Tech About Town by Communitech

Today, we’re cracking the code on modern media.If you’ve ever wondered how a YouTube channel hits millions of subscribers or how a business can actually turn a 'Like' into a 'Lead,' this is the episode for you.In the studio, we have Josh, former content director at Hacksmith entertainment  and is now reinventing the game with Breakfast Serial along with Norm Clare, a master of authentic video strategy and founder of the The UnMarketing Group, who guides organizations on how to stop selling and start building real trust through the screen.Here's what we get into:The podcast format has exploded on YouTube and it's more oversaturated than your morning inbox. Video podcasts are leaning into the low-fi, authentic feel of audio on purpose, and it's working.Subscribers are a vanity metric with up to 80% of your views coming from people who never hit follow. The real money is in brand deals and sponsorships. Views get you to the table, consistency keeps you there.For businesses, forget chasing views—chase the right viewers. Video's job isn't to close the sale. It's the handshake before the handshake. Think breadcrumbs with a buy button. Pique curiosity, earn trust, and let the funnel do the rest.Hit like and subscribe and let's get into it!About the Show: Tech About Town is brought to you by Communitech, the hub for Waterloo Region’s tech ecosystem. Whether you’re a startup founder or a tech enthusiast, we connect you with the people and ideas shaping the future. Visit us at⁠ communitech.ca⁠.

They say it’s a small world, but in Waterloo Region, it’s even smaller. In this episode of Tech about Town, Alex Kinsella and Alison Piel prove that you’re never more than a few steps away from a tech founder, an Olympian, or a world-class fundraiser.We’re joined by Jennifer Appleby Vines (CEO of Georgette Packaging) and Troy Murray (Director of Philanthropy at the Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation) to map out some of the incredible web of connections that power our community.What’s inside this episode:The Tannery Time Machine: From rehearsal spaces and paintball arenas to a boxing gym, we look at the evolution of the space Communitech calls home.The 16-Week Grind: Jennifer shares her journey of stepping into the ring for Mandy Bujold’s Champions for Charity, discussing the grit it takes to go from the boardroom to the boxing ring at 53.A Once-in-a-Generation Build: Troy discusses the massive shift in local healthcare as we prepare for a new hospital campus at the University of Waterloo and the urgent need for a new pediatric echocardiogram to keep kids' care close to home.The "Unemployable" Entrepreneur: A look at Jennifer’s path through the Wildcraft restaurant, the launch of The Crumby Cookie Dough Co., and how she eventually took the helm at Georgette Packaging.Whether it’s a shared history at Wildcraft or a mutual mentor at Communitech, this episode is a testament to the "pay-it-forward" culture that defines our ecosystem.Donate and get the Champions for Charity livestream link: wrhnf.ca/champs Champions For Charity 50/50 Raffle: https://kw5050.ca/ Jennifer’s fundraising page: https://hhsf.akaraisin.com/ui/championsforcharity2026/p/jav About the Show: Tech About Town is brought to you by Communitech, the hub for Waterloo Region’s tech ecosystem. Whether you’re a startup founder or a tech enthusiast, we connect you with the people and ideas shaping the future. Visit us at⁠ communitech.ca⁠.

In this episode, we are joined by two founders who are taking a sledgehammer to the 'status quo.' Ren Navarro, founder of B Diversity Group, has spent years changing the face of the craft beer and beverage industry by making space for everyone at the table. Stefanie Bruinsma, founder of AutoCate, is on a mission to put the power back in the hands of car owners—specifically those who have traditionally been marginalized or patronized by the automotive industry. Together, we’re going to talk about what it looks like to disrupt legacy 'boys' clubs,' the power of education as a form of equity, and how to build businesses that prioritize people over gatekeeping.About the Show: Tech About Town is brought to you by Communitech, the hub for Waterloo Region’s tech ecosystem. Whether you’re a startup founder or a tech enthusiast, we connect you with the people and ideas shaping the future. Visit us at communitech.ca.

We often talk about 'product-market fit,' but we rarely talk about 'people-founder fit' at the executive level. Today, we’re diving into the human engine behind high-growth tech. Joining us on the podcast is Kristina McDougall, the founder of Artemis Canada. Kristina has spent her career in the trenches of the Waterloo and Toronto tech scenes, helping some of the country’s most successful startups find the leadership they need to scale from 'scrappy' to 'global.' We talk about why the 'human element' is becoming more valuable as AI takes over the boring stuff and the specific mistakes founders make when they start building out their C-Suite.About the Show: Tech About Town is brought to you by Communitech, the hub for Waterloo Region’s tech ecosystem. Whether you’re a startup founder or a tech enthusiast, we connect you with the people and ideas shaping the future. Visit us at communitech.ca.

What does it take to create a hyperlocal internet radio station? We found out when Deren Atkins joined us LIVE in the Communitech Hub to talk about Midtown Radio. The station is a community-building initiative run a small, dedicated group of volunteers. The goal? To develop and grow a community-based, online radio station, that plays local music and podcasts, as well as small amounts of community information to promote local artists, creators, small businesses and public events.This mini episode was part of our Hub n' Grub: How to Podcast workshop on February 3, 2026.Want more info on how to book the Communitech Podcast studio? Check out our Tenant page to learn more!About the Show: Tech About Town is brought to you by Communitech, the hub for Waterloo Region’s tech ecosystem. Whether you’re a startup founder or a tech enthusiast, we connect you with the people and ideas shaping the future. Visit us at communitech.ca.

How do you move a medical breakthrough from a lab bench to a hospital bedside? In this episode of Tech About Town, Jill Mills and Alex Kinsella sit down with Elliot Fung, Executive Director of the Medical Innovation Xchange (MIX). Founded to bridge the gap between startup graduation and commercial scale, MIX is the heartbeat of the Waterloo Region’s med-tech ecosystem.Elliot pulls back the curtain on why health-tech is fundamentally different from software, the "billing code" hurdle that stalls innovation and how a new Innovation Pathway is finally giving Canadian founders a fighting chance in their own backyard.In this episode, we discuss:The Procurement Puzzle: Why even the best medical tech fails without a billing code.The MIX Model: How the 45,000 sq. ft. facility allows founders to co-locate, manufacture onshore and mentor the next generation of innovators.Waterloo’s Next 100 Years: A look at the new hospital campus coming to Waterloo Region and the "Care Next" collaboration.Beyond the Hype: Practical applications of AI in predictive analytics and the mind-bending potential of Quantum and Nano in healthcare.Scaling Up: How the "pay-it-forward" culture is helping Ontario compete with global hubs like Boston and others.About the Show: Tech About Town is brought to you by Communitech, the hub for Waterloo Region’s tech ecosystem. Whether you’re a startup founder or a tech enthusiast, we connect you with the people and ideas shaping the future. Visit us at communitech.ca.

Ever tried to find the specific bylaws for a backyard fence or the rules for keeping chickens on a city website? If you’ve felt the frustration of digging through endless PDFs and broken search bars, you aren’t alone. Even the experts find it daunting.In this episode of Tech About Town, hosts Alex Kinsella and Matthew Klassen sit down with Kristy Guthrie (Co-Founder & CEO) and Kerry Fraser (Co-Founder) of municiPal AI. They discuss the origin story of their startup—born from a realization that traditional municipal websites often act as barriers rather than bridges between residents and their local government.What we cover in this episode:The "A-Ha" Moment: How building a shed in Kitchener led to a breakthrough in digital service delivery.Problem-Led AI: Why Large Language Models (LLMs) are the perfect tool for turning a "filing cabinet" website into a meaningful conversation.The Multi-User Impact: How municiPal AI empowers not just residents, but frontline customer service staff and elected officials.Safe & Secure Tech: Navigating PII (Personal Identifying Information) and the unique requirements of municipal IT.Selling to Government: Advice for tech founders on procurement, building trust, and showing up with empathy for the public sector.Whether you are a municipal leader looking to innovate or a resident who just wants to know where to skate for free, this episode explores how smart technology is rebuilding community trust, one search at a time.About the Show: Tech About Town is brought to you by Communitech, the hub for Waterloo Region’s tech ecosystem. Whether you’re a startup founder or a tech enthusiast, we connect you with the people and ideas shaping the future. Visit us at communitech.ca.

