Getting a startup off the ground is like trying to piece together a complex puzzle, only to realize new pieces keep being added every day. From support for the basics like incorporation and finance to learning how to protect your intellectual property and grow your team, startup founders have an almost never-ending list of things to manage.
Thankfully, startup founders in Waterloo Region are in one of the world’s tech ecosystems with organizations and experts ready to lend a helping hand.
Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. Here’s our map to the Waterloo Region tech ecosystem to help you as you build Canada’s next great startup.
Communitech
151 Charles Street West, Suite 100, Kitchener
TL;DR: Communitech is a membership-based innovation hub that offers mentorship, connections to VCs, networking opportunities, and office space.
Communitech has been the cornerstone of Waterloo Region’s tech and innovation ecosystem since 1997. It provides support for startups and scale-ups with tailored programming, mentorship, and resources. Whether it’s connecting startups and customers through its Fast Track programs or helping founders hire their first international talent with Communitech Outposts, Communitech’s team of startup experts is here to help you.
BitBakery Tips: The Communitech Hub is located in the Tannery Building in downtown Kitchener. The Tannery is home to awesome restaurants and cafes, including Abe Erb, Civil Pizza, and Balzac’s Coffee. It offers two-hour visiting parking with paid lots located a short walk away. You can get there by taking the ION light rail transit downtown and exiting at the Central Station.
If you’re a founder looking for space for you or your team, the Communitech Hub offers co-working space, offices, and meeting room rentals, making it an ideal environment for startups seeking collaboration opportunities. Communitech’s calendar is packed with events, including a monthly breakfast series, special speakers, and peer-to-peer networking meetups to connect, learn, and grow.
Accelerator Centre
295 Hagey Blvd, Waterloo
TL;DR: The Accelerator Centre offers a number of time-based programs to help founders start and scale. Each program has unique application criteria and timelines. The Accelerator Centre also offers co-working and office space.
Founded in 2006, the Accelerator Centre (AC) has been ranked among the World's Top five Private Business Accelerators for almost ten years straight. It’s known for its programming and accelerator programs, which guide startups from idea to market. The AC's structured framework provides support across critical business areas, such as product development, customer acquisition, sales and marketing, and fundraising.
BitBakery Tips: Located in the heart of the David Johnston Research + Technology Park, right next to the University of Waterloo, the AC is surrounded by leading tech companies like Agfa Health, TextNow, and SAP. It’s also close to the aptly named Research and Technology ION light rail transit station and the Iron Horse Trail.
Founders benefit from mentorship sessions with seasoned experts and personalized milestone-based programming. The AC's focus on long-term success has resulted in a high startup success rate, proving its effectiveness in helping founders build sustainable businesses. It also offers co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and access to networking opportunities.
The AC hosts showcase events where startups can pitch to investors and industry leaders. Regular workshops and webinars offer insights into market trends, funding strategies, and lessons from founders who have crossed the chasm and lived to tell.
Velocity
280 Joseph St, Kitchener, ON
TL;DR: Velocity is an incubator program that accepts applications year-round and accepts new startups every two months. You do not need to be a UW student or alum to apply.
Velocity has earned a reputation as a powerhouse for nurturing startups with its incubator program and state-of-the-art lab facilities. The incubator recently moved into its new home in the University of Waterloo Innovation Arena with 20,000 square feet of purpose-built lab space for hardware and healthtech equipment.
BitBakery Tips: Velocity is located on the University of Waterloo’s Health Sciences campus along with the University’s School of Pharmacy and McMaster University’s Waterloo Regional Campus. It’s right across the street from the Tannery Building and the Communitech Hub.
Velocity offers a variety of community programs, including specialized events like the Health Innovation and Future Cities Innovation challenges. Other events include regular workshops and panel discussions featuring industry leaders and alumni founders. Its residency program provides founders with workspace, funding opportunities, and mentorship. Velocity’s emphasis on academic collaboration fosters cutting-edge innovation and commercialization opportunities.
The Builders Club
65 King St W, Kitchener
TL;DR: The Builders Club is a community-driven hub in Waterloo Region's tech ecosystem, offering founders space, networking, mentorship, and resources to thrive through collaboration and growth.
The Builders Club is one of the newest editions to the Waterloo Region tech ecosystem. It’s a community-driven organization offering space and networking for ambitious founders. It hosts regular meetups, panel discussions, and fireside chats to keep founders inspired and informed. Once accepted, founders gain access to a private community, exclusive content, and mentorship from successful entrepreneurs.
BitBakery Tips: The Builders Club has a rooftop patio and is located in the same building as AOK Craft Beer + Arcade and Cocoon Apothecary.
The Builders Club’s emphasis on peer-to-peer learning and founder-driven growth creates a collaborative, supportive environment where builders thrive.
