Our partners
Every month, members and guests from the local business community walk away from Communitech programs and services with new ideas, connections, business leads and inspiration to grow their business. And we have plans for much, much more.
Since our very first program, we've been supported by incredible partners and exceptional companies that share our vision for building a top North American technology community. Together, we create a close network of support for technology companies and work to develop even better ways to drive the growth of tomorrow's tech leaders.
Other organizations we work with to drive the growth of our community, attract top tech talent, encourage technology entrepreneurship, and promote the region include: business associations, educational institutions, centres of excellence, technology associations and organizations and governments. Many partners, like IRAP, are also sponsors.
A Community Partner of Communitech
Business and Education Partnership of Waterloo Region
The Business & Education Partnership is a non-profit, charitable organization that builds partnerships and implements programs to help students transition from school to career. The program works to involve the community, the business and corporate sectors, individuals and the education system. Program initiatives include a Speakers Bureau, the First Time Full Time Conference, Lunch and Learns and the Passport to Prosperity. Communitech participates through the Board of Directors and is able to be of particular assistance in building alliances among business, education and training, labour, government and community organizations.
Technology Associations & Organizations
Council of Regional Technology Associations (CRITA)
CRITA represents over 50 IT and technology trade organizations which speak for more than 22,000 technology-related companies in the Americas. Communitech participates in knowledge-sharing and networking activities as part of this organization, bringing new ideas back to Waterloo Region to help our own technology industry thrive and grow.
Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC)
ITAC Ontario works to develop Ontario's IT industry to its full potential through representation to the provincial government and by sponsoring development programs for members. Communitech and ITAC actively exchange knowledge and best practices and join forces to achieve government support.
Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA)
The Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance grows the revenues of its 28,000 members by creating a collaborative edge -- a chain of expanding value that ripples across Canada's Innovators, Commercializers, Users, and Professionals. The largest high-tech association in Canada, CATAAlliance matches businesses with opportunities across almost every sector, so that we can all do business together. Reaching out from Canada, CATAAlliance members are connected with investment and partnership opportunities with the major global companies. As 80% are exporters, CATA's members are the arrow-head for global growth.
MaRS Discovery Disctrict
MaRS Discovery District is a convergence innovation centre located in Toronto's renowned "Discovery District" - two square kilometers in the heart of downtown that have been designated as the city's centre of innovation.
MaRS is a not-for-profit corporation founded by leaders from the business and public sectors to improve commercial outcomes from Canada's foundation of science and technology innovation.
MaRS connects and fosters collaboration between the communities of science, business and capital through co-location in the MaRS Centre and more broadly through catalytic programs, structured networks and the MaRS web portal.
Toronto Region Research Alliance (TRRA)
Our fundamental role is to act as a neutral convenor, facilitator, catalyst and advocate on issues and opportunities related to our R&D mission. We provide dynamic, neutral leadership to help forge a regional consensus on strategic priorities. We deliver informed analysis, prompt cross-sectoral dialogue, and lead coordinated action. Our aim is to empower the region to exploit its extraordinary strengths and compete more effectively in the international R&D marketplace.
Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI)
OCRI is the rallying point for business, education and government to advance Ottawa´s globally competitive knowledge-based economy. Communitech works with OCRI on combined efforts including a past ICT Industry Taskforce for provincial government advocacy, and the marketing of Ontario's tech industry in key U.S.markets and attract ex-patriot Canadians back to Waterloo Region.
TechAlliance London
TechAlliance is an umbrella organization for five merged technology groups in the London area : the London High Technology Association, Biotech London Council, IT London Council, London Venture Group and members of the Advanced Manufacturing. Members of the TechAlliance share a strong focus and a shared vision for the area's high-technology sector. Communitech and TechAlliance cross-promote key activities.
York Technology Association (YTA)
This group fosters a networking and learning environment conducive to the growth and success of technology stakeholders and takes action, on behalf of its members, on issues that are important to the technology industry. YTA and Communitech share information and best practices on Peer 2 Peer groups and accelerator initiatives as well as cross-promote key activities.
The Canadian Innovation Centre (CIC)
The CIC guides innovators, and their innovations to market with a process based on sound market research and original market insight.
Guelph-Waterloo Partnership for Biotechnology (GWPB)
The GWPB is a consortium of life science stakeholders from government, industry and academia. Together, the partnership is fostering the development of the Guelph-Waterloo Science and Technology Cluster with a vision of making the region one of the North America's most prominent and prestigious centres for life science innovation. It's well on its way. Building on strong bridges between universities, colleges, and the private sector, GWPB is encouraging links between Guelph traditional strengths in biological science and agri-food and Waterloo Region's strengths in physical sciences, engineering and information technology. Communitech is an active member involved in government funding proposals on behalf of the organization.