The physical keyboard is back, and it is arguably cooler than ever. In this episode of Tech About Town, hosts Alex Kinsella and Alison Piel are joined by the minds behind the breakout hits of CES 2026: the Clicks Communicator and the new Power Keyboard.Jeff Gadway (CMO at Clicks) and Joseph Hofer (Founder of Hofer Studio and former lead industrial designer at BlackBerry) discuss how they are channeling the engineering DNA that put Waterloo on the global map to launch a tactile revolution. They reveal the "anti-CES" strategy that earned them massive media coverage without a show floor booth, and dive deep into their vision of "complementary computing"—positioning new devices not just as phones, but as purpose-built tools for focus in a noisy, AI-filled world.In this episode, we cover:The "Anti-CES" Playbook: How Clicks used a hotel suite and a creator-first environment to generate outsized buzz and secure spots on the Today Show without a traditional booth.Complementary Computing: Why the Communicator is designed as a "second phone" to separate signal from noise, rather than replacing your main flagship device.Design DNA: Joseph Hofer on reimagining the iconic BlackBerry silhouette for 2026 without relying on nostalgia or making a carbon copy.Hardware Meets Software: How the Niagara Launcher and the device’s unique features create a distraction-free user experience.Startup Strategy: Lessons on purposeful product design, partnerships, and punching above your weight class as a hardware startup.Guest Links:Clicks: https://clicks.tech/caHofer Studio: https://hoferstudio.com/Tech About Town is brought to you by Communitech, the hub for Waterloo Region’s tech ecosystem. Whether you’re a startup founder or a tech enthusiast, we connect you with the people and ideas shaping the future. Visit us at communitech.ca.

Kick off 2026 by turning the "saddest day of the year" into the loudest! In this episode, host Alex Kinsella sits down with Ruth Casselman (CEO of the Accelerator Center) and Rick Andrade (Senior Communications Manager at Magnet Forensics) to discuss the second annual Battle of the Bands: Tech Edition.Discover how the Waterloo tech community is coming together on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Maxwell’s Concert Works to raise money for the Canadian Mental Health Association. We talk about the surprising link between engineering and musical creativity, the reality of founder mental health, and why you might see a "tech giant" or two shredding on guitar. Plus, Ruth shares details on the upcoming cohort for AC:RevLab, a program helping founders master the art of the sale.In this episode, we cover:The origins of Battle of the Bands and its $8,000 impact in Year 1.The 2026 lineupWhy 72% of tech founders report mental health challenges and how community support helps.The creative overlap between coding, designing, and harmonizing.Details on how to get tickets (and be home by 10:00 PM!).

How does a city of nearly 300,000 people stay ahead of the technological curve? In this episode of Tech About Town, we sit down with Nicole Amaral, Director of the Digital Kitchener Innovation Lab, to discuss the evolution of Kitchener's digital strategy.Since its inception in 2017, the Digital Kitchener Innovation Lab has served as an experimental hub within the Communitech Hub, bridging the gap between municipal government and the local tech ecosystem. Nicole shares her journey from communications to IT and provides an inside look at the upcoming Digital Kitchener 2.0 Strategy, set to launch in April 2026.

Commuting by bike helps the environment and is great for your health, but getting from point A to point B isn’t always easy. That was part of the motivation for Mark Connolly and team behind Cycling Guide, a mobile app that shows cyclists the least stressful paths to get where they need to go.Mark joins us on the podcast to talk about the inspiration behind the app, which uses community-maintained OpenStreetMap data to find low-stress, bike-friendly routes, including those secret neighborhood shortcuts and connecting paths that other apps miss.Communitech’s Isibeal Ryan is in the cohost set to share her perspective on how Cycling Guide addresses the critical issue of confidence when navigating traffic, roundabouts, and disconnected infrastructure.So, what do we talk about?The Non-Profit Model: Why Mark chose to make the foundation a charity to protect user privacy and avoid monetizing data.Community Data: How local enthusiasts keep the map up-to-date (sometimes faster than officials!).Accessible Cycling: Moving the conversation away from "sport" and toward everyday transportation, like grocery runs and commuting.Learn how the app is expanding its reach across Canada and how you can support their mission to make cycling safe, fun, and accessible for everyone.Links:Download Cycling Guide on iOS and AndroidSupport the Foundation: cyclingguide.org

One of the things we talk about constantly on this show is that 'tech' isn't just about code or hardware—it's about the people who build it and the community that supports them. And if you’ve been part of the Waterloo Region ecosystem for any length of time, you know that building a truly inclusive community takes work, passion, and boots-on-the-ground leadership.That is exactly why we're excited for this episode's guest.Samantha Campbell is a software engineer, a long-time community builder, and the driving force behind Gender Equity Tech Waterloo.We’re going to dig into her journey from organizing Girl Geek Dinners to launching Gender Equity Tech Waterloo, a new initiative creating vital spaces for women and gender-diverse people in our community, and—most importantly—how we can all move from just 'talking' about equity to actually making it happen.In this episode, we discuss:The Pivot: How the pandemic shifted community building from 60-person dinners to authentic, small-group connections.Authentic DEI: Why "clean washrooms" are the perfect analogy for inclusive policies that benefit everyone (not just the target demographic).Career Reinvention: Samantha’s journey from multiple startup exits to teaching at Conestoga College and founding her consultancy, Pixel Bridges.Navigating AI: Why we should stop grieving the old ways and start using AI to remove technical barriers.Running on Vibes: How finding "Happy Mother Hen" energy can recharge your career.

Ask Dinah Davis about the state of women in tech, and she’ll tell you we’re moving forward, but not nearly far enough. It’s a perspective shaped by her own path, from computer science student at the University of Lethbridge to founder of Code Like A Girl (Medium and Substack), a community built to elevate the stories of women and non-binary people in tech.On this episode of Tech About Town, Dinah sits down with guest host Michelle Engelhardt from Communitech to talk about representation, allyship and why programs like Fierce Founders matter now more than ever.Gender Equity Tech Waterloo Region Accelerator Centre She Talks Tech Waterloo Chapter - Women in Communications and TechnologyMastercard Emerging Leaders Cyber InitiativeWomen in Tech Meetup

You can learn a lot from your successes, but you can learn even more from your failures.Mike Kirkup joins us for his record-breaking third appearance on the podcast to talk about lessons learned from his experience launching and folding his last startup, Arlo. Over the last few weeks, Mike has been sharing stories on LinkedIn, from why avoiding a Salesforce integration was the wrong decision to why he regrets not digging deeper into customer insights.He’s putting those lessons into practice with his latest startup, Elderella, a platform to help caregivers feel less alone and unseen. (You can listen to our interview with Mike and Jacqui Murphy here.)Open your textbooks, class is in session.

When most people think about innovation, they think startups or software. But at KidsAbility, innovation is happening inside a non-profit — reshaping how therapy and rehabilitation services are delivered for kids and families across Waterloo Region.We’re joined by Brendan Wylie-Toal, the Director of Research and Innovation at KidsAbility and KidsAbility Rocket Research Centre, to talk about how his team is rethinking systems, shortening wait times, and showing how innovation can thrive even without a dedicated R&D budget.We explore:How play-based launch groups improved access to careWhat Intel and pediatric therapy have in commonWhy tech founders should think about partnerships with nonprofitsInnovation doesn’t have to be high-tech to be high-impact. And sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is ask: “How could we do this better?”

Tourism might not be the first thing you associate with tech—but it should be.In this episode, we talk with Ashley Lansink from Explore Waterloo Region about the unexpected connection between tourism and tech and why both are critical for economic development in our community.Ashley walks us through how the team markets Waterloo Region to leisure travellers, sport organizers, and business event planners alike. We also explore how tourism boosts talent attraction and community pride, and how founders can get support when planning conferences, tournaments, or team events.Listen is as we discuss:The power of “curious combinations” in Waterloo Region’s new brandHosting the Call of Duty League Championships (yes, at The Aud!)Why a vibrant visitor economy helps attract top talentBringing major events like esports and Ontario Games to townStay curious!01:03 – What is Explore Waterloo Region and what does it do?01:47 – Hosting the Call of Duty League Championships at The Aud02:48 – Kitchener on the global stage with record-breaking esports viewership03:28 – Upcoming events: National Dodgeball Championships, judo, and more04:10 – Tourism for locals: changing the narrative of "I live here"05:00 – Marketing leisure, group, sport, and business tourism differently06:23 – Canoeing the Grand, St. Jacobs charm, and city–rural duality07:44 – Agritourism and authentic experiences as regional differentiators08:54 – New brand: Stay Curious—and how it came together09:31 – Building a brand that spans cities, townships, and industries11:17 – What changed: brand personality, tone, consistency across business lines12:57 – Balancing sport, leisure, and business personas in the new brand13:26 – How whimsy and ambition work together in brand storytelling14:47 – Events that attract talent: Call of Duty, Ontario Games, tech conferences16:18 – Why Waterloo Region is the perfect place for tech conferences18:04 – The advantage of working with Explore WR: access to venues, speakers, logistics20:29 – Sustainability in events and hosting carbon-neutral conferences21:06 – Want to bring a sporting event? Start with Explore WR22:03 – Hidden gem facilities: Schlegel Park (aka “the multiplex”)23:02 – Oktoberfest and the magic of holiday events24:39 – The Mistletoe Trail, St. Jacobs Sparkles, and Sip and Shop25:25 – Family-friendly Oktoberfest experiences + ghost walks26:31 – Farmtoberfest makes its debut27:30 – Wrapping up: why tourism and tech go hand in hand

