Innovation Cluster Introduces Barry Payne as Expert in Residence to Propel Indigenous Entrepreneurship

The Innovation Cluster welcomes entrepreneur and champion of Indigenous business development Barry Payne as its latest Expert in Residence.

file photo.

Payne’s appointment is a testament to the Innovation Cluster's commitment to fostering an inclusive innovation ecosystem, particularly extending the reach of its entrepreneurship program to Indigenous communities.

He comes with a wealth of entrepreneurial experience with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous owned businesses. A proud member of Hiawatha First Nation, he started his journey with Adirondack Technologies Furniture Inc., transforming it from a basement startup to a nationally recognized organization. He is also currently the Indigenous procurement ambassador at Procurement Assistance Canada, where he has the opportunity to work with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous owned companies to help them consider the federal government as a client.

"I am excited to take on this new role at the Innovation Cluster, which has demonstrated a sincere commitment to inclusion and Indigenous business growth,” said Payne. “As a member of Hiawatha First Nation and an entrepreneur, I understand the potential within our communities. I look forward to extending the reach of the entrepreneurship program and supporting the growth of Indigenous owned businesses."

As the Innovation Cluster’s new ExIR, Barry will provide mentoring to clients, helping them navigate government funding, optimize networking, and offering invaluable business advice. His involvement aims to bridge the gap between Indigenous communities and the entrepreneurship landscape, tapping into the Indigenous peoples' growing business creation rate, which is currently nine times that of the average Canadian.

In this new partnership, Payne’s commitment to working with Aboriginal companies and his expertise will significantly benefit all clients at the Innovation Cluster. His learned lessons will be a critical guide to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous entrepreneurs.

"We are honoured to have Barry Payne join us as an Expert in Residence. His unique perspective and experience will undoubtedly provide invaluable guidance for our clients and further our mission to drive innovation-focused, entrepreneur-led economic growth in the region, which must include Indigenous communities,” said interim CEO Nicole Stephenson. “At the Innovation Cluster, we understand the importance of Indigenous owned businesses in Canada's economy, and we're excited about our part in shaping the future."

Stephenson further emphasized the organization's dedication to fostering a diverse, purpose-driven workplace. "We're proud to not only talk about diversity but to make it part of our operational fabric. Partnerships like the one with Barry are critical to an inclusive and diverse community of entrepreneurs. It's an exciting time at the Innovation Cluster, and we can't wait to see the growth and development that will stem from this partnership."

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Innovation Cluster Partners with Kawartha Manufacturers Association to Provide Free Memberships for New Local Manufacturers and Clean Tech/Social Innovation Startups

The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas (ICPK) unveiled its partnership with the Kawartha Manufacturers Association (KMA), offering complimentary membership in its association to emerging manufacturers and early-stage Innovation Cluster clients in the manufacturing and clean tech/social innovation sectors.

photo courtesy of innovation cluster.

Tom Sayers, one of longest standing members of the Kawartha Manufacturers Association said, “the KMA was founded 30 years ago with a mission to increase the competitiveness of manufacturers in Peterborough and the City of Kawartha Lakes by providing forums for sharing best practices, collaborating on training initiatives, and creating a network of experienced problem-solvers.”

Diane Richard, President of Diatom Consulting and Professional Training, is a KMA member and serves on the Innovation Cluster board. Diane emphasized the importance of KMA's initiative, stating, "the free membership program offered by KMA is an incredible opportunity for new manufacturers and Innovation Cluster clients to access invaluable resources and connect with industry experts. It will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and success of businesses in our region."

Camila Duarte, Senior Innovation Specialist & Programs Director at the Innovation Cluster, stated, "this initiative aligns perfectly with our goal of fostering innovation and growth in the manufacturing and clean tech/social innovation sectors. It's a great way for emerging businesses to tap into the wealth of knowledge and experience within the KMA community."

By offering free memberships to emerging manufacturers in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, along with early-stage Innovation Cluster clients, KMA aims to expedite the growth of these new manufacturers and startups, benefiting the community by creating skilled technology jobs resulting from their endeavours.

John Jankowski, current KMA Chair, encourages local manufacturers and Innovation Cluster clients to take advantage of the free membership offer or renew their existing memberships. "We are very excited to bring our community back together after several years of challenges for our members and the inability to hold events," says Jankowski.

