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It's October and we’re here to keep your momentum strong with inspiring events, valuable resources and exciting new opportunities.
And because we know every founder needs a good laugh along the way...
Why did the founder bring a cybersecurity expert to the Halloween party?
Because they knew the scariest thing in October isn't a ghost or goblin...it's a phishing email that looks like it came from your bank.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Is your startup secure?
Explore resources, connect with our innovation community, and take your next step forward by visiting our website.
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WatchDog Security is a Brampton-based cybersecurity and compliance platform that helps startups and growing businesses strengthen their security posture, manage risks, and prepare for frameworks like SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001.
By bringing security monitoring, compliance management, employee training, vendor assessments, and audit readiness into one platform, WatchDog makes it easier for companies to build trust with customers and focus on growth with confidence.
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Are you a Brampton-based tech startup with a story to share?
Click here to apply to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Brampton Innovation Newsletter.
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6th Annual Brampton Venture Expo
Innovation moves forward when bold ideas, strong partnerships and community come together. Organized by Brampton Venture Zone by TMU and powered by the Brampton Innovation District, BVX2026 brought together 1200+ attendees, 100+ startups and partners, multiple stages and three major pitch competitions, all at The Rose Brampton.
BVX spotlighted the City of Brampton's growing innovation sectors including healthtech, AI and robotics, cybersecurity and defence. The theme "Where Industry Meets Innovation" connected emerging founders with leaders from Myant, Dynacare, Medtronic, MDA Space, Avidbots, Intel and many others.
The three pitch competitions illustrated the commitment to connect founders to capital. The Mitacs Health Innovation Showcase awarded three Healthtech founders from the Brampton Venture Zone Launch cohort a combined $80,000. Congratulations to AthelAI , LBx Bio and LOCVM!
Altitude Accelerator presented Road to Summit Edge, an opportunity for the winning pitch to receive a spot in their Summit Edge cohort and compete for up to $300,000 in investment funding, congratulations to TruckFixr AI; and TiE Toronto hosted TiE Women 2026 Finals and awarded more than $55,000 in cash and in-kind prizes, the winning pitch went to GeneLean 360.
BVX2026 was more than an event - it was a celebration of the collaborative ecosystem being built in Brampton.
| | 6 Brampton Founders on Stage at Nrth (Formerly Elevate) | | |
The Brampton Innovation District was proud to partner with NRTH Festival (formerly Elevate), one of Canada's premier events for entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and innovators.
Six Brampton tech founders took to the Startup Stage at Meridian Hall in downtown Toronto for Rocket Pitches: Brampton Innovation District. The showcase featured live audience voting powered by ibentos. Congratulations to Faith Oloruntoba, Founder & CEO of Cotriply who received the $2,500 Audience Choice Award presented with TiE Toronto plus additional founder support from Sabio Law LLP and PitchScore Inc.
Congratulations to all the founders who took to the stage:
⚡ Flip & Floss — Fintech & Financial Literacy
⚡ SCOOTY — Mobility Technology
⚡ Med Melanin — HealthTech & Health Equity
⚡ GenLedge AI — Enterprise AI
⚡ WatchDog Security — Cybersecurity & Compliance
⚡ Cotriply — TravelTech
Nrth Festival is one of Canada's premier gatherings for entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and innovators and the Brampton Innovation District was proud to also provide over 100 passes to founders and investors in our ecosystem through an Expression of Interest call-out.
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BNext AI is the latest program to launch from BHive and will support small and medium-sized businesses in adopting AI.
Through a 30-day sprint cohort structure, participants will explore opportunities, identify operational use cases, connect with trusted guidance and move toward real-world implementation.
The program is free and supported by the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario and the City of Brampton.
Contact BHive at info@thebhive.ca for more information.
| | Securing Tomorrow: Brampton's Next Generation of Cyber Talent Takes on Real-World Challenges | |
On September 25-27 Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst hosted its first-ever SecOps Hackathon bringing together emerging cybersecurity talent in Brampton to tackle critical challenges facing Canada's agri-food and multi-modal logistics sectors.