Every founder needs trust and connection. So does every community.In this episode, we sit down with Eric Avner, President and CEO of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation, to explore what it means to build a thriving community—socially, financially, and systemically.Eric explains how WRCF is investing in long-term, intergenerational impact: from managing over 420 community funds and endowments to launching new tools like WRgive.ca and GatherWR that make it easier to do good. He also unpacks insights from the latest Vital Signs report, including Waterloo Region’s dramatic demographic shift, and why belonging and social infrastructure matter more than ever.We talk about:The future of philanthropy (hint: it’s hyperlocal)Why belonging is dropping—and how to rebuild itWhat founders and tech leaders can learn from community buildingCreative experiments to reconnect neighbourhoodsHow to make generosity part of your company’s storyListen in now!01:00 – Why trust and connection matter to founders—and communities01:34 – What WRCF actually does (and why more people should know)04:35 – From ToastyToes to the Essentials Fund—local giving in action05:41 – Making it easier to do more good (without needing millions)06:55 – Mission-aligned investing and local impact loans07:59 – Introducing Vital Signs and the focus on social infrastructure08:45 – In-migration, out-migration, and the churn of change10:00 – Why growth alone doesn’t make a better place11:48 – What makes social infrastructure work (and what happens when it doesn’t)13:35 – Vital Signs report highlights: we’re younger, more diverse—and less connected15:52 – Sarah’s experience moving back: finding community is hard17:10 – Loose Change Louie’s, cold emails, and the search for “your people”18:36 – Eric’s “Lunch of Erics” experiment and accidental connection hacks19:32 – Gen Z and Millennials: half the sense of belonging of older generations20:40 – Frequency matters: why recurring spaces beat one-off festivals22:14 – 60% of Canadians don’t belong to any group or association23:13 – The loneliness epidemic or the laziness epidemic?23:38 – Is the pendulum swinging back to in-person connection?25:00 – Examples of small, local ways to reconnect community26:45 – Who do you trust to pick up your Amazon packages? That’s your neighbour.27:24 – What is WRgives? And why it’s like civic Kickstarter30:00 – How it works (and why some projects aren’t even charities)31:32 – Why WRCF is acting more like a startup than a legacy institution31:57 – Other ways to get involved (funds, GatherWR, newsletter, ideas welcome!)33:06 – There’s no shortage of spaces—we just need to find and use them34:29 – Be the change you want to see… or just start a neighbourhood potluck

What does it mean to be community-first in a tech ecosystem?In this episode, we check in with Communitech CEO Sheldon McCormick to reflect on his first five (LinkedIn says six!) months on the job and look ahead to what’s next. From AI adoption to KW Oktoberfest lederhosen, we talk about building momentum, reconnecting the region’s tech community, and why Sheldon believes the “return to office” is critical for Communitech’s mission.We also explore:Communitech’s shift back to its original community-first ethosHow AI adoption and “AI-native” thinking are reshaping how orgs operateThe importance of global networks, not just local ecosystemsThe vision for increasing activation across 10% of the region’s tech workforceAnd yes, there’s hummus, lederhosen, and festhallen talk too.01:47 – Oktoberfest plans and lederhosen commitments03:08 – Community events and hosting techtoberfest04:11 – Hosting OpenAI’s Salman Chowdhury in Waterloo06:17 – Nabil’s hummus, persistence, and bringing global talent here07:11 – Building network effects vs stopping “brain drain”08:29 – Why Communitech is thinking in terms of network, not just ecosystem09:10 – Making Waterloo globally competitive without becoming an island10:24 – What keeps Sheldon up at night (spoiler: the tension between urgency and commitments)11:49 – Why “Community in Tech” starts with what’s in the name13:05 – Reconnecting the community post-COVID14:07 – AI is top of mind for everyone—from startups to HR leaders14:54 – How Communitech is adopting AI (and learning from members)17:01 – First step: documenting processes and aligning on outcomes17:56 – Internal adoption of AI to reduce “cost per member served”18:22 – Why Communitech is going back to a full-time in-office model19:52 – Is return-to-office a model for other tech orgs?21:54 – Being out in the community vs just being at your desk23:35 – Reframing Communitech as a movement, not just an address24:46 – Looking ahead: what success could look like in 6 months25:28 – Defining goals: 10% tech worker activation, late-stage founder mentorship28:37 – Using AI for podcast production (and why timestamps matter!)

There are over 71 million people acting as caregivers for their parents in North America, spending an average of 26 hours a week with everything from grocery shopping to health and wellness care. It’s a burden that we all should take on with grace, but a little help wouldn’t hurt.In this episode, we sit down with Jacqui Murphy and Mike Kirkup, two of Waterloo Region’s most respected tech leaders, who have launched a new venture, Elderella. Born from personal experience and extensive discovery work, Elderella is building tools that ease the invisible burden of elder care, starting with coordinated planning and just-in-time resources for caregivers.We talk about:The invisible load caregivers carryWhy AI is revolutionizing startup operations and prototypingBuilding a startup that’s AI-native in structure and processThe origin story behind the Elderella name (and its Cinderella-inspired mission)How Communitech brought this co-founder duo togetherThis episode is an episode for caregivers, founders, or anyone trying to do right by their parents.Timestamps:01:05 – Introducing Elderella and the caregiver challenge03:07 – Alex’s discovery call with Elderella04:46 – Caregiving is unexpected, invisible, and isolating07:49 – Mike and Jacqui’s origin stories and why this problem09:23 – How they became co-founders (thanks, Communitech)13:35 – Why leaving the house leads to great ideas14:50 – Is Elderella an AI-native company? Yes—and here’s what that means17:26 – A product for caregivers, not institutions18:01 – Most common pain points from discovery calls19:48 – Why caregivers feel invisible and burnt out21:06 – Just-in-time learning for caregiving22:25 – The need for proactive care roadmaps24:16 – Navigating elder care with compassion and respect26:00 – The demographic tsunami that’s already here27:52 – Building joy and calm into product design28:44 – Unlocking help from your support network30:00 – Coordination as the unlock for community care31:33 – Parenting vs elder caregiving visibility32:24 – We need all hands on deck33:17 – Building a throwaway prototype in 4 days35:48 – HIPAA-compliant infra is easier than ever36:12 – Marketing from day one: not for splash, but for learning38:11 – The story behind the Elderella name39:31 – You don’t need the perfect brand—just start40:10 – How to sign up for a discovery call42:01 – Leave your house—good things happen outside43:24 – Where to find events around town

When you’re building a startup, resources are scarce. Time. Money. People. Unfortunately that means founders make trade offs that might hurt them in the long run.One of the first things to be put on the “...we’ll get to it list” is branding and marketing. But building a great product isn’t enough, especially in a crowded space or a new category where customer education is critical to success.Our guest today wants you to know that you don’t have to choose between building a great product and a solid marketing strategy.Roshni Wijayasinha is the CEO and lead strategist of Prosh Marketing, a fractional marketing firm providing guidance and support to startups and scale-ups across Canada. Prosh is also a member of the Communitech Pro Squad, a curated group of professionals offering mentorship and services to Communitech members.Roshni shares why marketing shouldn’t be left until after launch, how early brand and go-to-market thinking de-risk your product, and why you don’t need a massive budget to start building traction. From PR hacks and social strategies to AI tools and customer discovery tips, this episode is packed with insights for founders at any stage.She also shares how her passion for street art informs her creative approach to marketing—and how you can bring more creativity to your startup strategy.03:16 – What is the Pro Squad?04:39 – Meet Roshni Wijayasinha from Prosh Marketing05:57 – Roshni’s journey from Microsoft to Kobo to fractional CMO07:03 – The danger of delaying marketing until product launch08:47 – Why beta testing beats early bad PR09:41 – Funnel vs flywheel thinking in startup marketing10:59 – Marketing with $0: Partnerships, email, social, and more13:00 – Choosing the right social media channel14:40 – Is LinkedIn dead? (Spoiler: No)16:21 – Using channels in a way your customers actually want16:54 – How AI is supercharging—but not replacing—startup marketing19:05 – Paid ads: underrated channels and smarter testing20:31 – PR on a budget: tools and tactics21:34 – Founder as thought leader: writing opinion pieces that get noticed22:27 – Roshni’s street art practice and how it inspires her marketing24:24 – Bringing murals and creative energy into company culture25:28 – The one thing every founder should know about marketing28:15 – Free strategy call offer from Prosh Marketing for Communitech founders

