Incubation, Hubs and Accelerators

1855 Whitby

The 1855 Accelerator is a public private partnership (PPP) to support the growth of high potential technology companies. It fills a gap that exists in the Durham Innovation Ecosystem so that rapidly growing companies can stay in Durham to continue their trajectory. At the accelerator, entrepreneurs can move to the next stage in the business development cycle; receive greater depth and breadth of support; and secure resources and capital to grow their business.

CO-iLAB HUB

The Co-iLab Hub was created by the Community Innovation Lab and partners to provide entrepreneurs with access to affordable work space, professional development, skills training and business advisors and mentors. The Co-iLab Hub also offers entrepreneurs opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs, industry leaders, innovators and thinkers. It is a central access point for all entrepreneurs to collaborate, convene and co-create.

1nnovation Village

1nnovation Village in Ajax is a regional community hub for talent, technology and entrepreneurship. Providing the latest in talent training, technology adoption facilitation, and pre-incubation idea collaboration, 1nnovation Village is a key ingredient in the Region of Durham’s innovation eco-system.

Spark Centre

Spark Centre, Durham's Regional Innovation Centre (RIC), provides support to earlier stage and pre-revenue technology start-up companies. Spark Centre acts as a “one-stop shop” providing business coaching and mentorship, learning tools and connections to business and research networks. The centre also offers help with access to investment and funding, ultimately creating jobs and wealth within Durham Region. Spark Centre has advised close to 600 companies in all facets of business and has 19 professionals focused on helping clients achieve scalable revenue and long-term success. Clients range in focus and include wearable technology, clean tech, health, software and invention.

Venture Development Institute 

Venture Development Institute (VDI) is a specialized startup incubator located in Pickering that provides comprehensive and immersive programs and services to help founders at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey.

VDI’s incubation programs provide entrepreneurs and start-ups with the resources and tools to convert their innovative ideas into scalable businesses. As of December 2020, VDI has supported over 80 companies from more than 20 countries and raised over $20 Million in investment capital.