Last month, York Region’s innovation ecosystem thrived with big announcements on exciting new projects and programs to support startups, the development of new technology, and help businesses expand! Here are the top 5!

York Region Business News (page 24)
Markham Headquartered Redline Communications Partners with Morcom International to Provide Unprecedented Wireless Connectivity to Arlington County in Virginia
Redline and Morcom were able to complete the first phase of the project in one-third of the usual execution and deployment time. Morcom’s system design and implementation, as well as the efficient architecture of the Redline solution enables easy expansion for the county as it brings on additional educators and students for remote learning.
Vaughan Headquartered Kontrol BioCloud to Provide Real-time Viral Detection Tech for the Canadian Olympic Committee at Tokyo 2020
“Protecting the health and safety of Team Canada, which has always been a top priority, needs innovative solutions in our current global context,” says Dr. Mike Wilkinson, Team Canada’s Chief Medical Officer. “The addition of Kontrol BioCloud really complements the stringent protocols put in place by the COC, International Olympic Committee and Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee to protect the health and safety of our team.
Transit-oriented Suburbs are a Sweet Spot for the Post-Pandemic Office
Experts pointed out that within suburbs, certain nodes have an especially strong value proposition: transit-oriented communities. They offer urban amenities plus great access to the suburbs and downtown, allowing investors and tenants to get the best of both worlds.
Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital Opens as ‘Full-Service Hospital’ After Being Exclusively for COVID
“Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital is the first net new hospital to open in Ontario in 30 years, the first hospital for the city of Vaughan and Canada’s first smart hospital,” Mackenzie Health said.
Markham Ranked 2nd Safest City in Canada
Factors such as walking during daylight and during night, worries of being mugged or robbed, worries of physical attacks or drug problems were used to compare crime levels and crime types by city.
Richmond Hill Headquartered iSIGN Media Selected as Exclusive Technology Platform for Proof-of-Concept Installation for Contact Tracing in Airports and Municipally Managed Public Spaces
The result is a system that leverages iSIGN technology for mobile messaging utilizing the Bluetooth features of mobile devices to collect completely anonymous data that provides public health authorities with valuable contact tracing information and the ability to issue public alerts and advisory statements.
How Vaughan Headquartered SkyX Found a Home and Room to Grow in Ontario, Canada’s Airspace
With its head office in Vaughan, Ontario, just outside of Toronto, SkyX has taken advantage of the thriving technology scene in the area. “I believe Toronto is one of the greatest tech hubs. It’s evolving much faster than Palo Alto and San Francisco right now,” says Horn.
Minister Ng announces the launch of the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund
The Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund is now accepting loan applications. The Black Entrepreneur Loan Fun will provide loans of up to $250,000 to Black business owners and entrepreneurs across the country.
Markham Headquartered Enghouse Systems Acquires Amsterdam-based Nebu BV
“Nebu enhances our market research solutions and increases our footprint to better serve new and existing customers,” said Steve Sadler, Chairman & CEO of Enghouse.” “We also see an opportunity to combine surveying and community technologies with our AI capabilities to help our customers to gain insights into the voice of the customer. We are very pleased to welcome Nebu’s customers and employees to Enghouse.”
ENERGI Fenestration Solutions USA Operations, Acquired by Vaughan Headquartered The Vision Group
The Vision Group, headquartered in Woodbridge, Ontario, is a customer-focused, technology-driven group of companies focused on the building products industry. Vision’s products include an array of applications, including custom window and door profiles, patio doors, railings, columns, fencing, and transportation.
Markham Headquartered Digitcom Acquires Quebec-based 6Telecom
“Digitcom is a leading independent Canadian digital service provider. The addition of the 6Telecom team deepens our bench, extends our reach, and brings bilingualism to our culture” said Boris Koechlin, President of Digitcom. “Our national coverage combined with an industry-leading portfolio of cloud communications and collaboration solutions is unique in the Canadian market.”
Markham Headquartered Catalyst (PCI Geomatics) Collaborates with Amazon Web Services to Deliver Geospatial Insights to Decision Makers
CATALYST’s initial solution, available through AWS Data Exchange, is an infrastructure risk assessment service that uses satellite data to continuously monitor millimeter-level ground displacement over a subscriber’s area of interest anywhere on Earth.
