THE CORRIDOR
Canada’ s Innovation Corridor is the nation’ s most dynamic and diverse economic artery, spanning from Oshawa through Toronto, Hamilton, and Guelph to the Waterloo Region. This powerhouse region, encompassing thirty–four municipalities, accounts for roughly two–thirds of Ontario’ s GDP and approximately one–quarter of Canada’ s economic output Anchored by nearly eight million residents and over three million jobs, this corridor is a high–impact enabler of Canada’ s industrial competitiveness and the economy of the future.
The Corridor’ s strength lies in its diverse sectors, which include advanced manufacturing, finance, life sciences, and AI This unique cross–sector collaboration drives innovation by applying cutting–edge technology to traditional industries. The region is a global hub for top–tier talent, fueled by its density of world–class universities and research institutions such as the University of Toronto, McMaster University, and the University of Waterloo. These institutions serve as a vital pipeline for a skilled workforce in critical fields and foster a vibrant research environment that attracts talent from around the globe.
A highly active and supportive startup ecosystem further defines the Corridor. Incubators and accelerators provide essential resources, mentorship, and funding connections that are crucial for new ventures This supportive environment encourages entrepreneurship and the commercialization of new technologies, solidifying the Corridor’ s reputation as a key innovation hub.
THE COUNCIL
The Innovation Corridor Business Council is a key strategic body co–chaired by Ian McLean, CEO of the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce, and Giles Gherson, CEO of the Toronto Region Board of Trade. The council is comprised of 18 members from various chambers of commerce and boards of trade throughout the region. The council’ s primary focus is on strategic policy advocacy to keep decision–makers centered on essential areas such as AI, talent, infrastructure, and transportation. Its core mandate is to engineer scalable, systemic solutions that enhance the Corridor’ s global competitiveness. By fostering public–private partnerships, the council works to address major economic and community considerations, such as housing affordability and traffic congestion, to ensure the region’ s long–term growth and its reputation as a leading innovation hub.
THE SUMMIT
The Innovation Corridor Business Council is expanding its annual summit into a series of three events held throughout the year, with events anchored in Waterloo, Toronto, and Hamilton–Burlington These summits are designed to maintain a constant focus on the investments needed to ensure the Corridor—a place where great talent is welcomed, industries thrive, and private and public sectors–foster a globally leading environment for business, life, and innovation.
The goal of this three–part series is to continue the conversation throughout the year, connecting key stakeholders and decision–makers in a sustained effort to support our shared economic goals and ensure the Corridor remains a top global competitor.
This event would not be possible without the continued support of our many incredible sponsors.
SPEAKER SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
CORRIDOR EVENT PARTNERS
THE AGENDA
11:30 AM Lunch 12:05 PM Main Stage
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Maryscott “Scotty” Greenwood
Sponsored By: Manulife
Moderated By: Ian McLean
1:00 PM Networking Break 1:25 PM Main Stage 2:00 PM Closing Remarks / Networking
PANEL DISCUSSION:
Moderated By: Ian McLean 11:00 AM Registration / Networking
The “who, what, why, and what now ” of the Innovation Corridor
Sponsored By: City of Cambridge, City of Kitchener, City of Waterloo, and Region of Waterloo
THE SPEAKERS