Three Waterloo Region tech companies selected to pilot solutions with City of Kitchener

Three Waterloo Region tech companies — ConeLabs, Real Life Robotics, and TextGenetic AI — have been selected to put their solutions to the test with the City of Kitchener this summer.

Selected through the Pitch Kitchener program, the startups are working with the city to explore how their technologies can improve services like infrastructure inspections, golf course operations, and fleet maintenance. The program offers $100,000 in pilot funding and connects Canadian tech founders with municipal and enterprise partners to address challenges. For its first round of funding. Pitch Kitchener partnered with Communitech Fast Track Cities, which is supported by OVIN.

ConeLabs, based in Kitchener, will use AI-powered drones to inspect the city’s bridges and roadways. Founded by Albert Mansour and Ahmed Mahmoud, ConeLabs’s technology replaces traditional, labour-intensive inspections with safer and faster aerial scans to cut inspection times and reduce the need for scaffolding or road closures. The company is already gaining national attention, and was recently named a recipient of the 2025 CIX Startup Awards. ConeLabs also won a $25,000 prize for best pitch and an audience choice award at a Communitech Fast Track Cities showcase event in November.

Real Life Robotics in Waterloo is bringing its autonomous robot platform to the city’s Doon Valley Golf Course. The company’s smart technology will be used to monitor operations and provide insights into flow, customer experience and staffing, which will help optimize how the course runs day to day. Real Life Robotics is best known for its customizable delivery robot BUBS. The company rolled out a last-mile delivery pilot project program at the Toronto Zoo last year dubbed “Zoober” to save time and emissions when delivering food to animal habitats. It’s also been testing delivery robots to help small businesses compete with big chains by making local delivery more affordable and accessible.

Kitchener-based TextGenetic AI  will support the city’s vehicle fleet operations. Its AI-driven platform uses real-time predictive analytics to flag potential maintenance issues before they turn into costly breakdowns. The system is designed to reduce downtime, extend the life of city vehicles, and cut overall operating costs to make city services more efficient and reliable.

“Helping grow and support locally-grown technology companies is a great example of the City’s commitment to fostering economic resilience and prosperity,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic in a release. “Through efforts like Pitch Kitchener and the recently launched Support Local campaign, we are ensuring that our local economy remains strong and future-ready.” 

The three chosen startups were selected from 10 companies that pitched at the Fast Track Cities showcase in November 2024. Carleigh Johnston, Senior Program Manager of Communitech Fast Track Cities, said it was the most competitive round yet, with a record number of applications.

“I applaud the City of Kitchener for its dedication to supporting and engaging with the startup ecosystem,” said Carleigh Johnston, Senior Program Manager of Communitech Fast Track Cities. “Collaborations like Communitech Fast Track Cities and Pitch Kitchener push Canadian entrepreneurship forward, strengthening our communities.”

If the summer pilots go well, the City of Kitchener says the technologies may be considered for permanent use, showing what’s possible when local government and local tech work together.