Innovate Niagara marked a significant milestone this spring, celebrating 15 years as a Regional Innovation Centre (RIC) supporting founders, innovators, and technology‑driven businesses across the Niagara region.
The celebration brought together entrepreneurs, partners, ecosystem leaders, and community members to reflect on the impact of a decade and a half of collaboration, mentorship, and investment in innovation. Held in downtown St. Catharines, the event recognized the people and partnerships that have helped shape Niagara’s growing innovation ecosystem.
Since being designated as a Regional Innovation Centre in 2011, Innovate Niagara has played a central role in supporting early‑stage and scaling companies by providing access to mentorship, programs, connections, and practical support tailored to founder needs. Over the years, the organization has worked alongside hundreds of entrepreneurs navigating everything from idea validation and market entry to growth, hiring, and investment readiness.
“Celebrating 15 years as a Regional Innovation Centre is really about celebrating the founders we serve,” said N’ora Kalb, CEO of Innovate Niagara, during welcoming remarks. “Our work has always been about helping innovators move forward by connecting them with the right people, resources, and opportunities at the right time. This milestone reflects the collective effort of our community and the real outcomes that come from sustained support.”
Since receiving Regional Innovation Centre designation in 2011, Innovate Niagara’s impact has grown steadily across Niagara’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. Over the past 15 years, the organization has delivered more than 19,975 consulting hours, supported 1,648 clients, and provided founders with access to over $10.5 million worth of market insights.
Innovate Niagara‑supported companies have gone on to secure more than $170 million in funding, while programming efforts have included 457 events, welcoming a total of 25,612 participants. Engagement has continued beyond in‑person activity, with a community of 3,500+ email subscribers, 7,500+ social media followers, and over 40,000 annual website visits connecting founders to resources, insights, and opportunities.
“These numbers are not just metrics—they represent companies launched, jobs created, risks taken, and challenges overcome,” added N’ora Kalb. “They show what is possible when founders are supported consistently, and when an ecosystem is intentional about collaboration.”
The anniversary event highlighted the evolution of Niagara’s innovation landscape over the past 15 years. What began as a growing entrepreneurial community has matured into a regional ecosystem supported by strong partnerships between founders, post‑secondary institutions, government, industry, and service providers.
Throughout the evening, guests heard stories from entrepreneurs who credited Innovate Niagara with helping them access critical expertise and foundational support in the early stages of their businesses. From introductions to legal and financial professionals to guidance on business fundamentals, these connections often proved pivotal in helping companies survive and grow.
Innovate Niagara’s role as a convener has also been central to its impact. Through peer‑to‑peer programming, targeted workshops, and curated networking opportunities, the organization has helped founders learn from one another while building confidence and capability.
That founder‑first approach was echoed by Sharon Reeds, CEO and Co‑Founder of Intuitive Shipping, who reflected on her early experience working with Innovate Niagara.
“When we met with Innovate Niagara for the first time, it was really neat to be a new business owner with no idea what you’re really doing—but having an organization there to hold your hand and tell you what to do and not to do,” said Reeds.
The celebration also looked ahead to the future. As technologies evolve and founder needs shift, Innovate Niagara continues to adapt its programming, with a growing emphasis on practical, execution‑focused support. Recent initiatives have included hands‑on AI peer‑learning sessions, founder storytelling workshops, and sector‑specific events designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are.
“Our mandate as a Regional Innovation Centre goes beyond supporting individual companies,” added N’ora Kalb. “It is about strengthening the entire ecosystem so that innovation can thrive long‑term in Niagara. That responsibility is something we take seriously.”
The anniversary event concluded with networking and reflection, offering attendees an opportunity to reconnect and celebrate the shared progress made over the past 15 years. As Innovate Niagara looks to the next chapter, the focus remains clear: continue supporting founders with purpose, integrity, and impact.
Fifteen years on, Innovate Niagara stands as a testament to what sustained collaboration and community‑driven innovation can achieve—and as a reminder that the work of building a strong regional ecosystem is ongoing.