HAMILTON & HALTON, ON – [September 18, 2026] – At this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), Innovation Factory announced new additions to its Board of Directors, alongside the publication of its 2026 Annual Impact Report. This report highlights some key milestones and metrics from the ecosystem. Since the previous fiscal year, Innovation Factory clients have generated over $474 million in revenue, attracted more than $67 million in investment, and produced more than 3,000 jobs.
The second annual Impact Report details the measurable economic contributions of its clients over the past fiscal year. Building on the momentum of its flagship programs and initiatives, including the Synapse Life Science Consortium, the Centre for Integrated Transportation and Mobility (CITM), and Femtech Canada, the report shows that Innovation Factory supported more than 860 companies over the past year.
“Our annual report reflects the extraordinary resilience and ambition of the founders we work with every day,” said David Carter, CEO of Innovation Factory. “Even in dynamic economic conditions, our clients continue to deliver real commercial traction, generate high-value jobs, and build technology solutions right here in our region that make an impact on a global scale. We are deeply grateful to our departing board members for laying such a strong foundation, and we look forward to working with our incoming leaders as we drive our mission forward.”
The AGM signified the conclusion of board tenure for several long-standing directors. Innovation Factory extended its sincere gratitude to outgoing board members: Allison Christilaw, Sam Saad, Cameron Hay, and Ruth Todd, for their years of strategic oversight, dedication, and service to the organization and regional innovation.
As the former board members concluded their terms, Innovation Factory also welcomed the new members of the board who will guide the accelerator’s next phase of growth. Andrew McDowall, Partner, Tax Incentives Practice at KPMG LLP, Emily Porta, Executive Director at Maple Leaf Angels, Michael Thibodeau, Director of Enterprise New Business at Google Cloud, and Tom Warner, Chief Financial and Digital Officer at Mohawk Medbuy Corporation, bring their extensive experience across tech, finance, and investment, reinforcing Innovation Factory’s capacity to scale high-potential ventures across Canada and other global markets.
“Strong innovation ecosystems are built through sustained leadership, shared ambition, and a commitment to helping founders succeed. I’m proud of what our board has accomplished and the foundation we’ve built together. The incoming directors bring valuable experience and perspective that will help Innovation Factory build on that momentum, support more companies as they scale, and strengthen our region’s position in the global innovation economy,” said Chantel Broten, Past Chair of the Board of Directors.
As entrepreneurs continue to navigate an uncertain economy, Innovation Factory is dedicated to meeting that moment with practical, hands-on support. Looking ahead, the organization remains focused on building programs to help founders turn ideas into scalable companies. Innovation Factory is positioning the Hamilton, Halton, Brant, and Norfolk region for continued growth, leveraging the strategic vision of the board and its foundation of strong results.
To access and download the full 2026 Innovation Factory Impact Report, please visit: innovationfactory.ca/impact2026/.
About Innovation Factory
Innovation Factory is a not-for-profit business accelerator serving the Brant, Halton, Hamilton and Norfolk regions since 2010 and is dedicated to growing the regional economy by accelerating start-up and scale-up companies. Innovation Factory provides innovators with business services, training, mentorship, and strategic connections to resources, opportunities and world-class institutions — driving market adoption, leveraging intellectual property, and increasing 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.
