About the Innovation Centre

 

Accelerating Innovation

Assessing Ideas | Connecting People | Realizing Opportunity | Supporting Change

The Innovation Centre acts as a pivotal player in growing Northwestern Ontario’s innovation capacity. We offer support to innovative entrepreneurs, businesses, and community projects in the region of Northwestern Ontario. In addition, the Centre seeks out new approaches to improve, enhance and invigorate a commercialization system in our region. By encouraging ongoing cooperation between business, education and government, the Centre is a driving force to improve economic vitality.

Located in Thunder Bay at Confederation College, the Centre prides itself on creating linkages, engaging entrepreneurs, supporting management, training people, accessing markets, developing and implementing businesses plans, sourcing financing and building success!

Growing Business

  • Engaging Entrepreneurs
  • Identifying Opportunities
  • Developing Strategies
  • Sourcing Funds
  • Accessing Markets
  • Supporting Management
  • Training People
  • Implementing Business Plans
  • Building Success

 

Innovator Membership Program:


The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre provides services to SMEs through our Innovator Member Program. This program assists companies in developing their innovative potential through access to business advisors, training opportunities, market research, and assistance with financing and product development services.

The Hatchery Program:


The Hatchery is a program of the NWO Innovation Centre that works to support small and medium-sized businesses as well as new entrepreneurs as they pursue innovative growth opportunities. The Hatchery provides customized support during the process of developing an opportunity. Whether a referral to the right resource, financial support, current research and information or sound advice and expertise, the end result is to support businesses as they grow and diversify.

Innovation & Project Management:


Managing innovation & innovative projects is a priority for the Innovation Centre. Trained staff are able to assess ideas, develop, research and facilitate projects as well as assist in financing for the development of innovative initiatives. The Centre is currently involved in championing projects to expand Broadband and Cellular Infrastructure in rural areas of Northwestern Ontario.

Entrepreneurial & Educational Programming:


In order to cultivate a spirit of enterprise, we deliver educational programs and events in Northwestern Ontario. Initiatives include the BizKids Program, seminars, workshops and conferences.

IT Training Facility:


Our IT Training Lab is a leading edge training environment with 12 networked student stations, and instructor station, SMART Board, and breakout room. This facility is available for rent or we can coordinate a program to meet your needs.

The Innovation Centre is connected.

Access a broad network of expert resources in technology, intellectual property, manufacturing, human capital, governance, marketing and sales and finance.