First Canadian UN Leadership Training Centre Opening at York University Markham Campus
York’s Markham Centre Campus will be the proud home of CIFAL York when it is open and operational.
The Top Quotes from York Region’s Tech Masterclass at Collision 2021
The Region’s masterclass session took centre stage on the first day and ended up being one of the most viewed sessions promoting a city, region, or country during the entire conference. All our guests were incredible, but there were some truly memorable quotes, which we’ve pulled out for you below!
Accelerate Newmarket – Three Unique Organizations. The Perfect Mix to Accelerate Your Business
Through this unique model, Accelerate Newmarket helps entrepreneurs continuously learn and develop new skills in order to stay relevant in tomorrow’s world.
Markham-Based QEA Tech is One of 11 Firms in Canada to Receive a Portion of $44.3 Million CleanTech Investment from the Federal Government
Companies receiving funding span a number of industries, such as agriculture, waste management, energy exploration, and water treatment. Several of the 11 companies have also seen notable growth in recent years.
Richmond Hill Headquartered Facedrive’s EcoCRED App Piloted by the Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County, MD
This Pilot Project is aimed at advancing the mission of the Department of Parks and Recreation to conserve and protect the natural spaces and species in the county through sustainable practices.
Success Story: Seasons Floral Studio
Seasons Floral Studio is a King-based floral business specializing in trend-setting florals, stand-alone wedding styling, curated gifts, plants & creative workshops. Watch and learn how the York Small Business Enterprise Centre, part of York Region Economic Development, supported their business.
Vaughan Headquartered Drone Delivery Canada Selected by UBC for Remote Communities Drone Transportation Initiative
All operations will be conducted in accordance with appropriate Canadian regulations. Flights will be remotely monitored by DDC from its Operations Control Centre located in Vaughan, Ontario.
Looking For A Place To Grow As A Young Professional?
From the dynamic core of Markham, the vibrancy of Newmarket, the greenspaces of Richmond Hill, to the commuter ease of Vaughan, these communities are perfect for developing roots for your future.
Porsche, Audi Partner with Markham Headquartered Multimatic for LMDh Chassis
Porsche and Audi will both build their LMDh cars around a Multimatic LMP2 chassis when the brands make their return to top-flight sportscar racing, including the Le Mans 24 Hours, in 2023.
Province Launches New Ontario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant
The Ontario government is providing one‐time payments of $10,000 to $20,000 to support eligible small tourism and travel businesses
Richmond Hill Headquartered Carbon60 Accelerates Digital Transformation Capabilities with Acquisition of OpsGuru
OpsGuru strengthens Carbon60’s ability to provide enterprise and public sector customers with infrastructure agility, security and seamless transitions to the cloud, along with 24/7 white-glove managed services.
Ontario Continues to Expand Access to Rapid Testing for Workplaces
The launch of a new online portal will better connect businesses to free testing supplies and help stem the tide of the third wave and prevent workplace outbreaks.
ventureLAB Announces New Participants, Broadening Canada’s Hardware Catalyst Initiative
Joining the Hardware Catalyst’s growing partner network are, Dell Canada, Dassault Systèmes, and NeuronicWorks.
Markham Headquartered TeraGo Partners with Ducks Unlimited Canada to Provide SD-WAN Solutions
TeraGo will provide Managed SD-WAN solutions to support an organization like Ducks Unlimited Canada to improve their operations and help create a positive impact on the environment.
Government of Canada Increases Access to COVID-19 Rapid Testing for Workers
Today’s announcement provides an additional support to communities, building on their current public health efforts. The Government of Canada will continue to secure supply and provide rapid tests to provinces and territories for use in long-term care facilities, schools, close-contact workplaces and businesses.
Ontario Expands COVID-19 Rapid Testing Across Province
This initiative is providing Ontario’s hardworking business owners with more tools to prevent outbreaks and will ensure their employees can stay on the job with the best protection possible.
Richmond Hill Headquartered BisRing Launches a New Mobile Application for Real Estate Investors & Service Providers
The BisRing app stands out for its superior design and further excels the user experience by allowing users to find the information they need quickly and with ease.