Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre

Join us for another great discussion! This month, Dr. Scott Butcher of MEAglow chats Carbon Capture with us. He will explore the history and science behind the greenhouse effect, what current climate trends mean for our future, and why carbon capture is becoming an increasingly important part of the solution. Dr. Butcher will also take an honest look at today's carbon capture technologies, from large industrial systems to innovative approaches that are based on direct air capture. The conversation will highlight how a Northern Ontario company is developing a unique way to recycle carbon from everyday grass clippings into natural fertilizer, showing how local innovation can contribute to a global challenge. If you're passionate about sustainability and tech or just curious to learn more, please come and join in on the conversation.

🚨💰 DON'T MISS this opportunity to understand how to access Angel Investing! Join us for an informative session with Ian Lane, Executive Director of (NOA), as he explores the world of angel investing 💸 and growth capital 📈. Learn what angel investors do, how investment term sheets work, what investors look for during evaluation and due diligence, and how the rise of AI is creating new investment opportunities. This is a valuable event for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to grow, scale, and attract investment.
Event happens: Thursday August 13th from Noon to 2pm
🍽 LUNCH INCLUDED!
Register: https://accessangelinvesting.eventbrite.ca/

Here are some great photos of the FEAST launch that happened Wednesday with our partners and FedNor. Great turn out to hear about this exciting new program. Find out more about this great opportunity here: https://www.nwoinnovation.ca/feast/ Photo Credit: SGEI

🚨 New Workshop Announcement! Join us for an informative session with Ian Lane, Executive Director of (NOA), as he explores the world of angel investing 💸 and growth capital 📈. Learn what angel investors do, how investment term sheets work, what investors look for during evaluation and due diligence, and how the rise of AI is creating new investment opportunities. This is a valuable event for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to grow, scale, and attract investment.

Event happens: Thursday August 13th from Noon to 2pm
🍽 LUNCH INCLUDED!

Register: https://accessangelinvesting.eventbrite.ca/

🚨 Launch Anouncement 🚨
The NWO Innovation Centre is excited to announce the launch of FEAST Hub (Food Enterprises Advancement and SME Transformation) through a partnership with and FEDNOR. It is a nine-to-twelve-month business accelerator designed to help food entrepreneurs in the Kenora and Rainy River region grow from farmers’ market vendors into scalable, full-time operations.

FEAST supports entrepreneurs who have validated their products and are ready to scale. Each cohort consisting of six participants will receive:

• Access to SGEI’s Kenora Campus commercial kitchen (10 hours/month) with storage
• Mentorship and networking with other food entrepreneurs
• Guidance on food safety and regulatory compliance
• Up to $5,000 in reimbursement funding (50% cost-share) for eligible expenses

Applications are open until August 12, 2026. Interested entrepreneurs can apply by emailing [email protected].

For more info, please visit: https://www.nwoinnovation.ca/feast/

🎉 We're hiring an Events and Communications Coordinator!

This role focuses on supporting the business advisory team through daily/weekly social media posts and coordinating various NOIC events. As a key member of the NOIC team, the E & C Coordinator will share client success stories as well as the
achievements of the NOIC.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Contribute to NOIC social media and marketing initiatives, including content development/posting
• Plan and coordinate events to promote NOIC programming and/or NOIC clients
• Engage with new/prospective clients
• Support existing NOIC clients in a business advisory role
• Support NOIC initiatives which may include grant programs, professional development activities, kids’ camps, conferences/trade shows, teaching, and community engagement
• Other tasks as assigned
For more information about the position can be found here: https://www.nwoinnovation.ca/careers/
🚨 Application's are due: July 24th!

Join us for the next Third Tuesday as we discuss Quantum Computing with Haard Pathak. He will cut through the hype and explore what quantum computers actually are, using everyday examples to explain concepts like superposition and entanglement in plain English. The discussion will look at where quantum computing and AI intersect, looking at the technology’s journey from its early beginnings to today’s breakthroughs. Haard will share his vision for a future where quantum, AI, and classical computing work together as one integrated system, and why there’s no reason that the future can’t be built right here in Thunder Bay. Whether you code, run a business, teach, invest, or are simply curious, this discussion will be educational and interactive.

Join us this Friday for BizKids Market Day and discover the amazing businesses created by young entrepreneurs. From handcrafted products and creative gifts to tasty treats and unique ideas, these young business owners have worked hard to turn their ideas into reality.

Come shop local, meet future business owners, and help encourage these inspiring kids as they showcase and sell their products.

Congratulations to all the Ascend graduates! Lots of hard work and perseverance was needed to get to this point. We wish you all the best moving forward!