For more information on the free membership offer or to renew a membership, please contact the KMA at info@thekma.com.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Innovation and Technology Showcase Returns to Fleming College April 5

Creativity, dedication and teamwork will be on full display at the Venture North building during the annual Fleming College Innovation and Technology Showcase on April 5.

photo courtesy of flemng college.

A highlight of the academic year, this event is a chance for Fleming College’s Global Business Management students to present the applied projects they have been working on. 

Twenty teams comprised of 73 students are competing in this year’s challenge with a wide array of projects.

Some projects paired students with established, external organizations. A team working with a local non-profit organization helped that organization connect with community members and increase memberships, while another team paired with a Toronto office furniture company created a marketing plan to attract new clients.  

Other projects include the creation of a parking app to help market unused parking spaces on private and commercial properties, where another project focused on identifying environmentally friendly ways to handle industrial waste.  

After an initial round of judging on April 5, 10 teams will go on to the finals taking place at Fleming College’s Sutherland Campus on May 10. Student teams are eligible for cash prizes which are sponsored by IEEE.

Other sponsors for the Innovation and Technology Showcase include Community Futures Peterborough, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development, Ashburnham Realty, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and the Innovation Cluster.  

The showcase is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Trent University Business Student Wins Pitch IT! Entrepreneurial Competition Title and $2,000 Prize

Trent University business student Safiya Khaki wins Pitch IT! Student Entrepreneurial Competition with her business pitch through the Innovation Cluster’s FastStart Program.

Safiya Khaki is a Trent business student, specializing in finance. Photo courtesy of The Innovation Cluster.

Five finalists from Fleming College and Trent University pitched their innovative business ideas to a panel of local business professionals on Nov. 9 for the chance to win the title of Best Pitch and a $2,000 cash prize.

Khaki impressed the judges with the pitch of her business idea “BioStraw,” plant-based fiber beverage straws that are strong, biodegradable and do not dissolve and become soggy in your drink.

Winning a $1,000 prize and claiming the second place title is Fleming College student Sneha Pradeep, who is currently enrolled in the Wireless Information Networking (WIN) program.

Pradeep pitched her business idea Adjus, a social platform connecting users to a variety of cultural cuisine, recipes, clothing, events and more, offering a sense of familiarity and a greater sense of community to newcomers of Canada.

“Thank you to all the students, judges, and community members for getting involved in this great event,” said Lindsey Irwin, manager of the FastStart Program. “These students brought their A-game, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish in the future.”

The event was held at the Trent Student Centre (Symons Campus) through the Innovation Cluster’s FastStart Program. The program is designed to assist young entrepreneurs in their business plans, helping them to navigate the economy and bring their products and services to market.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Innovation Cluster Launches Groundbreaking Women Breaking Barriers Accelerator Program

Statistics show that only 6% of tech companies have a female CEO, and only 8% of Directors on boards of Canadian tech companies are women. As well, only 4% of VC funding goes toward women-led companies and founders who are women of colour get less than 1% of venture capital each year. The Innovation Cluster is working to change their numbers through a groundbreaking new accelerator program.

They have officially launched Women Breaking Barriers, a six-month cohort acceleration program designed specifically for women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and social innovation.

The program will allow participants to fast track their companies and will reduce barriers for female founders including the unique opportunity to pitch to angel investors at the end of six months. This program has been made possible by a $75,000 Seed grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. 

Funds will be used to hire professionals, purchase supplies, as well as to operate workshops and events. The overall program will be one year long, consisting of two separate cohorts of up to 10 women that will last six months each.

The fully virtual program has opened applications for the first cohort August 5th, with a start date of September first. Applications are due August 27th at noon. 

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

Participants (aged 18 or older) will have every opportunity to accelerate their company during the program, which includes specific and advanced training sessions, weekly mentorship with advisors, peer-to-peer learning, community networking and more.

“Our goal with this program is to increase opportunities and improve the support for women entering a career path in STEM and social innovation,” says Rosalea Terry, Marketing Manager and Senior Innovation Specialist with the Innovation Cluster. “After completing the program, these women will leave with the skills and knowledge to achieve success in their startup.” 

The program ends with each participant guaranteed to pitch to the local Peterborough Region Angel Network, which currently has over thirty investors. The group has invested over $6 million in companies over the years.

