Innovation Cluster – Peterborough and the Kawarthas Announces Record-Breaking Year
PETERBOROUGH, ON., January 22, 2025 – PETERBOROUGH, ON., January 22, 2025—The Innovation Cluster—Peterborough and the Kawarthas (“Innovation Cluster”) today announced that market demand for its programming and services made 2024 the organization’s best-performing year on its twentieth anniversary. In 2024, international and regional demand for technology-based incubator and accelerator programming drove a 19 percent increase in active clients. The organization serves over 125 early-stage companies in 23 countries and regional and provincial Ontario Canadian clients.
“Working with the Innovation Cluster was an incredible experience. We received valuable guidance from the program’s experts-in-residence, who helped us understand our platform’s value to individuals and mental health professionals, explore different customer acquisition strategies, and build partnerships with mental health organizations,” shared Kinen Ocitti, CEO & Founder of Kuwota.
2024 Highlights
●30 events across a broad spectrum of topics focused on skill-building and networking
● Launched the LevelUP accelerator program and conducted two over-subscribed cohorts with over 50% of the applicants new to the Innovation Cluster.
●Expanded the Expert-in-Residence (EXiR) program with additional expertise in funding, IP, operations, and service models and delivered over 130 expert advisory hours.
●Added a virtual component to all programming and moved to new offices in response to client needs.
“I am excited to bring my experience in deep tech, venture capital, and innovation strategy to help scale startups and drive transformative change,” shared Moien Giashi of GreenSky Ventures Inc. “As an ExIR, my priority is to empower founders to overcome complex challenges, fast-track their journey to market, and contribute to the ongoing success of the Innovation Cluster’s dynamic and impactful ecosystem.”
“The rapid growth we experienced last year, coupled with our ability to maintain consistently high customer satisfaction, validates our vision and the quality of our programming,” said Nicole Stephenson, Chair of the Board of Directors. “2024 was a year of change in the industries and communities we serve and our organization. We left 2024 well positioned for continued growth in 2025 and beyond.”
Social Networks
●Web: https://www.innovationcluster.ca
●X/Twitter: https://x.com/InnovationPtbo
●LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/innovation-cluster-peterborough
●Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InnovationCluster
●Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovationcluster/
About the Innovation Cluster
Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas (ICPK) is a non-profit organization that supports Clean Tech, Healthcare Tech, AgriTech, and Digital IT entrepreneurs in launching, commercializing, and scaling their businesses. ICPK accelerates growing businesses by providing dynamic programming, mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities that help them achieve their business goals and grow our local community, job market, and economy.
Media Contact:
Christine Crandell, Vice Chair of the Board
board@innovationcluster.ca