Whether you're navigating return-to-office policies, figuring out how to adopt AI safely, or rethinking your total rewards strategy, HR leaders are facing more complexity than ever. That’s where SocialHRCamp KW comes in. It’s a one-night event bringing together HR and People & Culture professionals for honest conversations, actionable insights, and community support.In this episode, we’re joined by Selina Miah and Larissa Currah, two of the trio of organizers behind SocialHRCamp KW, happening on September 25, 2025, at Magnet Forensics’s office in Waterloo. They talk about why they brought the global event series to KW, what makes this region’s HR community so special, and what to expect at this year's event, including panels on AI in the workplace, legal trends in HR, and total rewards that actually matter.Whether you're head of HR at a scaling startup or a team of one at an SMB, this episode has something for you.00:41 – Meet Selina Miah and Larissa Currah from SocialHRCamp KW01:21 – How the global event series came to Kitchener-Waterloo03:15 – The power of peer learning in the local HR community04:37 – Why similar HR frameworks still yield different insights05:51 – Reflecting on the last 5 years of change in the workplace07:37 – HR burnout and the need for continued connection08:20 – Three core themes of this year’s event: AI, legal, and total rewards09:53 – How AI is impacting HR beyond recruitment11:21 – Organizational-wide AI adoption and HR's strategic role12:47 – Guardrails, privacy, and the risks of unchecked AI use14:11 – Treating AI as part of health, safety, and change management15:36 – Generational differences in AI adoption and perception16:28 – Leveraging students and new grads in your AI strategy18:26 – AI literacy as a new job requirement20:00 – Shifting gears to total rewards20:49 – What’s new in the world of perks, benefits, and retention23:30 – Aligning total rewards with real employee needs24:38 – Examples of benefits that matter: mental health, menopause, fertility25:23 – Event details: date, time, location, speakers, and sponsors26:51 – Thank you to sponsors, venue, vendors, and raffle contributors27:19 – How to get tickets and where to find SocialHRCamp KW online

Originally released on May 28, 2025He's six weeks into the job, and ⁠Communitech's new CEO, Sheldon McCormick,⁠ has some thoughts. On this episode of Tech About Town, we've got Sheldon in the studio with hosts Alex Kinsella and Rosie Del Campo to talk about what startups need, what the community needs, and what the 27-year-old organization needs to do differently to help tech companies start, grow and succeed.Tune in and get to know our new CEO and what's on the horizon for the Waterloo Region tech ecosystem.This episode is brought to you by ⁠Communitech⁠ and ⁠Elevate IP.⁠3:21 – Sheldon talks about his first impressions, learning the ropes, and balancing founder instincts with listening.6:02 – How Communitech’s legacy influenced Sheldon’s decision to take the role.8:08 – What founders are saying. Sheldon reflects on conversations with founders about economic uncertainty, AI, and Communitech’s role.12:38 – Discussion on how AI is impacting founders—and where Communitech can help.14:27 – Why Sheldon took the job. Sheldon talks about bringing founder empathy to the role and becoming a trusted partner.18:10 – Rebuilding community. Sheldon and Alex talk about COVID’s impact and how Communitech can help reconnect the ecosystem.19:47 – Why Waterloo? Sheldon shares how his family—and a few of his wife's bridesmaids—brought him to the region.21:43 – Local favourites rapid fire. Arabella, Public, JLB, Lucero, and date night go-tos.24:04 – What needs to change? They discuss legacy programs and how Communitech needs to evolve beyond just being “a place.”29:43 – Acting like a startup. Why Communitech needs to move faster, stay current, and focus on what founders actually need.32:09 – Back to basics and the power of proximity. Sheldon talks about returning to more in-person interaction and using community as a competitive advantage.34:42 – Elevate IP Minute. Alexis Conrad shares a cautionary tale of IP lost at 30,000 feet.

Waterloo Region's tech community is built on events. From founder meetup to hardtech hikes to panel discussion (yeah, even panel discussions), getting together IRL is back and better than ever.On this episode of Tech About Town, our own events specialist Victoria Harrison joins us in the studio with Shriaa Sheth, Events & Communitiy Engagement Specialist at the Accelerator Centre, to dig into what makes an event succesful.Whether you're planning your first event or an established pro, tune into this episode to learn their secrets and what events they're most excited for this year.Accelerator Centre eventsCommunitech events01:29 – Guest spotlight: Shriaa Sheth from Accelerator Centre02:22 – What makes an event successful?04:09 – Founder-focused event elements & networking tools06:17 – Measuring attendee experience and post-event surveys07:47 – Launching the AC Expert Founder Workshop series08:58 – Incubate + showcase preview (Aug 20)09:41 – Panels: pros, cons and moderating tips13:45 – Designing inclusive events (dietary, accessibility, alcohol-free)18:04 – The rise of non-alcoholic options at tech events18:56 – Getting the word out: multi-channel promotion & posters22:17 – Cross-org collaboration to avoid double-booking23:23 – Favourite event venues around Waterloo Region27:06 – Tannery Event Centre relaunch & future plans30:27 – Immersive venues and creative event spaces34:15 – Unlimited-budget dream events & pub-crawl idea37:48 – Waterloo Tech Week & September event rush39:29 – Sponsorship hustle and final thoughts

Whether it was a PSA on TV or inside a bus, we’ve all learned the FAST method for detecting a stroke. Each year, 12 million people suffer a stroke—and unfortunately, six million of those end in death. Kevin Macwan and Purvish Soni quit their day jobs to launch Sensible Vascular. They are developing a faster, safer, and more effective thromboectomy solution to remove clots to provide better patient outcomes.In this episode, Kevin and Purvish share how their experience at industry giants like Medtronic helped them recognize the gaps in current stroke treatment and gave them the confidence to take the leap into entrepreneurship. From co-founder matchmaking on YC to tinkering in a basement, they walk us through the early days of building Sensible Vascular and the long road ahead to regulatory approval. It's a story about timing, trust, and the relentless drive to make stroke intervention faster, safer, and more effective, because when it comes to stroke, every second counts.00:43 – Introducing today's topic: strokes and thrombectomy01:44 – Meet Kevin Macwan and Purvish Soni from Sensible Vascular02:52 – First startup experience and joining Communitech’s Bootcamp03:52 – Key takeaways from their first accelerator program05:16 – Discovering Waterloo Region's medtech ecosystem07:10 – How Kevin and Purvish met and started working together08:27 – Learning from big medtech companies like Medtronic09:40 – Bringing startup knowledge from the corporate world11:00 – The power of lived experience in gaining investor trust12:13 – Finding out they lived 10 minutes apart13:28 – "YC meets Tinder" – on co-founder matching14:17 – What made them go all-in on their startup16:24 – Building trust and validating the idea17:21 – Complementary skills: business meets engineering18:54 – The role of family support in taking the leap20:11 – Early physician feedback and validation21:24 – Let’s talk about the product: a new approach to thrombectomy23:08 – The need for stroke awareness and patient education25:53 – Getting accepted into The Forge at McMaster27:58 – Where they see the company two years from now29:30 – Canada vs. U.S.: navigating medtech regulatory paths32:04 – Building partnerships with stroke centres33:15 – Final thoughts and how to learn more33:52 – About Communitech and how founders can get support

We’re trading silicon for shiitake with Stephanie Lipp, co‑founder of MycoFutures. The biomaterials startup is turning mushroom mycelium into a fully biodegradable alternative to leather.Think handbags that sprout from a lab, not a feedlot. Stephanie and her partner Leo Gillis grow mycelium sheets that rival leather for strength and feel, while slashing water, energy, and chemical use.Stephanie joined us from Montreal to talk about how MycoFutures got started and how the startup is working to break through barriers on its road to commercialization.Special guest host: Mohammed Kamla

