Federal funding will launch Polaris initiative to help startups across the region

At the end of September, the Government of Canada announced a $3.5-million investment to TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario.

This funding will launch Polaris, a new initiative to help startups and high-potential technology firms across the region to accelerate growth, create jobs and sharpen competitiveness.

As a TechAlliance member, the Huron Chamber of Commerce was present when the announcement was made in London.

Having representatives from the Huron Chamber of Commerce highlights the importance of ensuring this investment benefits rural communities like Huron County.

As Executive Director of the Huron Chamber of Commerce, Colin Carmichael is thrilled to see this investment flow into TechAlliance’s ecosystem.

“This announcement underscores that innovators in Huron County are part of the same growth story as those in larger centres,” said Carmichael.

“We look forward to seeing Polaris create opportunities in our local communities.”

Polaris will provide direct, practical support for businesses at different stages of growth.

This includes matched funding, bespoke advisory and mentorship, workforce and leadership development, investor activity and connections and community connectedness.

According to the Huron Chamber of Commerce, these supports are targeted at companies working in some of the fastest growing sectors of the economy. This includes artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, medical technology, digital health, agricultural technology, clean growth, housing manufacturing and zero-emission vehicles.

For businesses in Huron County, this means opportunities to connect with investors, access mentorship, and explore partnerships that might otherwise feel out of reach in rural areas.

According to Christina Fox, CEO of TechAlliance, this is a moonshot moment for southwestern Ontario’s innovation corridor.

“Polaris is an investment and a declaration of our ongoing commitment to a connected, powerful and globally competitive region,” added Fox.

“Funding will unlock and maximize unparalleled economic opportunities and forge sustainable growth for Canadian startups and hypergrowth scale-ups.”

TechAlliance’s resources, expertise and investor connections are being strengthened through Polaris. Those benefits will extend to innovators and entrepreneurs in Huron County.

“It’s no secret that businesses not only create good jobs for Canadians, but they also play an important role in keeping our economy strong,” admitted Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and MP of London North Centre.

“Polaris will drive innovation and sustainability in key sectors while supporting local businesses and jobs.”

Whether an agricultural tech startup in Blyth, a clean growth initiative in Goderich, or a digital health idea out of Clinton, Huron Chamber of Commerce sees the funding as an opportunity for local businesses to have a seat at the table in one of Canada’s top innovation corridors.

To learn more about TechAlliance visit TechAlliance.ca