BlueBird IT Solutions is part of a consortium of companies that have received funding from the Canadian Space Agency to help build a medical capsule that could withstand extreme temperatures (and, eventually, space) and be used to treat people virtually in remote and Indigenous communities.

York Region Business News (page 9)
Breaking barriers: women tech founders change venture capital landscape
Across the country, organizations are pushing for greater gender diversity to support women’s participation in the tech sector. VentureLAB’s Tech Undivided program and the federal government’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) are among the initiatives helping women entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses.
‘King’ of King Scoops opens ice-cream shop in King City
King City parents have helped, promoted, and supported him on Instagram, especially the soccer dads since there’s a soccer field right next door to his house, which is in the Keele Street and King Road area.
Hugh Chow, global leader in innovation and technology appointed CEO at ventureLAB
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is our pleasure to welcome Hugh to the dynamic ventureLAB team,” said Yalda Riahi, Chair of ventureLAB’s Board of Directors. “We believe that Hugh’s unique expertise in many of the technology-centric sectors will help move us to the next chapter of helping Canadian companies succeed globally. We also believe his leadership will contribute significantly to Canada’s goal of solidifying our position in key high-value industries, including semiconductors, AI and medtech.”
Vaughan headquartered Drone Delivery Canada awarded first contract for its canary drone from the Department of National Defence
The Contract, with a value of $200,000, will run for a 6-month duration. A successful outcome of this initial contract could lead to a follow on 12-month contract valued up to $1 million.
Vaughan headquartered Kontrol Technologies selected for multi-year emission monitoring solution
“As part of our ongoing focus on organic growth and expanding our high margin business we will continue to target large, new infrastructure opportunities where our solutions can drive recurring revenues,” continues Ghezzi.
York Region Headquartered Hospital Mackenzie Health receives its second Davies Award
“We’re proud to receive the Davies Award of Excellence from HIMSS for a second time and for shining a light on how we are changing the landscape of healthcare innovation across the sector,” said Purvi Desai (pictured), vice president, Digital Health and chief information officer.
Student businesses soar through York Region summer program
The York Small Business Enterprise Centre celebrated another successful flight of students in its summer business program on Aug. 25, with a display of their success at 17150 Yonge St. The program invites nine students from secondary or post-secondary schools in York Region to start up their own businesses, receive skills development, mentoring and up to $3,000 of financial support.
Summer Company program ‘set new benchmark’ for entrepreneurship
“This year, our program has set a new benchmark for youth entrepreneurship in York Region,” says YSBEC Small Business Consultant Ammar Rizvi. “The dedication, creativity and passion of our 2023 participants has exceeded our expectations.”
Markham headquartered Xplore enables fibre Internet connectivity for more than 27,000 homes and businesses across rural Quebec
Xplore’s fibre network will ultimately span 2,700 kilometres and enable more than 33,000 homes and businesses across rural Quebec to connect to Internet speeds up to one gigabit.
Vaughan-based Macrodyne Technologies to invest $5 million; creating up to 25 new jobs
As part of this investment, the government is providing Macrodyne Technologies with $750,000 in funding through the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) stream of its Regional Development Program.
CES Transformers investing $5 million to Markham facility; creating up to 80 new jobs
With their $4 million investment, CES Transformers will expand their existing facility in Markham, upgrade their equipment and train additional staff.
Vaughan headquartered Gracious Living announces strategic US expansion
The facility is equipped with large tonnage molding machines (up to 3000 tons) servicing the expanding automotive sector. Plans are currently in development to upgrade the existing facility and add additional equipment to support automotive growth.
Italian eatery Buca opens new location in Vaughan
With the new Vaughan location, Buca aims to fuse the inspirations of its original King Street and coastal Italian Yorkville establishments, while introducing unique elements that highlight the best of both locations and beyond.
Coming soon to Metrie® – new flagship mill in Vaughan
The opening of the new Toronto mill reflects Metrie’s commitment to being North America’s most trusted millwork supplier.