What if your Wi-Fi could do more than just connect your devices?For Taj Manku, co-founder and CEO of Cognitive Systems, a personal caregiving challenge sparked a professional breakthrough. When his aging parents experienced medical emergencies, Manku found himself navigating the emotional and logistical weight of caregiving while raising a family and running a fast-growing tech company in Waterloo.That experience led to Caregiver by Cognitive, an eldercare solution powered by WiFi Motion, software that turns ambient Wi-Fi signals into a passive way to monitor movement in the home, with no cameras, no microphones and no extra effort from aging loved ones.In this episode of Tech About Town, Taj joins us to share how his team built a privacy-first tool that helps families worry less, the challenges of elder tech adoption, and why Waterloo continues to be the perfect home base for Cognitive’s global impact.00:42 — Introducing Dr. Taj Manku and the idea of Wi-Fi-powered caregiving03:01 —The origin of Cognitive Systems06:40 — From fall-detecting pendants to smart plugs: why ambient Wi-Fi wins07:28 — “Rise & Shine,” Last-Motion alerts and inactivity notifications10:17 — Privacy first: starting tough conversations with ageing parents13:38 — How (and why) Caregiver stays separate from 911 call-centres15:03 — Two parents, one home: what the system can—and can’t—see16:24 — Ageing in place with dignity while families “worry less”17:54 — In-home-care adoption: pricing, installation and industry response20:00 — Branding shift: B2B roots vs. B2C ambitions23:31 — Building the “Caregiver by Cognitive” brand with partners25:44 — Why Waterloo Region is still the perfect global HQ28:34 — Wrap-up, show notes and where to learn more about Communitech

What do plush toys and tech startups have in common? If you ask Landon Brett, the answer is everything.Landon is the CEO of Makeship, one of Canada’s fastest-growing creator economy companies. Makeship launched in 2018 with just $8,000 and a bold idea: help online creators bring their characters to life through limited-edition plush toys. Today, Makeship has grown into a global business with over 65 employees and more than $20 million paid out to creators, without taking on a dime of outside funding.In this episode, Landon joins us to talk about Makeship’s journey from its Kitchener roots to the global stage, the power of fan communities, and how his team is building trust at scale with creators big and small. Plus, he shares what it takes to scale, why being scrappy still matters, and how Makeship plans to hit $100 million in annual revenue in the next three years.00:00 – What do plushies and startups have in common?01:47 – From $8K to crowdfunded success06:15 – Superfans know their stitching09:20 – The road to $100M13:50 – Platforms shift, creators adapt18:30 – Tariffs, transparency, and trust23:35 – Leading through chaos27:40 – Plushie wishlist and career tipsVisit makeship.com to learn more about the company (and get yourself some plushies). Need help getting your startup off the ground? Visit communitech.ca to learn how we can help!

When a personal health scare revealed the limits of existing diagnostic tools, scientist and entrepreneur Shalini Gupta saw an opportunity to build something better. On this episode of Tech About Town, Shalini shares how that moment led to the creation of Asima Health, a startup focused on same-day, blood-based cancer screening. She talks about the challenges of launching a biotech company as a solo founder in Canada, how her research background enabled a breakthrough in early detection and why she's focused on making cancer monitoring more accessible for survivors. From Velocity to the FDA, it’s a conversation about perseverance, precision and purpose.0:04 — Intro and why preventative health matters1:51 — Shalini’s health scare and how it inspired Asima Health3:33 — Turning academic research into commercial technology8:56 — How the test works across multiple cancer types11:57 — Why she’s focused on cancer survivors as a market entry point16:48 — Navigating U.S. vs. Canadian healthcare systems19:15 — Shalini’s journey as an immigrant founder and personal sacrifices21:38 — Building a team in Kitchener and the support of Velocity and Communitech23:51 — Virtual Fierce Founders experience and the power of mentorship26:20 — Advice she’d give herself before starting the company

What got you here won’t get you there. In this episode of Tech About Town, we sit down with Communitech Growth Coach Dave Litwiller to talk about scaling your team, leadership and markets. From the art of delegation without abdication to navigating global expansion in unpredictable times, Dave shares real-world insights on how founders can grow without losing grip. Plus, we get into startup Darwinism, job title inflation and the big question every founder should be asking before going international.Dave was nice enough to share his show notes with us (and you), too!3:06 – Dave on scale-up stage companies and growing leadership teams4:50 – Coaching founders to delegate without abdicating7:25 – Founders, boards and power dynamics11:03 – When to bring in new C-level leaders13:04 – Structuring leadership teams in scaling tech companies14:26 – Title inflation vs. functional leadership17:47 – Founder-CEO identity and adapting with company growth21:31 – Real stories: navigating transitions in early-stage startups24:17 – Global expansion: founder concerns in uncertain times25:10 – Hardware vs. SaaS: Who’s affected by global market shifts27:59 – Testing new markets: opportunistic vs. strategic expansion32:11 – The one thing many scaling founders overlook

He's six weeks into the job, and Communitech's new CEO, Sheldon McCormick, has some thoughts. On this episode of Tech About Town, we've got Sheldon in the studio with hosts Alex Kinsella and Rosie Del Campo to talk about what startups need, what the community needs, and what the 27-year-old organization needs to do differently to help tech companies start, grow and succeed.Tune in and get to know our new CEO and what's on the horizon for the Waterloo Region tech ecosystem.This episode is brought to you by Communitech and Elevate IP.3:21 – Sheldon talks about his first impressions, learning the ropes, and balancing founder instincts with listening.6:02 – How Communitech’s legacy influenced Sheldon’s decision to take the role.8:08 – What founders are saying. Sheldon reflects on conversations with founders about economic uncertainty, AI, and Communitech’s role.12:38 – Discussion on how AI is impacting founders—and where Communitech can help.14:27 – Why Sheldon took the job. Sheldon talks about bringing founder empathy to the role and becoming a trusted partner.18:10 – Rebuilding community. Sheldon and Alex talk about COVID’s impact and how Communitech can help reconnect the ecosystem.19:47 – Why Waterloo? Sheldon shares how his family—and a few of his wife's bridesmaids—brought him to the region.21:43 – Local favourites rapid fire. Arabella, Public, JLB, Lucero, and date night go-tos.24:04 – What needs to change? They discuss legacy programs and how Communitech needs to evolve beyond just being “a place.”29:43 – Acting like a startup. Why Communitech needs to move faster, stay current, and focus on what founders actually need.32:09 – Back to basics and the power of proximity. Sheldon talks about returning to more in-person interaction and using community as a competitive advantage.34:42 – Elevate IP Minute. Alexis Conrad shares a cautionary tale of IP lost at 30,000 feet.

What if two of the four gas pumps at a gas station were out of order, but no one told you until you pulled in? That’s the reality for many electric vehicle (EV) drivers today, and Jennifer Buchanan and Andrea Curry are on a mission to change it. In this episode of Tech About Town, the Clockwork co-founders break down the messy truth behind EV charger reliability, the business case for fixing it, and how their software helps operators keep chargers up and running to keep EVs moving.Plus, they unveil their bold new metric—the Clockwork Charge Score, a Rotten Tomatoes-style rating for EV chargers that could transform how we charge, plan road trips, and even spend public infrastructure dollars.If you've ever hesitated to go electric, this episode just might flip the switch.0:00 – 2:00 | Intro and EV small talk: range anxiety and charger fails2:00 – 5:00 | Meet Clockwork: operations & maintenance software for EV chargers5:00 – 7:30 | The “aha” moment: From consulting to launching a product7:30 – 10:30 | The pain is real: Charger uptime vs. user experience10:30 – 13:00 | Changing the EV mindset: Planning, reliability, and routine13:00 – 17:00 | Public vs private charging: Who owns the charger and who’s responsible?17:00 – 21:30 | How Clockwork helps networks stay online—and profitable21:30 – 26:30 | Why gas stations aren’t always the future of charging26:30 – 29:00 | Introducing the Clockwork Charge Score: Like Rotten Tomatoes, but for EVs29:00 – 32:00 | Helping consumers, operators, and regulators make better decisions32:00 – 35:00 | Road trips, first charges, and making EV adoption easier35:00 – 38:00 | The origin story: A cross-country EV road trip and startup test38:00 – 41:30 | The future of signage, transparency, and charge station ratings41:30 – 45:00 | Getting behind the wheel: Test drives, torque, and falling in love with EVs