To learn more about the unique program, click here.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Harco Enterprises Ltd. In Peterborough Receives Expedited Health Canada Approval To Produce PPE

On Friday (May 1st), Maryam Monsef, Member of Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha, announced that Harco Enterprises Ltd. in Peterborough has received approval by Health Canada to manufacture and distribute a COVID-19 Medical Device (Harco Face Shield).

With the approval, Harco Enterprises are currently able to produce 2,000 components per day and looking for options to be flexible depending on what the demand is in the days and weeks ahead.

“Through our government’s Plan to Mobilize Industry to fight COVID-19, we have been supporting local businesses so they can quickly scale up production or re-tool their manufacturing lines to develop needed products right here at home,” says Monsef. “We are stronger together, and businesses like Harco who are stepping up to help at a time when it’s most needed shows the character of our community.”

“Through the media we had seen that the 3D printing community were printing headbands for a face shield—we thought we could make injection mold tooling to produce similar components,” says Terry Harris, Vice President of Harco Enterprises Ltd. “We decided on a popular open source design being used, then from a sample our team created a mold for a head band and strap, and coupled it with a clear shield. After showing this to Peterborough Regional Health Centre, they had faith in us and this item, and placed an order.”

Harris noted that from the beginning of the project, Harco Enterprises Ltd. reached out to the business community and received a tremendous response and networking support from Peterborough Kawartha Economic Development, the Kawartha Manufacturers Association, and many others. They were able to collaborate with Dan Baily at Merit Precision, Mark Bateman and Mike Shafer at Ventra Plastics, as well as engaged Jeff Pinkney who was instrumental in helping obtain the Health Canada license.

If there are any clinics, hospitals or long-term care facilities that are in need of face shields, Harco Enterprises Ltd. is asking that you reach out to them by email sales@harco.on.ca or by calling 705-743-5361.

If you are a manufacturer looking to produce PPE equipment, reach out to MP Monsef’s office at Maryam.Monsef@parl.gc.ca.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Fleming College Creates Face Shield Parts For Frontline Workers At 3D Makerspace In Innovation Cluster

Fleming College has been working out of its downtown 3D Makerspace, located in the Innovation Cluster’s downtown Peterborough incubator, to create headbands and reinforcement pieces for face shields.

These will be given to frontline healthcare workers in the Peterborough region.

HOW THE INITIATIVE STARTED

The initiative began on April 3rd, when Fleming College delivered headbands to the Peterborough PPE Initiative, a group of Peterborough makers who are creating personal protective equipment.

This group, which is led by Fleming College graduate Dylan Radcliffe, have been creating face shields using PETG sheets, plastic brackets, and elastic material, made possible by the Makerspace's 3D printers.

“We are very proud to work with our community partners at Innovation Cluster to support this initiative and produce pieces that create much-needed resources to keep our frontline workers safe,” says Fleming College President Maureen Adamson. 

Fleming College’s School of Trades & Technology faculty Fereydoon Diba, with support from Operations Manager Mary MacLeod and Computer Science Technologist Phillip Chee, supported the group by creating more than 500 bottom reinforcement pieces for face shields in the Makerspace.

The donation was made on April 16th and the Peterborough PPE Initiative will assemble and sanitize the face shields, which will be used at PRHC.

“When Fleming College decided to open the 3D Makerspace in the incubator months ago, we knew the hands-on learning environment would be important but now we know it is essential," says John Gillis, President of the Innovation Cluster. "The incubator has always been home to important technological advancements and we are excited that even though startups are unable to physically complete their work in the space due to COVID-19, it is still being used to create and make a difference.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Innovation Cluster And City Of Kawartha Lakes Open Incubator In Lindsay

The City of Kawartha Lakes and Innovation Cluster, with the support of the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation through the Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario (RIIEO), have opened an incubator for high-growth entrepreneurs in Lindsay. 

An official launch for the incubator took place on Tuesday (February 11th) in Lindsay. Partners supporters and the public joined together for speeches, a ribbon cutting, and a tour of the space. Speakers included Mayor Andy Letham, John Gillis, President of the Innovation Cluster, MPP Laurie Scott, MP Jamie Schmale and Jil Quast, Chair CFDC.

