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title: "Innovate Niagara: News + Opportunities AUGUST 2026"
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Discover new funding opportunities, partner updates, upcoming events, and the latest innovation news from Niagara. ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­    ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  

| View in browser View this email in your browser June 2026 Hi , check out our June newsletter Applications Closing Monday: Up to $5,000 Available Through the Niagara Technology Grants Fund   Looking to implement new technology in your organization? The Niagara Technology Grants Fund (NTGF) is now accepting applications from Niagara businesses and not-for-profit organizations seeking to improve operations, enhance service delivery, and drive growth through technology adoption.   Delivered through a partnership between Innovate Niagara and Venture Niagara, the program offers grants of up to $5,000 per eligible project to support initiatives such as artificial intelligence, automation, cybersecurity, digital transformation, e-commerce, and other technology-focused projects.   Applications close September 7, 2026, so don't wait to explore how this funding opportunity can help bring your technology project to life.   👉 Learn more and apply today. Bill Mantel Concludes His Term as Chair of Innovate Niagara's Board of Directors   Innovate Niagara extends its sincere gratitude to Bill Mantel as he concludes his term as Chair of the Board of Directors.   Throughout his tenure, Bill played an important role in guiding Innovate Niagara's strategic direction and supporting the organization's mission to help innovators, entrepreneurs, and technology-driven companies thrive across the Niagara region. His leadership, insight, and commitment to fostering innovation have contributed to the growth and strength of Niagara's entrepreneurial ecosystem.   We thank Bill for his dedicated service and lasting impact on the organization and Niagara's entrepreneurial community. Innovate Niagara Welcomes Helen Furtado and Matt Giffen to its Board of Directors   Innovate Niagara is pleased to welcome Helen Furtado and Matt Giffen to its Board of Directors, bringing decades of leadership experience in finance, strategic planning, capital markets, entrepreneurship, and sustainable business growth.   Helen Furtado is a Chartered Professional Accountant with more than 35 years of financial leadership experience, including over two decades in municipal government. Throughout her career, she has led transformative initiatives in areas such as infrastructure planning, affordable housing, and economic development, while strengthening organizational accountability and long-term sustainability.   Matt Giffen is the Founder of Bench Brewing Company and a former global banking executive with more than 24 years of experience in capital markets and infrastructure finance. Since establishing Bench Brewing in Niagara's Benchlands, he has built an award-winning, sustainability-focused business recognized for its commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and community development.   Together, Helen and Matt bring valuable expertise, strategic insight, and a shared commitment to supporting innovation and economic growth across Niagara. We look forward to their contributions as Innovate Niagara continues to empower entrepreneurs, startups, and growing companies throughout the region.   👉 Learn more about our newest Board members and their backgrounds. See what our clients & partners are up to this month!  Destiny Copper set for $100 million investment and up to 100 new jobs in Thorold Innovate Niagara client Destiny Copper has reached a significant milestone with a planned $100 million investment from German shipbuilder TKMS over the next five years.   The investment will support the expansion of Destiny Copper's innovative copper recycling technology and help accelerate the company's growth from its base in Thorold, Ontario.   According to CEO Greg Hanna, the expansion is expected to create up to 100 new jobs at Destiny Copper, while generating additional opportunities for suppliers, engineering firms, and other businesses throughout the region.   👉 Read more Niagara College Research & Innovation Helps Bring Campus Crush Seltzers to Market Niagara College's Research & Innovation division is celebrating the successful launch of Campus Crush, a new line of ready-to-drink wine-based seltzers developed in collaboration with the College's Teaching Winery.   Through the expertise of the Food and Beverage Innovation Centre (FBIC), researchers, staff, and students worked together to develop two premium products, Raspberry Rhubarb Rosé and Lime Cucumber Riesling, taking the concept from formulation and testing to a market-ready product.  👉 Read more Brock LINC Up! Networking Event Brock University's LINC Up! Networking Event returns on September 23, bringing together startups, small and medium-sized businesses, researchers, innovators, support organizations, and funding partners from across Niagara's innovation ecosystem.   Hosted at the Brock LINC, the event offers attendees an opportunity to expand their networks, explore available programs and services, and connect directly with key ecosystem partners and funders, including Innovate Niagara, Niagara College Research & Innovation, Venture Niagara, Niagara Angel Network, Ontario Centre of Innovation, Mitacs, and more.   Participants will also learn about the resources available through Brock University's innovation and entrepreneurship network, making this an excellent opportunity for organizations seeking support, collaboration, funding, or growth opportunities.   👉 Register to attend and connect with Niagara's innovation community. Applications Open: Brock LINC Navigate Program Have a business idea you're ready to explore? Applications are now open for the Fall 2026 Navigate Cohort at Brock LINC.   This 11-week program is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs develop and grow their ideas through hands-on learning, one-on-one support from Brock LINC staff, mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, and a collaborative startup community.   Application deadline: September 9, 2026. Apply to the Navigate Program → Innovate Niagara, 386 St. Paul Street Suite 102, St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 3N2, Canada Unsubscribe Manage preferences |
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