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The EOIC initiative was created in 2020 with the vision of establishing Eastern Ontario as a leading, forward-thinking innovation district within Canada, attracting both homegrown and global talent. Today, the EOIC is a proactive vehicle that connects the broad scope of business resources, support and learning networks that regions across Eastern Ontario have to offer in one all-encompassing support system for SME’s who are looking to launch, scale or break into international markets.

The EOIC is committed to fostering
connections and opportunities

The EOIC is committed to fostering connections and opportunities within the Eastern Ontario corridor to support global action through local, organizational, and independent activities and introductions. One of the hubs within the EOIC, Queens University, will lead the way with regards to how the EOIC will contribute to the SDGs. Queens University was ranked by the Times Higher Education Impact Ratings as the first university in Canada and fifth in the world that’s advancing the SDGs within, and beyond, their local community.

Drive innovation
forward

Support startups and SME’s in scaling and expanding into new markets, increasing their global competitive advantage. In particular, supporting businesses owned by underrepresented groups (female, francophone, indigenous and newcomers to Canada)
Provide programming designed to assist businesses from other countries to establish a Canadian footprint and infuse our ecosystem with world-leading, cutting-edge innovation
Encourage and educate startups, SMEs, and international businesses in the adopting of digital and transformative technology solutions (including 4.0 industry solutions) to ensure business resilience and growth
Empower business founders and their leadership teams to effectively address challenges, and eliminate obstacles and find new opportunities for growth through mentorships/advisory and programming

Foster collaboration

Strengthening the
key sectors

Work in collaboration with community partners and organizations to help find universal solutions to industry challenges
Attract international startups, SMEs and talent with skills, solutions and products that will strengthen and future proof the sectors critical to economic recovery
Expand the opportunity for sector-specific collisions, enabling entrepreneurs, business owners’ industry partners, academia, and like-minded peers to collectively find progressive opportunities for driving innovation
Foster opportunities for local organizations to collectively address the Sustainable Development Goals and find innovative solutions to drive social impact
Create opportunities for sharing innovation successes, highlighting sectors of strength to attract talent and businesses to the region

Destination for Innovation

Market the global competitive advantage of doing business in Eastern Ontario to attract and retain startups, SMEs, and talent to the region
Promote EOIC as a connected eco-system of industry partners, government, academia, angel investors, innovation hubs, and accelerators who provide resources and supports to startups and SME’s
Promote our cluster of world-class educational institutions providing research and development for SMEs and providing access to skilled a highly skilled workforce

Highlight the competitive operating costs to help support existing businesses and attract new businesses coming into the region
Promote the connected industry networks and associations that offer support to businesses both within the region and internationally
Highlight that the EOIC is home to two of the fastest-growing cities in Canada – Oshawa & Belleville
Elevate the uniqueness of living and working in rural communities whilst being in close proximity to three of Canada’s largest markets Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal

What Makes The EOIC Unique?

The phrase “it takes a village” is at the heart of the EOIC. While other parts of the province tend to concentrate their supports within their own respective regions, the EOIC is an initiative in which communities across Eastern Ontario can build upon, and combine, their existing strengths to create a stronger, more robust support and resource network for entrepreneurs. It also provides a forum for Eastern Ontario communities to discuss additional ways in which to support their innovation ecosystems and to cross-promote successes stemming from each district. Not only does this unified network provide entrepreneurs with broader access to supports and resources, it also positions Eastern Ontario as the place to be for entrepreneurs to grow and succeed, attracting entrepreneurs and innovators — both local and from abroad — to the district.