Is SEO really dead—or just evolving (again)? In this episode, Alex and guest host Alison Piel sit down with freelance content strategist Tim Peckover to talk AI, LLMs, and why the rumours of SEO’s demise are (still) greatly exaggerated. From early days at Clearpath to leading content at Smile.io, Tim shares how AI is changing the game for content creation, and why you shouldn’t be afraid to use em dashes.Whether you're a founder, marketer, or just wondering why your blog post from 2016 still ranks, this one's for you.Stick around to learn the one test Tim swears by to make sure your content’s actually worth reading.00:47 – Tim Peckover’s path from sales to content marketing04:30 – How writing a blog turned into a full-time career07:55 – Why content is more than just blog posts (and why it matters)10:24 – Did ChatGPT kill SEO? Spoiler: No. But here’s what changed12:09 – The great M-dash debate and AI’s copywriting quirks16:07 – Can AI replace your SEO specialist? Tim says: kind of18:52 – Top tools for solo founders and small startup marketing23:19 – Backlinks in the age of AI and how to earn them26:05 – What schema is (and what LLMs care about instead)27:50 – Tim’s top 3 SEO best practices for content that actually ranks30:57 – “The Bill Test” – a simple way to keep your content honest33:12 – Wrapping up: why great content still needs a human touch

When a loved one faces a health crisis, language barriers and medical jargon can make an already stressful situation even harder. Seun Adetunji, founder and CEO of MedInclude, knows this firsthand — and she’s building the solution. In this episode, Seun shares her journey from caregiver to healthtech innovator, how MedInclude is simplifying healthcare communication, and why working with healthcare providers was key to their success. Plus, hear how a pilot with Grand River Hospital is opening doors to even bigger opportunities — including emergency services.If you’ve ever wondered how tech can bridge real-world gaps, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.2:00 - 5:00 | Introduction to Seun Adetunji and the founding story of MedInclude5:00 - 10:30 | The communication gap in healthcare and how MedInclude addresses it10:30 - 13:50 | Healthcare’s business side: Efficiency, limited resources, and how MedInclude helps13:50 - 16:30 | Piloting MedInclude at Grand River Hospital: Early results and insights16:30 - 19:30 | How MedInclude works: Recording, simplifying, translating, and delivering information19:30 - 25:00 | Evolution of MedInclude: From rough MVP to real-world-ready platform25:00 - 28:00 | Unexpected opportunities: Expanding into paramedic and emergency care workflows28:00 - 31:00 | Seun’s advice for founders: “Don’t be afraid to look stupid — be curious, be bold”

On this episode of Tech About Town, we welcome JP Eskander, CEO and founder of Sifio Health, and Stacy Sobering from Communitech to discuss how AI-driven scheduling and workflow optimization can reduce surgery wait times and improve hospital efficiency. They explore the barriers to innovation in healthcare, the impact of COVID-19 on tech adoption, and why Canada is an ideal testbed for new solutions. Plus, hear how startups like Sifio Health are navigating the complex healthcare landscape to bring real change. Stacy Sobering also shares how programs like Fast Track Health are connecting Canadian innovators with customers across the country and around the world.You can also catch JP’s pitch from The Fast Track Health Showcase here.00:20 – The buzz at the Fast Track Health Showcase02:09 – What is Sifio Health? AI-driven hospital optimization03:17 – Real-world hospital inefficiencies and the impact on patient care04:58 – The challenge of integrating healthcare data systems06:18 – Why healthcare innovation faces barriers08:55 – How AI-driven scheduling improves patient outcomes10:40 – How COVID-19 accelerated tech adoption in healthcare12:19 – The surprising cost vs. revenue model difference in Canadian and US healthcare14:03 – Why Canada is an ideal testbed for healthcare innovation15:19 – The role of Fast Track Health in supporting startups like Sifio Health18:01 – Can AI help design the hospitals of the future?20:18 – How hospital referrals impact patient wait times21:36 – The ongoing need for tech-driven solutions in healthcare

Ever wondered how startups scale globally without getting tangled up in red tape? In this episode of Tech About Town, we dive into the dynamic world of international hiring with Karen Klink, Director of Outpost Partnerships at Communitech, and Stacie Curtiss, VP of People and Culture at DOZR. Discover how Communitech Outposts helps startups hire across borders seamlessly, why boots on the ground matter for growth, and how DOZR blends construction and tech to build a winning culture. Spoiler alert: there's even a surprising origin story behind Outpost involving a late-night HR dilemma and some creative thinking. Ready for some heavy lifting (equipment)? Let’s get into it.00:44 - What is Communitech Outpost?02:55 - Inside DOZR: Bridging Construction & Tech04:37 - The Origin Story of Outpost06:02 - Staying Compliant Internationally07:19 - Beyond Employer of Record: The Outpost Advantage08:21 - DOZR’s Growth Journey & US Expansion10:09 - Hiring for Specialized Sales Roles12:07 - Cultivating Remote Company Culture14:34 - Overcoming Remote Work Challenges16:26 - DOZR’s Roots and Growth Strategy18:33 - Inspiration at DOZR20:22 - Big vs. Small Organizations: The HR Perspective21:56 - HR Career Advice for Newcomers24:25 - When Should Startups Hire Dedicated HR?

On this episode of Tech About Town, we're joined by Graeme Brown, co-founder and CEO of QReserve. Graeme takes us through the journey of QReserve, a resource management platform that started at McMaster University and has since expanded globally, helping organizations—from universities to coworking spaces—optimize their valuable assets.We dive into how QReserve simplifies equipment and space-sharing, how Communitech uses it for meeting room bookings, and why the future of resource management is all about smarter, more efficient systems. Plus, Graeme shares his thoughts on bootstrapping, scaling internationally, and why every good startup story needs an unexpected twist—like a smoothie experiment involving a centrifuge.🔗 Learn more about QReserve: ⁠www.qreserve.com⁠1:33 – Introducing Graeme Brown and QReserve - Graeme shares his background and the origins of QReserve, starting at McMaster University.3:04 – What is QReserve? An overview of how QReserve helps organizations manage resources, from meeting rooms to lab equipment.5:17 – QReserve’s Use Case at Communitech - Sacha explains how Communitech uses QReserve for managing coworking spaces and meeting rooms.7:35 – The Evolution of QReserve - Graeme discusses how the platform has grown from a small university project to a global resource management tool.9:32 – The Challenge of Resource Sharing - Why people hesitate to share equipment and how QReserve simplifies the process.12:42 – Graeme’s Background and Journey to QReserve - From government work to entrepreneurship—how Graeme’s experience shaped QReserve’s vision.17:55 – From Asset Management to Equipment Sharing - How QReserve fills the gap between traditional asset tracking and modern resource sharing.19:54 – Expanding Globally and Scaling a Bootstrapped Startup - How QReserve operates in multiple countries with a small, efficient team.24:38 – Challenges of International Growth - Dealing with time zones, customer support, and scaling across jurisdictions.27:26 – Enterprise Adoption and The Future of QReserve - How QReserve is shifting from departmental use to full-scale enterprise deployment.29:18 – Defining Success for 2025 - Graeme shares his vision for the company’s future and expansion plans.

In this episode ofTech About Town, host Alex Kinsella and guest co-host Angela Bruce talk about theCommunitech Startup Bootcamp, a six-week program designed to equip early-stage entrepreneurs with essential business fundamentals like customer discovery, MVP development, sales, and pitching. Supported by the City of Kitchener, the program fosters community and mentorship to help startups grow.Winning founders Adanna Amechi and Dimitri Njila share how Citrus helps job candidates prepare for technical interviews by providing tailored learning paths and mock interviews. They discuss the challenges of interview preparation, the importance of confidence, and how their product adapts to different companies’ hiring expectations.Listen in to learn how Citrus is revolutionizing technical interview prep and how Communitech’s Startup Bootcamp is helping founders turn ideas into thriving businesses.[00:05] Introduction to the Startup Bootcamp and its partnership with the City of Kitchener.[02:14] Citrus wins the Startup Bootcamp Showcase—meet Adanna Amechi and Dimitri Njila.[03:42] How the founders met and came up with the idea for Citrus.[05:50] The struggle of preparing for technical interviews and how Citrus aims to solve it.[07:40] The role of confidence in job interviews and how different candidates experience it.[09:14] How Citrus customizes learning paths and mock interviews for each job candidate.[11:21] How the founders discovered Communitech and joined the Startup Bootcamp.[12:38] The impact of mentorship and the benefits of having a co-founder.[18:47] The importance of complementary co-founder roles—hacker and hustler dynamics.[20:27] What’s next for Citrus—prototyping, building an MVP, and growing their user base.