Medical Innovation Xchange (MIX)
44 Gaukel Street, Kitchener
TL;DR: Health and MedTech startups have an incubator of their own at the Medical Innovation Xchange (MIX). It’s Canada’s first industry-led medtech hub, offering mentorship and resources to help startups navigate the healthcare industry and bring innovations to market.
Medical Innovation Xchange (MIX) is Canada’s first industry-led hub for medtech startups, offering a unique ecosystem tailored to the specific needs of healthtech innovators. MIX provides health-tech startups with access to resources, industry expertise, and collaboration opportunities to help navigate the highly regulated medical technology landscape.
BitBakery Tips: MIX is located right off Highway 85 next to long-time Waterloo Region tech leader Christie Digital.
MIX’s industry-led approach ensures startups receive practical guidance and insider expertise, making it a crucial resource for MedTech entrepreneurs looking to bring life-saving innovations to market.
Laurier StartUp Lab
75 University Avenue West, Waterloo
TL;DR: The Laurier Startup Lab offers a community-driven program for early-stage ventures, providing mentorship, funding support, and access to a network of industry experts.
Part of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Lazaridis School of Business & Economics, the Laurier StartUp Lab is a hub for innovation and entrepreneurial growth. The Lab’s mission is to support early-stage startups with structured programming, mentorship, and access to funding opportunities. From its New Venture Creation program to its Startup Showcase events, the Lab helps founders refine their business models, connect with investors, and build scalable ventures.
BitBakery Tips: The Laurier Startup Lab is in the heart of Waterloo’s University district, just steps from Uptown Waterloo’s restaurants, cafes, and shops. The campus is also easily accessible via ION light rail transit at the Laurier-Waterloo Park station, making it convenient for students and community members alike.
From its New Venture Creation program to its Startup Showcase events, the Lab helps founders refine their business models, connect with investors, and build scalable ventures.
SDG Idea Factory
2 King St W., Kitchener
TL;DR: The SDG Idea Factory brings together small businesses and incubators to support social, environmental, and equity-driven innovators.
The SDG Idea Factory is a first-of-its-kind social, environmental and equity-focused incubator. Created by the City of Kitchener, it is a unique space dedicated to tackling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovation and collaboration. This forward-thinking hub provides resources and mentorship for entrepreneurs passionate about social and environmental impact.
BitBakery Tip: The focus on SDGs makes this hub stand out, attracting mission-driven entrepreneurs eager to make a difference while building scalable ventures. It’s home to LiftOff by CCAWR, Waterloo Region Community Foundation, The ForUsGirlsFoundation, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, and the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre.
The SDG Idea Factory hosts themed hackathons, workshops, and networking events tailored to addressing global challenges and building sustainable solutions. Its programs, including accelerator initiatives and boot camps, are designed to help businesses align their missions with impactful goals. Co-working spaces are available for individuals and teams working on SDG-related projects.
Conestoga Entrepreneurship Collective
299 Doon Valley Drive, Kitchener
TL;DR: The Conestoga Entrepreneurship Collective equips students and alumni with the tools, mentorship, and resources to launch and grow successful businesses.
The Conestoga Entrepreneurship Collective is an incubator designed to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. Open to students, alumni, and community members, it provides tailored workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and access to funding opportunities.
BitBakery Tips: Located at Conestoga College’s main campus, the Collective is close to Conestoga’s campus amenities, including cafes, study spaces, and fitness facilities. Free parking is available for visitors, and the campus is easily accessible by Grand River Transit. It also has space inside the Communitech Hub.
The Collective supports founders at every stage, from validating business ideas to scaling established ventures. Its programs, including pitch competitions and innovation challenges, foster creativity and collaboration while providing hands-on experience in entrepreneurship.
LiftOff by CCAWR
2 King St W., Kitchener
TL;DR: LiftOff by the CCAWR empowers Black entrepreneurs through tailored mentorship, funding, and resources.
LiftOff by the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region (CCAWR) is dedicated to empowering Black entrepreneurs and business owners. With a focus on equity and inclusion, LiftOff provides tailored mentorship, funding support, and educational resources to help founders overcome systemic barriers. LiftOff hosts annual pitch competitions, networking sessions, and cultural events to create a dynamic and supportive community.
BitBakery Tip: With its home in the SDG Idea Factory, LiftOff is centrally located in downtown Kitchener between the Kitchener Public Library and Victoria Park. You can take ION light rail transit to the Frederick or Queen Street stations.
LiftOff offers three specialized programs to support Black entreprenuers: the LiftOff Black Entrepreneurship Program, the Newcomer Entrepreneur Accelerator Program, and the LiftOff BootCamp.
Here's how we help
Building a startup is no small feat, but you don’t have to go it alone. As you navigate the Waterloo Region tech ecosystem, BitBakery is here to help turn your ideas into impactful digital products. Whether you’re building an MVP, refining your user experience, or scaling for growth, we bring the expertise and creativity to make it happen. Let’s build something great together.
