Brampton Innovation District: A Model for Community Collaboration
The City of Brampton is home to Canada’s fastest-growing innovation ecosystem, a true launchpad for visionary entrepreneurs and tech talent ready to scale. At the heart of this transformation is the Brampton Innovation District, an urban campus of collaboration where the City’s Economic Development Office and community partners work together to fuel innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.
The Innovation District acts as an interconnected pipeline for ideation, incubation, acceleration, funding, research and development, and talent growth powered by a shared commitment to inclusive innovation and community prosperity.
Partnership
The Brampton Innovation District is made possible through active partnership between the City and a diverse group of post-secondary and non-profit partners, each playing a vital role:
- Brampton Entrepreneur Centre (BEC): Hub for entrepreneurs, offering free consultations, business plan reviews, funding opportunities and tailored support to help entrepreneurs start and grow.
- TMU Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst: Strengthens Canada’s cybersecurity ecosystem through workforce training, business innovation, R&D, and public cyber education.
- Altitude Accelerator: A not-for-profit innovation hub that helps tech startups grow faster and stronger through expert support and business incubation.
- Brampton Angels: A not-for-profit network of accredited investors providing early-stage tech companies with funding, mentorship and access to growth networks.
- Brampton Venture Zone (BVZ) by TMU: A Brampton-based incubator supporting early-stage tech startups through industry partnerships, university research, coaching, and funding.
- BHive Brampton: Canada’s first municipal Startup Visa incubator, providing international entrepreneurs with mentorship, resources, workspace and funding to launch and grow in Canada.
- Sheridan College Davis Campus: Leading programs in health, community services, engineering, and technology.
- Algoma University Brampton Campus: Offering programs in business, technology and social sciences, backed by strong community partnerships and student success support.
2024 Brampton Innovation District Highlights:
- 126 startups successfully graduated through Innovation District partners in 2024.
- Companies and alumni raised $37 million in investment and filed 19 patents
- Innovation District partners hosted 321 events last year, engaging over 9,000 participants
- Over $2.3M invested through the Brampton Innovation District and Brampton Angels into the Canadian early-stage startup ecosystem.
Demonstrating Effectiveness
One clear example of this collaboration in action is The Gathering & Collision Showcase. In 2024, Brampton hosted The Gathering, its first pre-conference event for Collision, North America’s largest tech conference which attracted over 200 international startups to downtown Brampton. The event featured expert panels, breakout sessions and a cybersecurity roundtable led by the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, highlighting Brampton’s leadership in digital resilience.
Following The Gathering, the Innovation District partners co-hosted The Games Room at Collision, delivering live pitch competitions, investor matchmaking and networking that positioned Brampton on the global stage as a city committed to helping startups scale.
Sustainability & Long-Term Vision
Partners continue to invest in new research collaborations, talent upskilling, shared programming, and inclusive community outreach, proving how municipal, academic and non-profit teamwork can build a resilient, competitive and inclusive local economy.
The Brampton Innovation District stands as a blueprint for community collaboration, delivering real results, new pathways for entrepreneurs, and measurable impacts that grow year after year.
