Celebrating 5 Years of the Hardware Catalyst Initiative: A Story of Vision, Resilience, and Impact
Five years ago, Canada’s tech sector was booming, but hardware startups lacked the infrastructure to compete globally. Recognizing this, FedDev Ontario made an unprecedented $5 million investment to launch the Hardware Catalyst Initiative with ventureLAB—the country’s first and only incubator dedicated to silicon and hardware startups.There was no similar prior investment to model this on, nor was there a comparable initiative anywhere in North America. As with most successes, this initiative was based on the conviction that the ventureLAB team would do whatever it took to make it a success.This bold set the stage for Canada’s leadership in semiconductor innovation ahead of global supply chain disruptions and ignited a wave of groundbreaking accomplishments that continue to drive Canada’s HardTech leadership today.
A Vision Ahead of Its Time
Before the global push to re-shore semiconductor manufacturing and the rise of AI semiconductors, FedDev Ontario saw the need to strengthen Canada’s hardware sector. In June 2019, they strategically invested in the Hardware Catalyst Initiative, positioning Markham—home to over 1,500 tech companies—as a hub for next-generation HardTech innovation. The result? A cutting-edge lab and ecosystem driving Canada’s HardTech leadership.The outcome of this investment was not simply the creation of the lab; it fostered a comprehensive ecosystem that continues to drive Canada’s HardTech leadership today.This investment continues to pay dividends, fostering a comprehensive ecosystem that not only drives Canada’s HardTech leadership today but will continue to build even greater value for the country in the years to come. The impact of this initiative has been nothing short of transformative, with its foundational investment leading to significant accomplishments across various sectors.
Expanding Impact: MedTech, AI, and Automotive Innovation
The Hardware Catalyst Initiative now accelerates innovation in MedTech, AI, and advanced manufacturing. It has expanded to include an automotive stream and the MedTech Lab in Sterling. As a Regional Technology Development Site with the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, ventureLAB is advancing smart mobility and intelligent transportation. The MedTech Lab, launched with Sterling Industries, provides industry-standard tools for microelectronic hardware development in medical, biological, and agricultural applications. These initiatives strengthen supply chains and solidify Canada’s leadership in HardTech innovation.
The Hardware Catalyst Initiative represents more than just an incubator—it is the central hub of Canada’s dynamic and expanding HardTech ecosystem. As we look ahead to the next five years, we remain committed to driving continued innovation and expanding Canada’s influence on the world stage.Over the next five years, our vision is bold: to make Canada a global destination for HardTech startups and scaleups. We are not just removing obstacles to success—we are creating a fast-track for companies to innovate, scale, and lead on the world stage.
Our Impact
Strengthening Intellectual Property Leadership
Intellectual property (IP) has long been a cornerstone of hardware innovation, as hardware startups consistently generate more patents than other sectors within technology. To support this, we established a dedicated IP department, led by a former Canadian patent office member, ensuring that founders have the guidance needed to navigate the complexities of patenting. This strategic initiative has resulted in a steady rise in patent filings, reflecting a growing commitment to protecting and commercializing Canadian innovation on a global scale. Our patent wall stands as a testament to the progress that has been achieved, all stemming from the initial investment that set this remarkable journey in motion.
Partners
Since its inception, ventureLAB’s Hardware Catalyst Initiative has built a powerful global network that includes industry giants like TSMC, AMD, and Siemens. To borrow a line from a Beatles classic—"We get by with a little help from our friends," and the Hardware Catalyst Initiative has many friends— with more ready to join. These strategic partnerships have helped catalyze innovation from the early stages of product development all the way through to commercialization, fostering an ecosystem where cutting-edge hardtech solutions can thrive.
These partners are essential to the initiative's success, providing not only technical expertise but also unmatched global industry credibility. Through this network, ventureLAB gains both national and global reach, opening doors to markets and opportunities that extend well beyond Canada.
With such influential partners, the Hardware Catalyst Initiative is positioned as a key player in the global hardtech landscape, accelerating growth and creating lasting impact worldwide.
We built the Hardware Catalyst Initiative Lab alongside a global network of corporate partners and technology advisors, giving founders access to critical tools, insights, and market opportunities. By connecting industry leaders, startups, and policymakers, we are strengthening Canada’s position in the global semiconductor sector.
