Innovator Network of Canada Launches with Waterloo Inc. Leading the Way

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Waterloo, ON - Dec. 12, 2023

The Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) is proud to announce the launch of the Innovator Network of Canada, a collaborative platform dedicated to fostering innovation, economic growth, and community development across the country.  

The first chapter of this new national network is Waterloo Inc, which has been developed in partnership with Medical Innovation Xchange (MIX) and Catalyst Commons.

Benjamin Bergen, President of the Council of Canadian Innovators, expresses his enthusiasm for this groundbreaking initiative:  

"The launch of the Innovator Network of Canada marks a significant milestone in CCI’s journey, delivering on our commitment to champion innovation and economic prosperity,” said CCI President Benjamin Bergen. “Co-developed alongside our excellent partners at MIX and Catalyst Commons, Waterloo Inc. exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and leadership that will drive this network's success."

The Innovator Network of Canada (Inc.) exists to support other regional Inc. chapters and to connect innovators nationally through a shared brand and community. Entrepreneurs and technologists can join our national Slack channel by going to innovatornetwork.ca.

Waterloo Inc. is a platform to foster connections among local innovators, leaders, and decision makers and to facilitate discussions regarding the economic future and prosperity of Waterloo Region. It’s led by local entrepreneurs who are committed to the advancement of Waterloo Region, and its membership will be open to all innovators, community leaders, and ecosystem partners.

"I am thrilled to be working with so many peers in the community to launch Waterloo Inc and to amplify the impact of our region’s incredible startups and scale-ups,” said Armen Bakirtzian, founder of MIX and CEO of Intellijoint Surgical. “Waterloo Region has always been known for its local collaboration and I am thankful for the work of MIX, Catalyst Commons, and CCI to support this new platform. I also look forward to collaborating with other communities across Canada that want to build their own local Inc. chapter.”

Kurtis McBride, founder of Catalyst Commons and CEO of Miovision said he is excited for Waterloo Inc. to act as a platform for innovative entrepreneurs in 2024 and beyond.

"Waterloo Inc is a collective celebration, commitment, and drive towards fostering economic growth in Waterloo Region based on local innovation for years to come," McBride said. “Catalyst Commons is honored to join forces with MIX and CCI to help launch Waterloo Inc and to act as a model for other communities. This model enables us to create a platform that is led by local entrepreneurs, but also be part of a national community.”  

Waterloo Inc. has already made significant strides in facilitating vital discussions in 2023 on the economic future of the Waterloo Region. The launch of the Innovator Network of Canada will further propel these efforts, with a focus on leadership engagement, community development, and local communications.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

James McLeod
CCI Director of Communications
jmcleod@canadianinnovators.org