When it comes to IP, we follow the motto “protect it, don’t neglect it.” In this episode ofTech About Town, hosts Alex Kinsella and Rosie Del Campo sit down with Jim Hinton, founder and CEO ofOWN Innovation, to explore the critical role of intellectual property (IP) for tech startups. As a leading expert in IP strategy (and one of our favourite people around the Hub), Jim wants founders to know they need to prioritize IP protection from day one.Jim explains the different forms of IP—patents, trademarks, trade secrets—and how startups can leverage provisional patents and trade secrets to safeguard their innovations while balancing tight budgets.The conversation also looks at the impact of AI-generated code on IP ownership, the role of open-source software, and the increasing competition from global players like China and the U.S. Jim stresses that IP is a game of strategy, not fairness and that Canadian startups must be on their game by building IP strategy into their company DNA.[04:46] Jim Hinton discusses OWN Innovation and the importance of IP for Canadian startups.[07:26] Why startups need to think about IP from day one.[08:36] How to prioritize IP protection with a limited budget.[12:00] Alarming IP statistics in Canada—only 17% of firms see IP as essential.[14:18] Understanding different types of IP: trademarks, patents, trade secrets, and copyrights.[19:15] AI-generated code and its challenges for IP ownership.[21:07] The rapid rise of AI patenting and China’s role in global IP competition.[23:14] The challenge for Canadian startups in navigating global AI competition.[25:20] Common IP mistakes tech startups make.[31:24] The challenges of naming a startup in an increasingly crowded IP landscape.

In this episode of Tech About Talent, we catch up with Communitech’s Carleigh Johnston and ConeLabs co-founder and CEO Albert Mansour to talk about Communitech Fast Track Cities. The program connects municipal partners with innovative tech solutions to solve their challenges. ConeLabs won the Fast Track Cities Showcase in November 2024, and Albert explains how his startup uses AI to automate infrastructure inspection, addressing issues like sewer inspections and autonomous technology integration.  Grab a coffee and listen as Albert shares his founder journey and what’s next for ConeLabs as it continues to expand its offering to engineering companies and municipalities across North America. 2:07 - Fast Track Cities Overview - Carleigh explains the program 3:06 - Municipal Challenges - Discussion on specific tech challenges 5:06 - Introduction to Cone Labs - Albert explains his company and mission 7:21 - AI for Infrastructure Inspection - How Cone Labs leverages AI 9:51 - Real-World Impact - Examples of infrastructure failures 15:08 - Predictive Maintenance - Future capabilities of Cone Labs 17:35 - Changing Industry Mindset - The challenge of innovation in construction 20:32 - Procurement & Scaling - How Fast Track Cities helps startups 33:18 - What’s Next for Cone Labs - Growth, investment, and projects

In this episode of Tech About Town, we sit down with two powerhouse leaders in Waterloo Region's tech ecosystem: Ruth Casselman, CEO of the Accelerator Center, and Jennifer Gruber, Interim CEO of Communitech. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities of supporting founders, fostering collaboration, and building community in one of Canada’s top innovation hubs. Jenn also shares her love for quarterly fiscal planning. Ruth and Jennifer reflect on their unique journeys into leadership, sharing how their personal and professional experiences shape their approaches to culture and mentorship.  We also look at the future of tech events across Waterloo Region, including the demand for unstructured networking opportunities and filling the void left by large conferences (we’re looking at your True North Festival).  HEY! If you’re reading this before January 20, 2025, don’t forget to get your tickets to Battle of the Bands: Tech Edition at Maxwell’s Concerts & Events.  This episode offers an inside look at what makes Waterloo Region’s tech ecosystem thrive. Whether you're a founder, mentor, or community enthusiast, there’s something here for everyone. Learn more about Communitech at communitech.ca and the Accelerator Center at acceleratorcentre.com. 0:29 - 1:26: Introducing the guests: Ruth Casselman, CEO of Accelerator Center, and Jennifer Gruber, Interim CEO of Communitech. 1:27 - 3:39: Discussion on the relationship and complementary roles of Accelerator Center and Communitech. 3:40 - 4:50: Reflections on past events and the tech ecosystem's evolution. 5:00 - 7:30: Ruth and Jennifer’s personal anecdotes and how their roles shape their perspective on supporting founders. 7:31 - 11:51: Insights into challenges and opportunities in the tech ecosystem and fostering collaboration. 11:52 - 13:22: Leadership lessons and the importance of recognizing what’s going right. 13:23 - 15:02: Celebrating collaboration and connections within Waterloo Region’s tech community. 15:03 - 18:34: Building a strong internal culture and focusing on the "why" of their organizations. 18:35 - 21:12: Shoutouts to R&T Park and local infrastructure development projects. 21:13 - 25:08: Discussing the future of community events, filling gaps left by large conferences, and the appetite for networking-focused gatherings. 25:09 - 27:47: Final thoughts on engaging founders, participating in community events, and the importance of networking.

In this episode of Tech About Town, we welcome Dan Silivestru, CEO of Chocolate Soup, and Heather Galt, Chief Customer Officer of P&P Optica for a conversation on everything from tacos to tech, with plenty of surprises along the way. Dan shares the origins of Chocolate Soup, a startup that helps companies deliver meaningful employee recognition to their teams and its impact on workplace culture and retention. Heather provides insights into P&P Optica's cutting-edge use of AI and hyperspectral imaging to revolutionize the food processing industry. Both guests reflect on their roles as Communitech growth coaches, highlighting the importance of mentorship and community in the startup world. The conversation touches on the revival of Startup Drinks, a grassroots event for Kitchener-Waterloo’s tech community, and creative marketing strategies, including using magicians as door-to-door ambassadors.  Whether you’re a founder, a foodie, or a fan of innovative ideas, this episode offers a mix of practical insights and fun anecdotes. Tune in for an engaging exploration of how recognition, mentorship, and creativity fuel success in both business and life. Learn more about Chocolate Soup at chocolatesoup.ca and P&P Optica at ppo.ca. 03:30 - 08:50: Dan Silivestru introduces Chocolate Soup and its unique approach to employee recognition. 08:50 - 14:40: Heather Galt discusses her work at P&P Optica and the impact of their technology in the meat processing industry. 14:40 - 20:30: Dan and Heather reflect on their experiences as Communitech growth coaches and the benefits of mentorship. 20:30 - 27:00: Reviving Startup Drinks in Kitchener-Waterloo and fostering community among founders. 27:00 - 33:00: Creative marketing strategies, including the surprising role of magicians. 33:00 - 39:00: A deep dive into tacos, local food recommendations, and community events in Kitchener-Waterloo. 39:00 - 46:00: Final thoughts on growth coaching, mentorship, and recognizing employees as individuals.

On today’s episode, we’ve got two people with fundraising experience and opinions. Rob Darling is the founder and CEO of runQL, a tool designed to help data teams save time and find value in the mega gigabytes of data they have. Rob sold his last startup, BriefedIn, to Communitech in 2022 and was previously the CIO here. runQL recently announced $1.6 million in an oversubscribed pre-seed funding to help the company scale. Rob introduced us to our second guest, Michael Ho. Michael was the founder and CEO of Bering Media, which was acquired in 2014 and again in 2017. He helps pre-seed and seed-stage founders prepare for their series A round. He was previously an executive in residence at Graphite Ventures and an investment director at the MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund. Rob and Michael discuss their experiences with fundraising for runQL and the importance of customer feedback and building relationships with investors. We also look at what makes an investor deck work and what ingredients go into helping build conviction in your would-be investors.

Is the AI hype cycle bringing you down? Don’t worry—we’re here with an episode of the podcast that will inspire new hope for AI being used for more than just removing people from holiday snaps.  On this very special episode of Tech About Town, Saumik Biswas joined us in the studio to share how his startup aims to improve cancer patient outcomes with the collab you didn’t know we needed—AI, robotics and ultrasound. Saumik co-founded Tenomix, a life science startup that has developed a solution to improve the reliability and speed of cancerous lymph node detection in pathology labs. This episode has everything, with Saumik sharing his thoughts on the broader implications of AI in healthcare, the power infrastructure required for advanced AI and the unique challenges of med-tech entrepreneurship, from funding to regulatory compliance.  Don’t forget to leave us a comment (if you’re using the Spotify app) to let us know what you think. Timestamps: 0:00 – Alex and Sacha catch up on their Oktoberfest experiences and chat about local children’s entertainer Eric Traplin. 1:10 – Meet Saumik Biswas, founder of Tenomix, who explains how AI and robotics can supercharge pathology. 2:03 – Saumik recounts personal stories that inspired his work in pathology, including his brother’s rare bone condition and his aunt’s battle with cancer. 4:42 – The impact of Saumik’s experiences on his passion for medical innovation and understanding disease mechanisms. 5:45 – How Tenomix aims to solve critical issues in pathology. 12:56 – The challenges pathology labs face and how Tenomix aims to streamline lab processes. 15:10 – The importance of ecosystem support and mentorship in med-tech development. 17:45 – Saumik discusses fundraising challenges and the role of trust in securing investments. 23:02 – The power requirements for AI and the move toward nuclear energy to sustain large-scale AI applications. 31:36 – The critical role of partnerships with hospitals for clinical validation.

