The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre (NOIC) was established in 1999 by a group of community champions as the Northwestern Ontario Technology Centre, aiming to support information technology start-ups in the region. Over time, the organization expanded its focus to encompass all forms of innovation, leading to a rebranding as the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre.

Throughout its history, NOIC has been instrumental in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Northwestern Ontario. The Centre offers support to innovative entrepreneurs, businesses, and community projects, seeking out new approaches to improve, enhance, and invigorate the commercialization system in the region.

In 2019, NOIC expanded its services by opening an office in Kenora, aiming to meet the growing demand for its services in the Kenora and Rainy River districts, including Treaty 3 communities. This expansion was supported by a Government of Canada investment through FedNor.

Over the years, NOIC has celebrated and recognized the contributions of innovative companies and individuals in the region through events like the annual RBC Innovation Awards. These awards highlight the hard work and passion of innovators and businesses in Northwestern Ontario.

Today, NOIC continues to act as a pivotal player in growing Northwestern Ontario’s innovation capacity, offering support to innovative entrepreneurs, businesses, and community projects, and seeking out new approaches to improve, enhance, and invigorate the commercialization system in the region.