Guelph Partnership for Innovation (GPI)
A consortium of life science stakeholders with the vision of making Guelph one of the top five life science centres in North America. It coordinates information sharing among life science and agri-food companies in Guelph and the surrounding area while fostering the development of Guelph as a leading centre for life science and agri-food research, development and commercialization through advocacy, education and communication. Communitech and GPI are currently partnering on a ground-breaking survey of the Waterloo-Guelph technology industry.
Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance (GTMA)
The GTMA is the key point of contact to explore business opportunities in this vibrant region. With the resources of its public and private sector partners, the GTMA provides business information to help businesses invest in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Communitech works with GTMA on a combined effort to market Ontario's tech industry in key U.S.markets and attract ex-patriot Canadians back to Waterloo Region.
Local Government
Communitech works closely with the cities of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo, and the Region of Waterloo on common missions and goals for sustainable growth in Waterloo Region, including economic-development and technology industry-related initiatives.
Federal Government & Programs
IRAP (Industrial Research Assistance Program)
One of Communitech's key partners is the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP), a program of the National Research Council. They support and share our goal of encouraging small and medium-sized businesses to forge ahead with cutting-edge innovation. IRAP sponsors our entrepreneurial support programs, helping us assist early-stage companies commercialize innovations and providing them with technical advice, financial support, coaching connections, and a range of other innovation assistance.
Industry Canada
Industry Canada works with Canadians throughout the economy and in all parts of the country to improve conditions for investment, improve innovation performance, increase trade and build a competitive marketplace. Industry Canada works with Communitech by supporting survey research, providing knowledge and funding resources, and connecting us with key information resources that support our technology industry.
Provincial Government and Programs
Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation
The Ministry of Research and Innovation was established to ensure that Ontario has a focused approach to competing and winning in the marketplace of ideas.
Ontario Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship
The Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship was created in 2006 to recognize the importance of small businesses to Ontario's economy. The ministry has several initiatives to support the growth of small- and medium-sized business and entrepreneurial success in Ontario, including support of the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre.
Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE)
Ontario Centres of Excellence is making the connections, building strong industry and academic relationships, providing the guidance and investing the seed capital necessary for Ontario companies to grow and succeed.
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MEDT)
MEDT provides assistance to existing innovative, growth-oriented firms, associations and municipalities. MEDT supports Communitech in its research and surveying activities of area companies and both organizations actively promote each other´s opportunities to clients.
Ontario Exports Inc. (OEI)
OEI is the export development agency of the Government of Ontario. OEI helps firms grow, prosper and create jobs through international trade. Communitech and OEI share trade opportunities, cross-promote and together, target area companies that can benefit from current and upcoming trade initiatives.
Waterloo Region Small Business Centre
A non-profit, private-public organization that assists entrepreneurs of all types with the development of new or existing businesses through general seminars, business plan assistance and guidance. Communitech and the Small Business Centre offer complementary entrepreneurship programming, exchange information of benefit to entrepreneurs and engage in client referrals.
Business Associations
Cambridge Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber works hard to address business concerns, provide access to information resources and represent members at all government levels. With more than 900 member firms, the Chamber has many volunteers and committees to help address issues affecting local business and provide practical solutions. Communitech and the Chamber cross-promote and work on joint projects such as the Prosperity Council.
Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce
As the voice of business for the greater Kitchener-Waterloo area, the Chamber is a strong advocate for continued development of our community and a partner for prosperity. By working together and focusing on initiatives that support growth, members use the services of the Chamber as a catalyst for business success. Communitech works with the Chamber on initiatives such as the Prosperity Council and the Physician Recruitment Task Force and cross-promote items of interest to members.
Physician Recruitment Task Force
The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce launched the Physician Recruitment Task Force in 1998 to recruit established physicians and medical school graduates to Waterloo Region. It has brought over 35 general practitioners and more than 30 specialists to the area to date through recruitment events and marketing initiatives. Communitech plays a role in physician recruitment through ongoing participation in the Taskforce and hosting incoming tours.
Guelph Chamber of Commerce
The Guelph Chamber of Commerce provides outstanding value to its members and stakeholders as the champion of business. The chamber is particularly focused on finding new and innovative ways to meet the needs and expectations of members that need to keep up with the changing world of business and the pace of technological change. Communitech and the chamber cross-promote in key areas.
Canada's Technology Triangle Inc.
The non-profit, private-public economic development organization marketing the Region of Waterloo and the cities of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo to the world. The organization positions the area, known as Canada´s Technology Triangle, and all of its leading industries, as a top location in the world for investment and works to keep and attract the most innovative businesses and entrepreneurs. Communitech works with CTT Inc. on many joint initiatives, including talent recruitment, tech sector marketing and incoming technology-oriented investment tours.
