Kawartha Lakes Cube

Take your startup to the next level at our incubator located in downtown Lindsay, Ontario!

We have helped innovative entrepreneurs shape the future for over a decade, and now it’s time to bring our startup ecosystem closer to you. Launched on February 11, 2020, our new full-service incubator for innovation and technology startups is located in the heart of downtown Lindsay.

The Innovation Cluster – Peterborough and the Kawarthas (ICPK) and the City of Kawartha Lakes (CKWL) have partnered to launch a Pilot Project with the support of FedDev Ontario through Kawartha Lakes CFDC throughout 2020 to enhance entrepreneurship and innovation in the region.

The project has been made possible by the support of the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation through the Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario (RIIEO), a project funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), the City of Kawartha Lakes and the Innovation Cluster.

The pilot project will support high-growth entrepreneurs in Kawartha Lakes, by providing the proven success of the Innovation Cluster’s incubation programming. Recognizing the vital role rural communities play in the region’s economy, FedDev Ontario is providing a total of $15 million over two years for the CFDCs in Eastern Ontario to deliver the RIIEO.

THE CUBE PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Our program features 6 months’ mentoring and support and sees our clients work alongside a range of startups from Peterborough, the Kawarthas and beyond. Think of the Innovation Cluster as part of your team; here to help as your grow and scale your business. Startups that are accepted into our incubator program will be matched with Innovation Specialists that will work hard to ensure their success. Successful applicants will have access to office space, meeting rooms, workshops, resources, partners, funding, investment opportunities and more. To learn everything we have to offer in the incubation program, please visit HERE.

WE OFFER

  • Incubation, so much more than just open-concept office space
  • High-speed internet/WIFI
  • Critical resources + support services provided by our advisors and Innovation Partner network
  • Meeting and conference rooms
  • Coaching/training/networking
  • Workshops to increase your skills and take your business to the next level
  • We have the most up-to-date knowledge about funding opportunities for our clients
  • A strong relationship with the Peterborough Region Angel Network gives our clients direct access to investment
  • Credibility of an incubation program

If you would like to work with the Innovation Cluster, please fill out our online application. The application is for the purpose of evaluating your venture for the potential of joining the Innovation Cluster as a client. As a full funded not-for-profit, we offer the majority of our services complimentary for our clients.

BACKGROUND

The Innovation Cluster has successfully accelerated hundreds of startups for over a decade, supporting companies in the agriculture technology, clean technology, digital and healthcare technology sectors. Launching its 10,000 sq.ft. incubator in the heart of downtown Peterborough in 2017, the not-for-profit organization has coached, mentored, and provided a space for over 80 startups to find their best path to market as of 2019.

Throughout 2018, the Innovation Cluster supported eight CKWL companies, which created an economic impact of $2,355,633 and the creation of 22 jobs for CKWL. With this success and a clear need for more robust support and programming for entrepreneurs creating innovative new startups, the Innovation Cluster is looking forward to bringing its services on-site.

The Innovation Cluster will now provide a creative incubation space for new ideas to blossom with entrepreneurs working side-by-side in Lindsay’s first full-service incubator in CKWL. Through this partnership, startups working in more remote areas throughout the Kawarthas will have easier access to dynamic programming, network connections, funding, investment and business opportunities, as well as marketing and commercialization support.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

“The Innovation Cluster has been instrumental in the success of Horizon Aircraft thus far. Their deep business experience, high-quality network, and strong leadership have helped our company sharpen our business plan, attract investors, and launch a brighter future for all of aviation. We are excited for this opportunity to become available for the many talented entrepreneurs in Lindsay. The result will undoubtedly be more jobs and a strengthened economic base in Lindsay and the City of Kawartha Lakes.”

Brandon Robinson
Chief Executive Officer
Horizon Aircraft

“The Innovation Cluster has been a great connection for my community startup platform IDHUBS. The Cluster has helped us to connect with many like-minded businesses, organizations and influencers in the community. This has been essential, as our platform addresses the need for a seamless integrated solution for community organizations. We have made many connections and are very thankful to the Innovation Cluster for this opportunity.”

Rojit Sorokhaibam
Founder
IDHUBS

“The Innovation Cluster has been crucial to the success of Mamasoup. The support and guidance provided by the sponsors, knowledge partners, staff and other startups make me a stronger entrepreneur and I can’t wait to be part of the incubator in Lindsay, closer to my home!”

Joanne Ilaqua
Founder
Mamasoup

“The Innovation Cluster has been a great resource by supporting me through business planning, financial forecasting and marketing. It also gives me the opportunity to work alongside other startups and share information and help each other out. It is a community of like-minded and energetic entrepreneurs. I started my business in the City of Kawartha Lakes and having the opportunity to work here in the environment that the Innovation Cluster is a huge benefit in helping my business launch and reach new markets, while being based in a beautiful area of the Province."

Graeme Barrie
Founder
NetMechanics