Mitch Wilson receives prestigious Difizen award at annual innovation showcase
HAMILTON, ON – May 1, 2025 – Innovation Factory, the region’s innovation hub, hosted its annual open house, the Big DiF. The event brought together over 200 entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and other members of tech community from across the Brant, Halton, Norfolk and Hamilton regions for an evening of connection, recognition, and celebration.
This year’s Big DiF marked a milestone, highlighting 15 years of innovation and support for more than 3,500 companies through over 48,000 hours of expert consultations. These businesses have secured over $1.2 billion in investment, generated more than $730 million in revenue and created more than 7,000 jobs.
A notable moment of the evening was the presentation of the Difizen Award, which honours an individual who has made an impact on the innovation community. This year’s deserving recipient, Mitch Wilson, COO of Mariner Endosurgery, and Managing Director of Peony Investments VMW Ltd., has played an influential role in nurturing the region’s burgeoning start-up companies. As a former participant in both Innovation Factory’s LiONS LAIR and the Synapse Life Science Pitch Competition, Wilson generously gives back to the entrepreneur ecosystem by dedicating his time to mentoring founders, sharing insights from his extensive experience, and strategically investing in the next generation of innovative start-ups.
“The success of our community is built upon a foundation of strong collaboration, dedicated mentorship, and a shared vision for the future,” said David Carter, CEO of Innovation Factory. “The Difizen Award proudly recognizes those exceptional individuals who consistently go above and beyond, and Mitch Wilson exemplifies that commitment.”
Wilson shared, “It’s rewarding to witness the remarkable growth and potential within our region’s innovation ecosystem, and I’m deeply honoured to play a part in supporting these bright and driven founders.”
Attendees were also treated to a firsthand look at the exciting advancements shaping the region’s future, with 15 companies showcasing their technologies and innovative solutions across diverse sectors. The showcasing companies included: Capita, Consoul, Entangled Vision, Flightpath, Harvest Systems, iMatr Canada Inc, Kinwood, Maman Biomedical, Mave & Chez, Power of Play, Resso.ai, STITCH Surgical Models, Tomi, Tression, and Vessl Prosthetics.
“This year’s Big DiF not only marked a celebration of 15 years of driving innovation for Innovation Factory, but was also a testament to the strength of the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Carter. “We are excited about the significant momentum we’ve collectively built and the opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to foster an impactful innovation ecosystem.”
For more information about Innovation Factory and upcoming initiatives, visit innovationfactory.ca.
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.