Canada’s Wonderland announces giant boomerang water slide for 2024
Canada’s Wonderland is inviting guests to climb aboard a new raft adventure in its 20-acre water park next year with the addition of Moosehorn Falls, a giant water slide with a zero-gravity wall summit.
New hotel in Newmarket ramping up for hiring blitz
The hotel is opening up in phases, with the first phase including around 20 to 30 rooms and comprising the renovated parts of the original building. Additions like the rooftop restaurant and event space will open later on.
Vaughan headquartered Drone Delivery Canada completes first Canary drone flights in a commercial setting
The Company completed 3 round trip flights with the Canary on the Care by Air route, with all flights completed in accordance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations.
Markham headquartered Enghouse Systems completes Lifesize acquisition technology addition enhances cloud contact center and video businesses
With Enghouse and Lifesize joining forces, businesses utilizing the combined technologies can provide seamless collaboration and superior customer experiences. Lifesize will be integrated within the Enghouse Interactive Management Group.
Markham based Xplore to offer 100 Mbps speed satellite internet following successful launch of JUPITER 3
Xplore Inc. is Canada’s fibre, 5G and satellite broadband company for rural living. Xplore is committed to the relentless pursuit of an improved broadband experience for all Canadians.
OVIN to launch demonstration sites for automotive and mobility technologies in Markham and Vaughan
The OVIN Demonstration Zone will give Ontario small and medium-sized businesses real-world environments to pilot and demonstrate innovative automotive and mobility solutions, including electric vehicle technologies, shared and integrated mobility solutions, robotics, and connected and autonomous vehicle technologies.
Canada launches Open Work Permit stream for U.S. H-1B visa holders
Those who are approved will receive an open work permit valid for up to three years. An open work permit means that they can work for almost any employer in Canada. This also applies to their spouses and dependents who can apply for work or study permits as needed.
Ontario launches free job training for newcomers
The program will prepare jobseekers for well-paying careers in manufacturing, finance, administration, communications, hospitality and the arts. Participants will have the chance to explore a range of employment and training options through paid internships, job placements, language training and digital literacy courses.
Merry Electronics, Canada Computers to open head offices in Richmond Hill
Canada Computers is the nation’s largest Canadian-owned retailer of computers and electronics. Merry Electronics is a world-leading manufacturer of electroacoustic products, and specializes in the design and manufacture of earphones, headsets, assistive listening devices, and more.
ventureLAB launches nation’s first Hardware Angel Network
The network, the organization said in a release issued at Collision 2023 in Toronto, “catalyzes investments in the Canadian hardware and deep-tech sectors,” through the raising of capital and development of third-party partnerships for startups.
2023 Autotech Detroit Conference was an incredible success for the York Region Delegation!
York Region is a leading jurisdiction in Canada’s automotive technology industry. Among others it is home to 250+ sector related companies, Canada’s largest independent auto parts and electronics manufacturing cluster, global headquarters of 3 of the 5 largest Canadian auto parts companies and location of the largest corporate automotive innovation hub in the country.
Canada announces first-ever express entry invitations for skilled newcomers with STEM experience
This announcement signals a momentous milestone in Canada’s commitment to attracting top global talent and solidifying its position as a leader in research, development, and innovation.
ventureLAB Unveils Canada’s First Hardware Angel Network
ventureLAB announced the launch of the Hardware Angel Network (HAN), the only hardware and deep-tech focused investor network supporting pre-seed and seed stage startups in the country.
Ontario Supporting More Innovation in Growing Tech Sector
The province’s $107 million Critical Technology Initiatives funding supports programs led by not-for-profit organizations that will accelerate the use of critical technology by Ontario companies and enable the development of innovative made-in-Ontario solutions. Full news release: news.ontario.ca
Markham-based Phyxable building an autonomous module to monitor astronauts’ health
Dr. Jim Feng, CEO of Phyxable, discusses the company’s work with the Canadian Space Agency’s Health Beyond Initiative to develop innovative tools for space health.