40 post-secondary students and entrepreneurs collaborated in teams to develop innovative security solutions, gaining hands-on experience, expert mentorship, and valuable industry connections.
The hackathon highlights Brampton's role as a hub for innovation, technology and talent development and the growing importance of cybersecurity in protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening supply chains.
Congratulations to the winning teams:
- 1st place winning $5,000, HerdShield
- 2nd place winning $2,500 Trucker Trust
- 3rd place winning $1,000 Supply Chek
Thank you to the mentors and industry partners.
| | Upcoming Events/Programming | | |
The Startup Canada Tour is coming to Mississauga’s Living Arts Centre on October 29, 2026 and Brampton Innovation District will be there!
Join fellow founders, experts and industry leaders for a full day of high-impact workshops, keynotes and networking designed to help you scale through today’s business challenges.
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Intellectual Property Foundations for Founders
Founders and startups are invited to an in-person session exploring the fundamentals of intellectual property (IP) and its role in protecting assets, creating value and strengthening company valuation. Experts from Smart & Biggar will cover IP fundamentals, value, risks and funding to help businesses better understand and protect their innovations.
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Build repeatable sales processes. Grow revenue predictably with the Sales Bootcamp by Sheridan Edge.
The Sales Bootcamp is a one-day, in-person experience for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to qualify prospects, handle objections, close more business, and build a more predictable sales process. Hosted at Sheridan College (Mississauga) on October 23, 2026, the bootcamp is limited to 20 participants for a personalized, hands-on learning experience.
| | Technologists, students and community members are invited to explore how data and technology can help address real-world challenges in Fire & Emergency Services. Learn more about Brampton Fire & Emergency Services, discover how data analytics supports its work and explore opportunities to apply your skills to meaningful civic challenges. | | October is Small Business Month. Check out all the events offered by the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre (BEC) and others | | Dealroom: Claim Your Profile and Get Discovered | |
Looking to boost your startup's visibility and attract capital? The City of Brampton has launched an open-access ecosystem platform powered by Dealroom, a real-time data platform connecting local founders, investors and ecosystem partners.

Whether you are seeking seed funding or preparing to scale, having an active profile ensures global investors, corporates and collaborators can find you.
Brampton-Based Startups: Claim or Create Your Dealroom Profile Today to showcase your venture and get discovered.
|   Brampton Startups: Founders Helping Founders | |
Brampton Startups is a founder-led community based in the City of Brampton. It's not an incubator, accelerator or program; it's founders helping founders build real Canadian technology and impactful companies.
Become a member and join us at the BHive, where members meet every week in the heart of the Brampton Innovation District.
Learn more
| | Want to Grow Your Startup? BReady is Here! | |
Looking to grow your startup without spending hours sifting through resumes or paying steep recruiter fees? BReady is an AI-powered platform connecting startups and SMEs in Ontario with highly educated, diverse talent from underrepresented communities.
Since launching in April 2024, BReady has onboarded over 1,100+ candidates and 140+ employers, with success stories growing every week.
Whether you're hiring for tech, biotech, operations, or business roles, BReady helps you discover talent ready to grow with you.
Join now
| | SAVE 10% - Innovation District Theatre Offer | |
Interested in watching artistic and musical showcases in the heart of Brampton?
Bring your team, friends, or community group to enjoy live performances at The Rose Brampton and save! Innovation District partners can access 10% off group bookings with promo code 'INNOVATION' at bramptononstage.ca.
Don’t miss out on this chance to experience Brampton’s vibrant performing arts scene together.
Buy now
| | Get Connected with the Team | | |
Tara Hunter

Manager, Innovation & Technology
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Suvid Ajmera
Coordinator, Innovation & Technology
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Uche Okugo
Coordinator, Innovation & Technology
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Manav Sidhu
Programmer, Innovation & Technology
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