Last year was already special for the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas, as it celebrated its 20th anniversary.
This year, the non-profit organization has an additional reason to celebrate, having recently announced that 2024 was also a record-breaking year.
Christine Crandell, the Innovation Cluster’s vice-chair of the board of directors, shared with kawarthaNOW what she finds most exciting about the performance results of 2024.
“Maintaining a very high customer satisfaction score while the organization navigated a year of tremendous change is both validating and exciting,” Crandell said. “It tells me that the Innovation Cluster is on the right path.”
In 2024, international and regional demand for technology-based incubator and accelerator programming drove a 19 per cent increase in active clients. The organization serves more than 125 early-stage companies in 23 countries, including regional, provincial, and Canadian clients.
Last year, the Innovation Cluster also hosted 30 events across a broad spectrum of topics focused on skill-building and networking, launched the LevelUP accelerator program, and conducted two over-subscribed cohorts with more than 50 per cent of the applicants new to the cluster.
Also in 2024, the organization expanded the expert-in-residence program with additional expertise in funding, intellectual property, operations, and service models, and delivered more than 130 expert advisory hours.
In addition, the Innovation Cluster added a virtual component to all programming and, in December, relocated to the first floor of the VentureNorth building in downtown Peterborough in response to client needs.
“My hopes for 2025 is that the growth continues and the new programs we are planning will continue to be well-received by entrepreneurs,” Crandell said when asked about what’s ahead for the organization. “I look forward to showcasing innovative companies and the results they have achieved as a result of working with the Innovation Cluster.”
The Innovation Cluster supports entrepreneurs in the sectors of clean tech, healthcare tech, agritech, and digital tech when launching, commercializing, and scaling their businesses. The organization aims to support growing businesses by providing dynamic programming, mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities that help them achieve their business goals and develop the local community, job market, and economy.
Kinen Ocitti, CEO and founder of Kuwota, said working with the Innovation Cluster “was an incredible experience.”
“We received valuable guidance from the program’s experts-in-residence, who helped us understand our platform’s value to individuals and mental health professionals, explore different customer acquisition strategies, and build partnerships with mental health organizations,” Ocitti said in a media release.
Meanwhile, Moien Giashi of GreenSky Ventures Inc. shared a few words as well.
“I am excited to bring my experience in deep tech, venture capital, and innovation strategy to help scale startups and drive transformative change,” Giashi said.
“As an expert-in-residence, my priority is to empower founders to overcome complex challenges, fast-track their journey to market, and contribute to the ongoing success of the Innovation Cluster’s dynamic and impactful ecosystem.”
In addition to the rapid growth in 2024, there were other factors behind the memorable year for the organization, according to board chair Nicole Stephenson.
“2024 was a year of change in the industries and communities we serve and our organization,” Stephenson said. “We left 2024 well-positioned for continued growth in 2025 and beyond.”
For more information about the Innovation Cluster, visit innovationcluster.ca.