Prosperity Council of Waterloo Region
This is just one initiative where Communitech has joined forces with Canada's Technology Triangle Inc. as well as the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. Together, we work to create an environment to support prosperity in Waterloo Region and position the region as the best choice for new investment and talent. We influence issues that affect the ability to attract and keep the best people, attract and keep good business and sustain and enhance quality of life in the region.
The council held its first annual Prosperity Forum in February 2003 with over 100 business leaders to discuss how successful regional economies tackle key economic and quality of life issues. Participants adopted the Good to Great Agenda which focuses on five key directions:
- Building a collaborative vision
- Branding and marketing the region as one successful area for business, arts, and lifestyle
- Enhancing regional health institutions with state-of-the-art facilities to attract and keep physicians and expertise
- Strengthening local post-secondary institutions in size, quality and impact to attract and keep highly talented people
- Creating and funding a regional arts and culture development and promotion committee
As partners, we meet regularly to develop strategies to respond to these directions. Read more about the Prosperity Forum and specific task force actions.
Education
The University of Waterloo
Communitech is a strong supporter of the University of Waterloo and its contribution to the region's innovation culture. The university was a prime driving force behind the creation of Waterloo Region's technology community and it continues to be a major source of top research and talent. We share a tight relationship with the university and benefit from their sponsorship of key activities, valuable resources, assistance with promotion and access to alumni. We participate on the board of the Accelerator Centre at the Research and Technology Park and sit on the advisory council of the Centre for Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (CBET).
The Research & Technology Park
Being right on the campus of the most innovative university in Canada will be a strategic advantage for companies like Sybase, iAnywhere and Open Text. They're the first tenants in the new 120-acre University of Waterloo Research and Technology Park, one of the newest research parks in Canada and certainly the one to watch in North America.
When it's complete, the park will contain 1.2 million square feet of office space and will be home to thousands of people creating breakthrough research. And right next door at UW is a talent pool of top-notch co-op students and graduates and innovative research activities.
Communitech played a role in this exciting development early on, advocating with governments for park funding and development. Now, we're helping to develop a multi-tenant Accelerator Centre through active board of director involvement. The centre will ramp up the growth of early stage companies in a cost-effective, supportive environment, helping to spur on this country's next generation of technology companies.
The Centre for Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (CBET) at the University of Waterloo offers a focused masters level program for students who want to concentrate on business skills that are critical to identifying and exploiting commercial opportunities.CBET specializes in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship: the foundations of the University of Waterloo.
Innovate Inc. at the University of Waterloo supports student, faculty and staff innovation and helps develop and refine commercially-viable concepts. Essentially a "pre-incubation" program within the university, Innovate Inc. nurture's the university's technology and innovation culture and builds on its track record in tech transfer. The program's seminars and services complement the university's other entrepreneurial programming as well as activities within the community, including Communitech's entrepreneur and investor resources.entrepreneurs develop and refine commercially-viable concepts.
Wilfrid Laurier University
Another leading academic institution, Wilfrid Laurier is a premier university, renowned for attracting high-calibre students. Perhaps best known for its School of Business & Economics and its MBA program, Laurier is also an educational and research leader with its Faculty of Science, Faculty of Arts, and Faculty of Music. Laurier's unique, interdisciplinary approach to learning allows students to combine majors in completely different fields.
The Schlegel Centre for Entrepreneurship at Wilfrid Laurier is well-placed in the heart of Waterloo Region's vibrant entrepreneur-driven environment, ready to educate and create opportunities for students in the area of entrepreneurship while building on the quality and depth of knowledge of the university's School of Business & Economics. New programs are in the works in three areas: general entrepreneurship, family business, and management of early-stage tech companies. The Schlegel Centre's goal is to become the premier Canadian institution in its field, and Communitech is inspired by work toward this goal, contributing to its Advisory Council.
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
The college is a key partner with Communitech and local business and has been ranked Ontario's number one college for eight years in a row. Conestoga graduates professionals in areas such as engineering technology, IT, business, health sciences, media/communications studies and the skilled trades.
Schulich Executive Education Centre at York Univeristy
Because market conditions continue to change rapidly, executives and entrepreneurs must be able to quickly develop and fine-tune personal business skills in order to address immediate situations. Executive development at Schulich is all about this kind of "just-in-time" learning - learning which is focused, practical and immediately applicable to the task at hand. Select from a wide variety of relevant business topics at Schulich today, and use the new skills and techniques you learn at the office tomorrow.
University of Guelph
The University of Guelph is widely known as Canada´s Premier agri-sciences university, with strengths in veterinarian medicine and other biological and environmental sciences.
Guelph University is renowned in Canada and around the world as a research intensive and learning centered institution with leading edge programs in biotechnology and life sciences.
- College of Biological Science is unique in Canada - cutting edge programs in molecular and cellular biology, integrative biology
- The largest MBA in Agriculture in North America is awarded by the Ontario Agricultural College