From Startups to Scale Ups
Over the years, ventureLAB has supported over 84 companies in the Hardware Catalyst Initiative across a range of industries, empowering them with the tools, mentorship, and strategic connections needed to scale globally and drive industry-changing innovation. From cutting-edge AI and semiconductor breakthroughs to life-changing MedTech solutions, our ecosystem is fostering the next generation of Canada’s tech leaders.
These initiatives not only fuel commercialization but also strengthen supply chains, solidifying Canada’s leadership in automotive, MedTech, AI, and semiconductor innovation.
AI- Blumind
Blumind, a fabless mixed-signal Machine Learning semiconductor startup, is revolutionizing AI hardware by integrating analog circuitry in their mixed-signal inferencing engine, cutting power consumption and latency for more efficient AI applications.
ventureLAB’s Hardware Catalyst Initiative played a key role in Blumind’s commercialization, offering critical resources like access to an $12+M hardware lab EDA tools, semiconductor foundry access, and expert mentorship. As an HCI first-cohort member, Blumind leveraged ventureLAB’s network to accelerate growth. Now, they are set to refine and scale their solutions using ventureLAB’s advanced prototyping and testing lab.
Semiconductor- EPIC Semiconductor
EPIC Semiconductors has developed SMART DUST, a microscopic AI sensor chip that is battery-free, energy-harvesting, and equipped with a pre-quantum superposition processor for wireless cloud communication.
With ventureLAB’s support, EPIC Semiconductors has accessed invaluable expertise and a strong entrepreneurial community, accelerating its growth. As interest in semiconductor innovation rises, the company is focused on scaling its technology to transform industries worldwide.
These companies are a few examples of the groundbreaking work taking place within ventureLAB’s ecosystem, and we look forward to continuing to support their growth as they lead innovation in their respective fields.
MedTech - Steadiwear
Steadiwear has developed the world's first tremor stabilization device, the Steadi-One, for individuals with Parkinson's disease and Essential tremor using novel magnet-based stabilization technologyTheir Steadi-One glove is a battery-free device that uses a magnet-based system to counteract hand tremors in real time, while the Steadi-Two version is miniaturized version they have been developing while receiving support at ventureLAB.
Following successful fundraising, Steadiwear launched its third-generation Steadi-3 glove, unveiled at the AgeWell Conference in Alberta. With ventureLAB’s MedTech support, they’re expanding global access to non-invasive, drug-free tremor solutions.
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Over The Years
- Hardware Catalyst Initiative first Inguaral Cohort: In 2020, ventureLAB introduces its first cohort, comprising eight innovative companies from southern Ontario. These startups focused on diverse areas, including biotechnology, AI, and autonomous systems.
- ventureLAB partnered with TSMC: the world's largest semiconductor foundry, to provide HCI participants with enhanced access to prototype silicon production and manufacturing multi-project wafers. This partnership aimed to reduce barriers for startups in silicon innovation.
- ventureLAB joined forces with Arm: This collaboration offered companies a fast-track route to Arm® Flexible Access for Startups, enabling qualified silicon startups to use Arm IP at no cost, facilitating rapid prototyping and commercialization.
- The Government of Canada invested an additional $4.7 million through FedDev Ontario: To enhance the Hardware Catalyst Initiative Lab with virtual access and advanced testing capabilities. This expansion allowed entrepreneurs across Canada to utilize the platform remotely, broadening HCI's impact beyond the Greater Toronto Area.
- York Region invested $1.5 million into the program: To attract international semiconductor companies to grow and scale in the area. This investment aimed to create approximately 145 new jobs over five years, bolstering the local tech ecosystem.
- ventureLAB introduces the MedTech Stream: With a $2.5 million investment from the Government of Ontario, ventureLAB expanded HCI to include a MedTech-specific stream. This initiative focused on supporting hardware and semiconductor needs in healthcare, establishing a new lab in Vaughan, Ontario, to foster innovation in medical technologies.
- ventureLAB partners with Intel Corporation: ventureLAB and Intel signed a formal collaboration to explore prospective ventures, facilitate knowledge sharing, and promote technology exchange. This partnership aims to empower startups and entrepreneurs within HCI, strengthening Canada's semiconductor ecosystem.
7th Cohort Announcement (2024): HCI introduced its 7th cohort, continuing its mission to support innovative hardware and semiconductor-focused companies. This cohort reflects HCI's ongoing commitment to nurturing Canadian tech startups.
