)
![](https://assets.obj.ca/2024/12/PXL_20240826_151827045-1-300x169.jpg)
Boosting workplace collaboration: How Interactive Audio Visual streamlines office technology
For Ian Smith, owner and President of Interactive Audio Visual (IAV), technology has always been centered around the human experience, especially in the workplace. His dedication to the information technology
![](https://assets.obj.ca/2025/01/DSC_0178-300x200.jpg)
uOttawa’s Desjardins Elevator Pitch Competition shows student entrepreneurship is booming
Éric Nelson says there’s something in the air these days at uOttawa regarding entrepreneurship. “You see it in the numbers, but also the attitude of students towards entrepreneurship,” explains the
Ellis and Burke say they are most proud about growing 10 million servings of vegetables through their systems in 2023.
In this episode of Techopia Live, Ottawa Business Journal publisher Michael Curran talks to Ellis and Burke about their ambitious growth plans, including a lease plan to make the units more accessible for buyers who can’t make an upfront capital purchase.