As we step into April, we're excited to share new updates, resources, and events to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. With the support of the Brampton Innovation District, there’s no better time to turn bold ideas into real impact.

And because we know every founder needs a little laugh along the way...

Why did the startup founder bring a ladder to the pitch meeting?

Because they were ready to raise the next round! 📈😂

Ready to climb higher? Explore resources, connect with our innovation community, and take your next step forward by visiting our website.

STARTUP SHOWCASE

Led by Ibrahim Alhemyari, Founder and Managing Director, Marasi has leveraged Brampton’s strategic advantages to build a business rooted in efficiency, growth, and connectivity. We're proud to share that Marasi is part of BHive’s Brampton NEXT Spring 2025 Cohort, a soft landing pad for international entrepreneurs in Brampton’s Innovation District.

Marasi is a global ethnic marketplace app that enables customers to discover and purchase unique and culturally diverse products from around the world, promoting the rich heritage of different cultures. Their fast and reliable shipping ensures that customers can receive their orders, such as delicious baklava, within just 1-3 days, no matter where they are in the world.

Why Brampton?

“Being located in the heart of Brampton was a key factor in our efficiency,” says Ibrahim. From unmatched access to major highways and Pearson Airport to a diverse talent pool and pro-business environment, the city has been instrumental in Marasi’s success.

With a progressive innovation ecosystem, strong municipal support, and programs like Brampton NEXT, Marasi has tapped into the tools, resources, and networks needed to thrive. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale—Brampton is built for business.

DISTRICT WIN

On March 19, 2025, the Brampton Innovation District, in collaboration with Invest Brampton – Economic Development Office, supported a delegation to Brampton’s Committee of Council by Jason Carvalho, President & CEO of Carvalho Capital.

Jason is a visionary leader and founder known for transforming big ideas into reality. As a senior executive and change catalyst, he brings deep expertise across operations, engineering, e-commerce, and finance—and is now focused on fueling innovation in the space sector through initiatives like SpaceChallenge.com.

The delegation highlighted the rapidly expanding global space economy, projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2040. And this future goes far beyond rockets—it includes advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity—fields where Brampton already thrives.

The presentation showcased Brampton’s leadership in the local and national space economy:

MDA Space’s Centre of Excellence for Space Robotics positions Brampton as a key player in Canada’s space industry.
Moonshot 2025, a collaboration with Canon Canada, InspireTech, MDA, Launch Canada, and the City of Brampton, will engage over 150 students in space tech exploration.
The Ontario Space Cluster gathered at Canon’s Brampton HQ to discuss the future of the sector.
SpaceChallenge.com, launched by Carvalho Capital and HUMANUS.VC, is finding, funding, and fueling the next generation of space startups—creating jobs, attracting investment, and driving innovation.
The Brampton Innovation District is a proud community partner in these efforts, supporting the City’s broader innovation strategy.

With strong leadership and strategic investment, Brampton is helping define the future of space—right now.

WATCH THE FULL DELEGATION

DISTRICT UPDATES

Launching the Next Generation of Space Startups

The space economy is booming—and Brampton is on the launchpad.

Created by Carvalho Capital and HUMANUS.VC, SpaceChallenge.com is calling on pre-seed and early-stage spacetech startups to take their innovations to orbit. With over $25,000 in funding and in-kind support, this challenge is designed to find, fund, and fuel the brightest space-focused ventures across the NATO ecosystem.

🚀 Application Deadline Extended: March 31, 2025

🏆 What’s in it for finalists?

Mentorship from leading industry experts
Exposure to top-tier investors and VCs
A live pitch event in Q2 2025
Access to HUMANUS.VC’s exclusive innovation ecosystem

🌌 Focus Areas Include:

Affordable and fast access to space
Satellite-powered climate solutions
Human-robot collaboration for space exploration
Space asset resilience and cybersecurity

Whether you're building the next breakthrough in aerospace, AI for Earth observation, or lunar logistics—this is your chance to take your startup to the next frontier.

🔗 Apply now at SpaceChallenge.com

📩 Questions? Reach out to apply@spacechallenge.com

LEARN MORE

Join the City of Brampton's Economic Development Team!

Looking to make an impact in Brampton’s growing innovation and business ecosystem? We’re currently hiring for several exciting roles across the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre (BEC) and EDO Investment Services teams:

Business Advisor (6-Month Contract) -- Apply by March 29, 2025

Support Brampton’s small business community through advisory services, workshops, and economic development initiatives.

Junior Expeditor (Full-Time) -- Apply by April 7, 2025

Help businesses navigate development approvals and support Brampton’s land-use planning and growth strategies.

Analyst, Investment Services (Full-Time) -- Apply by April 7, 2025

Research economic trends, analyze property and infrastructure data, and support key investment attraction efforts.

Know someone who’d be a great fit? Encourage them to apply today! Visit the City of Brampton Careers Page for full job postings.

#2025 Spring Moonshot — April 17th!

InspireTech Canada, in partnership with Launch Canada, Canon Canada, and the Brampton Innovation District, is thrilled to host high school students for an exciting day of exploration, education, and hands-on learning in space technology and rocketry!

Opportunities for youth to:

✨ Discover career paths in space technology and rocketry
🚀 Engage with industry leaders shaping the future of space exploration
🔬 Participate in hands-on STEM workshops
🌌 Learn about cutting-edge space innovations

This out-of-this-world experiential learning day is a unique opportunity to ignite curiosity, foster innovation, and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts!

For more details or to get involved, contact Kyle Boyko at InspireTech Canada

📩 Email: Kyle.Boyko@InspireTech.ca

LEARN MORE

DiscoveryX 2025 — April 16 - April 17

The DiscoveryX Conference and Trade Show is back for another inspiring year—and the Brampton Innovation District is proud to be a partner of OCI’s DiscoveryX in 2025!

Hosted by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), DiscoveryX is more than just a conference—it’s a vibrant meeting ground for Ontario’s brightest innovators, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and change-makers. With thousands of attendees and hundreds of companies participating, DiscoveryX continues to drive collaboration, new ideas, and breakthrough innovation across sectors.

📍Location: Enercare Centre, 100 Princes’ Blvd, Exhibition Place, Toronto

🚀 What to Expect:

Cutting-edge innovations across tech, health, clean energy, space, and more
Engaging keynotes, panel discussions, and hands-on exhibits
Opportunities to network with investors, founders, and public/private partners
A showcase of Ontario’s thriving innovation ecosystem in action

LEARN MORE

BBOT 2025 Energy + Environment Forum — April 24

The BBOT E+E Forum is Brampton’s premier event for business leaders committed to sustainability, innovation, and environmental responsibility. Hosted at Canon Canada’s state-of-the-art headquarters, this full-day forum brings together subject matter experts, policymakers, innovators, and local businesses to explore the evolving landscape of energy and the environment.

This full-day event features: