News Summary

The Dream Launch Startup Weekend, hosted by Communitech in Kitchener, saw aspiring entrepreneurs form 14 teams to fast-track their business ideas. Vali Tech, which developed an anti-theft solution for vehicles, won the top prize and a spot in Communitech’s Startup Bootcamp. Meanwhile, Derek Jouppi’s platform, ByCanada.Tech, aims to keep Canadian dollars local by connecting consumers with Canadian tech businesses, listing over 10,000 startups in its first month. Julie Ellis, co-founder of Mabel’s Labels, inspired entrepreneurs to set ambitious goals at a Women In Communications & Technology event. In the sphere of cybersecurity, Ontario-based Metropolitan Technologies and Quantum Bridge Technologies are working on a quantum-safe solution with support from Canada’s Digital Innovation Cluster. Stephany Lapierre of TealBook shared her journey from startup struggles to securing $73 million in funding. Kitchener-based Makeship, a startup in the creator economy, has grown rapidly without external funding, paying out $20 million to creators. Additionally, three Waterloo Region tech companies are partnering with the City of Kitchener to pilot innovative solutions through the Pitch Kitchener program. Juno Technologies is developing a wearable device for menstrual pain relief, pending Health Canada approval.