John Gillis, President of the Innovation Cluster, speaking at the announcement

The Innovation Cluster has successfully accelerated hundreds of startups for over a decade, supporting companies in the agriculture technology, clean technology, digital and healthcare technology sectors.

Launching its 10,000 sq.ft. incubator in the heart of downtown Peterborough in 2017, the not-for-profit organization has coached, mentored, and provided a space for more than 80 startups to find their best path to market.

Throughout 2018, the Innovation Cluster supported eight CKWL companies, which created an economic impact of $2,355,633 and the creation of 22 jobs for CKWL. With this success and a clear need for more robust support and programming for entrepreneurs creating innovative new startups, the Innovation Cluster is looking forward to bringing its services on-site.

Ribbon cutting in Lindsay

“We are excited to launch our incubator in the heart of Lindsay to give current and future startup clients the opportunity to access our resources closer to home,” says President and CEO of the Innovation Cluster, John Gillis.

“The Innovation Cluster has been supporting clients in the Kawartha Lakes for a number of years remotely,” adds Gillis, “and many of those clients have been driving into Peterborough to work in our world class incubator. They have been waiting for us to make this expansion happen.”

Congratulations to @kawarthalakes on your partnership and the grand opening of the Innovation Cluster @InnovationPtbo here in Kawartha Lakes! We are proud to support this pilot project through @FedDevOntario #RIIEO #innovation funding. We can't wait to see the benefits in CKL. pic.twitter.com/WE94ACUKXA

— Kawartha Lakes CFDC (@KawarthaLakesCF) February 11, 2020

Left to right: Innovation Cluster CEO Michael Skinner, President John Gillis & ICPK Board Chair John Desbien

The Innovation Cluster will now provide a creative incubation space for new ideas to blossom with entrepreneurs working side-by-side in Lindsay’s first full-service incubator in CKWL.

Some of the entrepreneurs moving in tweeted out about it…

New office space @InnovationPtbo in the Lindsay incubator! ☀️ pic.twitter.com/OJjfViIKni

— MAMASOUP APP(Joanne Ilaqua) (@mamasoupapp) February 11, 2020

Our new home in the @InnovationPtbo Kawartha Lakes.#newdigs pic.twitter.com/VTQIArkwp1

— Graeme Barrie (@grbarrie) February 11, 2020

Through this partnership, startups working in more remote areas throughout the Kawarthas will have easier access to dynamic programming, network connections, funding, investment and business opportunities, as well as marketing and commercialization support. 

The Kawartha Lakes Incubator is officially open! @InnovationPtbo has brought their “start-up ecosystem” closer to home for #HKLB! I commend the collaboration exemplified to make this vision a reality. Welcome! #OpenForBusiness pic.twitter.com/fJpZYD9fQJ

— Laurie Scott (@LaurieScottPC) February 11, 2020

The opening of this incubator is another sign of the times as an increasing amount of people are looking to run a successful startup outside of large cities, to ensure a better quality of life.

Incubators in smaller communities that provide an abundance of professional resources at one site allows those entrepreneurs to achieve their goals without having to move.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Innovation Cluster Signs Memorandum Of Understanding With Peterborough Utilities Group To Expand Peterborough’s Water Market

Pat Devlin, Vice President of Peterborough Utilities Group Services Corporation (PUG) and John Gillis, President and CEO of the Innovation Cluster—Peterborough and the Kawarthas, have announced that they have signed an MOU to work together in a partnership to help bring in new technologies and startups for the water/wastewater market in the Peterborough community.  

With this partnership, PUG and the Innovation Cluster will bring together a vast network of private industries, municipalities and startups in the water/wastewater market in Ontario.

Pat Devlin and John Gillis at Innovation Cluster

“Through this partnership, we are looking forward to attracting more startups into the Peterborough community,” says Gillis. “Peterborough is becoming more recognized for its available cleantech resources, such as research laboratories and mentors that new companies search for.”

“Peterborough Utilities is dedicated to providing the Peterborough area with safe and reliable water and wastewater services, and we are excited to be partnering with the Innovation Cluster to further our support to the water market,” adds Devlin.

The Innovation Cluster has a strong focus on supporting startups in the clean technology sector, recently launching its H2O makerspace that provides resources for water and wastewater-focused companies.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.