Forget PSL season. It’s schnitzel and stein season here in Waterloo Region as the 56th annual Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest kicks off.  In this episode of Tech About Town, KW Oktoberfest President Allan Cayenne and Ambassador Allie Steffler join us in the studio to discuss the festival's evolution, rich cultural heritage, and impact on the community. Allan and Allie share insights into Oktoberfest traditions, their personal journeys into the festival, and the exciting new developments for this year's celebrations. They also dive into the best food to try, their favourite festival moments, and how the event brings people together. It’s an episode that made me want to line up at Concordia Club for beer nuts, schnitzel, and sauerkraut. Maybe that’s we’re I’m publishing this episode from, you never know. ANYWAYS—whether you're a longtime festival-goer or a newcomer, this episode captures what makes Oktoberfest (and Techtoberfest) one of our favourite times of the year. Grab a pretzel, raise a stein, and join us as we celebrate the spirit of Oktoberfest! Episode rundown 0:45 - Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is more than an excuse to eat schnitzel and polka in public. 1:09 - Introducing today’s guests: KW Oktoberfest President Allan Cayenne and Ambassador Allie Steffler, ready to share their Oktoberfest wisdom. 2:07 - Allan and Allie describe their traditional outfits in all their Bavarian glory. Lederhosen and dirndls are in full effect! 3:28 - Allie discusses her role as Oktoberfest Ambassador, sharing what it means to represent the festival in style. 4:55 - Allan takes us through the history of Oktoberfest in Kitchener-Waterloo. 7:50 - Alex and Allan swap stories about their first Oktoberfest experiences—because everyone remembers their first polka. 9:44 - The group talks traditions, from button collections to the best places to polka. Turns out, nostalgia pairs well with pretzels. 10:55 - Allie shares the joy of introducing her friends to Oktoberfest for the first time. Their reactions? Pure festival magic. 12:04 - Alex recounts a story about a friend meeting their future spouse at Oktoberfest—proving love can strike over sauerkraut. 12:40 - Plans for the Welcome to Platz event, bringing back the buzz to King Street and Carl Zehr Square. 13:54 - A sneak peek at Kidtoberfest, where little ones get their own taste of the Oktoberfest fun. 16:01 - The delicious rundown of Oktoberfest food, from schnitzels to sausages.  18:09 - Allan discusses Oktoberfest’s evolution to ensure it remains welcoming to everyone, with or without a beer stein. 21:51 - The role of festivals like Oktoberfest in bringing communities together, especially when we need it most. 26:02 - Techtoberfest: Communitech’s tech-flavoured take on Oktoberfest, blending innovation with a little Bavarian spirit. 27:31 - Shoutout to Holly Pearson, former Miss Oktoberfest from Communitech, keeping the tech-community connection alive. 28:17 - Techtoberfest events preview: Panels, pitches, and plenty of buzz at the Investor House.

How are athletes and founders similar? How do you overcome mental challenges in a high-performance sport? What's the Olympic Village really like? Two-time Olympic gold medalist Rosie MacLennan joins us in the studio to answer these questions and more! MacLennan won gold in trampoline at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio de Janiero games and joined Team Canada in Paris as an Athlete Mentor in 2024. Part of her success is the support she's received from sports psychologists and coaches, including mental performance coach and co-founder Dr. Kyle Paquette. Giving athletes access to that support earlier in their careers is the mission of her startup, Trainwave. The app is designed to help young athletes increase resilience, boost performance, and feel more confident. Grab a coffee and listen in as we go for gold (I'm so sorry) with Rosie MacLennan.

Are you down with O.P.M. (other people's money)? One of Communitech founder members' top questions is how to get in front of VCs. But the answer is often a question—are you sure you’re ready to raise money? This week on the Tech About Town podcast, Vartika Manasvi and Mike Kirkup are in the studio to discuss all things fundraising. Vartika is a Senior Advisor at MaRS Discovery District and a Growth Coach at Communitech. Mike is CTO of EnPowered and Arlo and was previously the Director of UW’s Velocity incubator from 2011 to 2016. From figuring out if you’re ready to understanding when a VC is just not into you, our Growth Coach experts share what they’ve learned as startup founders and advisors at MaRS, Communitech, and the University of Waterloo Velocity incubator. When O.P.M. comes, damn, skippy, I'm with it. 3:30 - What are some things founders need to know about pitching to VCs 5:18 - What's happening in the Canadian and US funding environments? 6:41 - Impact of AI on the funding landscape 8:15 - Different approaches to funding for SaaS versus AI startups 12:27 - Data residency and international regulations in for AI startup founders 13:35 - Comparison between Canadian and US venture capital practices 15:06 - Canadian vs. US venture capital: risk-taking differences 17:08 - Strategies for Canadian founders to compete internationally 19:00 - What's behind the increasing trend of Canadian founders setting up Delaware Corporations 23:15 - How do you know when you're ready to go after funding? 45:01 - Overview of Communitech's programs and membership benefits

Class is in session with Rosie Del Campo, Communitech's Senior Corporate Communications Manager. Rosie leads our external and internal communications efforts and uses her experience to help founders navigate the ins and outs of public relations. Before joining Communitech, Rosie was a journalist at CTV News Kitchener for over a decade. At CTV, she served in various roles, including anchor, co-host, producer, and the anchor for CTV News at Six. ⁠⁠In this episode, Rosie takes us on a deep dive into what founders need to know about public relations. She answers questions like what makes a good news story, how to pitch it to journalists, and what her namesake dish at Ennio's would be. I wanted to name this episode "Film at 11 with Rosie Del Campo", but I was told Millennials and Gen Z would not get the reference. There is also an ad for Tech Jam on Nov. 13 at Bingemans. If you're looking for great tech talent, email ⁠[email protected]⁠ to connect with our team and learn how you can get involved.

Don’t count downtown out just yet. This week on Tech About Town, Cory Bluhm, Executive Director of Economic Development for the City of Kitchener, joins the podcast to discuss the exciting developments and ongoing transformations happening across Downtown Kitchener.  From the challenges of the pandemic to the rise of new businesses and community spaces, Cory shares his unique perspective on the city's journey to becoming a vibrant and dynamic urban center that's become a model across North America. We also debate what the best cocktail is in DTK and it’s Coffee and Cigarettes at the Grand Trunk Saloon because I write the show notes.  Learn about the history, current initiatives, and vision for the future shaping Kitchener’s downtown core. Whether you're a local or just a fan of urban revitalization, this episode offers insights into how economic development strategies are making a difference in Kitchener.

Going to a cocktail party and scared someone will ask you about quantum technologies? We've got you covered. On this episode of Tech About Town, Dr. Paul Terry and Jessica Hodgson from Photonic join us for a deep dive into quantum information and computing and the diverse careers available in this cutting-edge field. Recorded right after one of our Communitech Breakfast Series events, our guests shared their perspectives on Canada's untapped quantum talent pool and the importance of nurturing quantum education from an early age. We didn't even make one Schrödinger's Cat reference the whole time. Dr. Terry and Jessica answer our quantum questions, such as what superposition is, how quantum tunnelling works, and whether Ant-Man 3 could really happen. (Okay, we didn't ask that last one, but Alex wanted to.) Discover how quantum technology is already integrated into our daily lives and learn about the wide range of skills that quantum companies will be looking for—could you be a fit? I guess until you apply, you both have the job and don't have the job. Is that a superposition? Let us know what you think on social media!

When it comes to applying to an accelerator like Google for Startups Accelerator, MedReddie’s Kara Leblanc says you just have to go for it. Kara should know. The startup recently completed the Google for Startups Accelerator and is an alum of the Communitech Fierce Founders program. On this episode of Tech About Town, Kara discusses MedReddi’s awesome growth and its recently announced $782,000 pre-seed round.  Founded in 2020, MedReddie bridges the gap between healthcare providers and medtech suppliers, saving valuable time and resources that help medical providers focus on patient care. Iran Karimian, the Canadian Lead for the Google for Startups Accelerator Program (GFSA), joins in on the conversation to share how the program has supported over 100 Canadian companies, helping them raise more than $395 million CAD. Grab a coffee and join us for a deep dive into the world of healthcare innovation and startup acceleration.