Strategic move creates new community-centric innovation hub to expand access and opportunities for local entrepreneurs
BURLINGTON, ON – August 14, 2025 – Innovation Factory, in collaboration with TechPlace and Burlington Economic Development, is pleased to announce the relocation of its Burlington operations to the Robert Bateman Community Centre. The new innovation hub, set to become operational on Monday, November 24, 2025, further builds on the collaborative ecosystem for entrepreneurs and the broader community.
Since establishing its headquarters in Hamilton in 2010, Innovation Factory has assisted over 3,700 clients, helping them generate $732 million in revenue and create over 8,500 jobs. In parallel, TechPlace has been instrumental to Burlington’s entrepreneurial community since its launch in 2017, supporting over 600 businesses to bring new products and services to market. This relocation is the natural next step of a productive partnership, now set to thrive in a new, shared location.
Located at 5151 New Street, the 5,635-square-foot custom-designed space focuses on deeper community integration. Positioning Innovation Factory within one of Burlington’s multi-use community spaces—which will also house Brock University, the Burlington Public Library, and the Halton District School Board— aims to create new opportunities to provide start-ups with enhanced access to talent, resources, and public programming as well as a growing network to drive economic prosperity for the entire region.
“Our move to the Robert Bateman Community Centre enables us to serve the community better and empower innovators and start-ups with tangible advantages,” said David Carter, CEO of Innovation Factory. “We’re excited to have entrepreneurs, students, and local residents start collaborating under one roof, making innovation a shared experience for everyone.”
Anita Cassidy, Executive Director of Burlington Economic Development and Tourism, emphasized the community impact, saying, “The next chapter of TechPlace is about growing impact through community connection. We’re taking everything that works, including our members, our model, our mission, and scaling it in a space that makes it even easier for people, ideas, and opportunities to come together. TechPlace has always been a catalyst for entrepreneurship, and now it’s becoming a more visible and accessible part of our community’s future.”
Innovation Factory’s current Burlington office, located at 5500 North Service Road, will remain open until the move is finalized.
About Innovation Factory
Innovation Factory is a not-for-profit business accelerator, serving as the catalyst for technology innovation in the Brant, Halton, Hamilton and Norfolk regions since 2010. Innovation Factory provides business services, training, mentorship, and strategic connections to drive market adoption, leverage intellectual property, and increase revenues, investment, and jobs. Innovators can also access sector-specific resources including exclusive smart transportation test environments and data; and a formal life science and health innovation ecosystem.
About TechPlace
Led by Burlington Economic Development and Tourism, TechPlace exists to help technology, talent and ideation come together under one roof. But it does more than provide a base camp for tech companies to get work done. Anchored by its two co-location partners, Innovation Factory and Angel One Investor Network, TechPlace provides tech companies (both new and growing) with access to space, resources, programming and mentorship through a growing partnership network and by creating an environment that’s focused on generating opportunities for networking and growth.
About Burlington Economic Development and Tourism
Burlington Economic Development and Tourism is the official economic development and destination management organization for Burlington, Ontario. We drive Burlington’s economic prosperity by attracting new investments, supporting the growth of local businesses, and promoting the city as a vibrant destination for visitors. Through collaboration with businesses, tourism operators, and partners across sectors, we enhance Burlington’s profile as a thriving business hub and welcoming destination. Our efforts focus on fostering sustainable growth, delivering exceptional customer experience, and contributing to the city’s long-term economic vitality.
