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July 2026

Bridging Technology and Human Connection

A Durham Region innovator is reshaping the way we connect with information. With its AI-powered voice technology, Miramedia helps bridge technology and human connection by making digital content more accessible, engaging and natural. 

The Whitby-based company has more than two decades of experience supporting brands and retailers, and while its roots are in health and wellness, its technology is being applied across a wide range of industries and communities. 

Through its Voice Model platform, Miramedia recently partnered with the Downtown Whitby Business Improvement Area to create a customized voice assistant. It debuted at last year’s Home Sweet Home Festival, helping visitors navigate the downtown core and discover local restaurants, shops and services.

For Miramedia, expanding in Durham Region made strategic sense, crediting the region’s collaborative business community and access to local partnerships that support its growth.

Invest Durham has partnered with Fundica to provide businesses with a simple way to find government funding in Canada. 

Through its proprietary search tool and intelligent filtering, Fundica helps entrepreneurs and businesses find grants, tax credits, other tax incentives, loans, loan guarantees, equity funding and accelerator programs. 

The service is free to use and supports businesses of all sizes and sectors, including non-profits, startups and small, medium and large companies. Getting started requires creating a profile and setting a password. Once registered, users receive instant access to funding opportunities tailored to their needs.

Connecting Classrooms to Careers

Building on its work as Intelligent Community of the Year, Durham Region recently brought together partners from across sectors to explore shared priorities. Among the discussions was how strong connections between students, educators and employers work together to build a skilled workforce where local talent can succeed. 

With four post-secondary schools welcoming 30,000 full-time students each year, the region benefits from a strong and diverse talent pipeline. This pipeline is built through the region’s collaborative approach—bringing together educators and employers to align education and training with local industry demand and real-world needs.  

Students gain valuable hands-on experience through opportunities, such as community-based research and living labs, preparing them with practical, career-ready skills. This approach not only supports student success but also helps local businesses access the skilled talent they need to grow.

Durham Region’s Business Count continues this month. The annual project surveys local businesses about their operations, providing important information that helps shape economic development programs and services tailored to the region’s business community. 

All businesses, including home-based businesses, non-profit organizations and farms, are encouraged to participate. Surveyors, recognizable by their navy-blue Region of Durham shirts and photo ID cards, are making in-person visits and as well as connecting by phone. The Business Count can also be completed online.

Events and Partnerships

You’ve built the foundation for your business and now it’s time to grow. Starter Company Plus, from the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD), is a program designed for entrepreneurs ready to move from surviving to thriving. 

Participants get hands-on training, expert mentorship and the opportunity to secure up to $5,000 in grant funding to fuel your next stage of growth.



BACD is currently accepting applications for its July and September programs.

Join the Brilliant Energy Institute and the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council for a webinar exploring how Durham Region is supporting international innovation in isotope development.  

The online session on July 28 from 10 to 11 a.m. will highlight the region’s globally recognized nuclear ecosystem and how regional strengths are contributing to Canada’s leadership in the sector. The discussion will also explore the role of collaboration in advancing clean energy and health technologies.

Recent Business News

The North Durham Chamber of Commerce has been named the Fastest Growing Small Chamber in Canada by the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada. It saw growth of nearly 70 per cent in the past year. Check out the rankings. 

Oshawa is positioning itself as a key player in the Provincial government’s proposed Ontario Defence Industrial Strategy. Find out why the city feels it can support growth in Canada’s evolving defence sector. 

GEODIS, a global leader in transportation and logistics, is coming to Ajax. The new facility at the Lakeridge Logistics Centre will serve as a logistics and warehousing centre for Milwaukee Tool. Read more about what’s coming. 

Montreal-based Velan is planning to build a new manufacturing facility in Durham Region as part of a partnership with GE Vernova Hitachi to supply key components for small modular reactors (SMR) in Europe. The work will support Ontario’s efforts to expand the SMR supply chain overseas. Find the details on the announcement. 

The Ontario government is investing more than $151 million in Durham College to support access to high-demand programming and respond to evolving labour market needs. In addition, the province is also investing $91.9 million in Ontario Tech University to expand career-connected learning opportunities in high-demand sectors. 

Nine Durham College students have been recognized with national chemistry awards. Learn all about the award recipients. 

Uxbridge filmmaker, Jacob Phair, debuted his feature film at the Oakville Film Festival in June. Discover the story behind the movie. 

Researchers at Ontario Tech University are exploring how AI-enabled social robots may support mental health and accessibility. Explore how the research could shape the future of care. 

The first class of students enrolled in Trent Durham’s two Artificial Intelligence programs has completed its first year. Find out what students are saying about their studies. 

Ontario Power Generation’s Mallika Khurana is helping advance the Pickering refurbishment project while supporting the next generation of women in engineering. Read her story.

Contact Us

Toll-free: 1-800-706-9857

InvestDurham.ca 



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