NL Tech is Growing - Join the Momentum: IW25

Newfoundland and Labrador’s tech sector is growing faster than ever — and Innovation Week 2025 is set to capture that momentum. In 2023, the sector contributed $1.8 billion to provincial GDP. With nearly 10,000 people now working in tech across the province, the industry is proving itself as a powerful driver of economic diversification and global opportunity.

With anchors like Nasdaq Verafin showcasing what can be achieved in NL, other innovators — from Colab and Spellbook to Kraken Robotics, Solace Power, and Avalon Holographics — are reaching new international markets while staying firmly rooted at home. Their success is fuelled not only by world-class innovation, but also by the province’s collaborative community and exceptional quality of life — key advantages that attract talent and keep companies anchored here as they grow. 

This momentum sets the stage for Innovation Week 2025 (IW25), happening October 27–29, 2025, at the St. John’s Convention Centre. Now in its 12th year, Innovation Week has become the province’s flagship technology and innovation conference, drawing founders, executives, investors, students, and policymakers together under one roof. 

Over three days, IW25 will feature global thought leaders alongside local legends of innovation, with sessions designed to equip companies with the insights, skills, and relationships they need to grow. 

“Innovation Week is about more than showcasing the tech sector — it’s about creating the connections that help companies grow, secure talent, and scale to new markets,” says Florian Villaumé, CEO of techNL. “Our tech community thrives on collaboration, and that spirit, combined with tech companies succeeding globally and the quality of life we enjoy here, is what sets the Newfoundland and Labrador tech scene apart.” 

With more than 500 participants expected, including over 250 post-secondary students, Innovation Week 2025 will strengthen the pipeline of talent and partnerships that fuel company growth and global expansion from Newfoundland and Labrador. 

For more information, visit technl.ca/innovation-week-2025/ 

Call for organizations to exhibit at My New St. John’s Expo

We’re excited to announce that registration for organizations is now open for My New St. John’s Expo 2025, happening Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the St. John’s Community Market. This annual event is a great opportunity for organizations to connect with newcomers and the wider community, sharing services, resources, and supports that help make St. John’s a welcoming place for all. Spots are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.  To learn more or register as an exhibitor, please reach out to immigration@stjohns.ca.

Innovation Waves: Cold Ocean Innovation on the Edge

Innovation Waves will be hosted by Oceans Advance on October 6–8, 2025, and is an industry showcase focused on cutting-edge cold ocean technologies and applications.

This three-day event brings together innovators, researchers, and industry leaders tackling the toughest challenges of cold oceans and highlighting solutions tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of cold ocean environments. From sustainable fisheries and marine defence to offshore energy, aquaculture, subsea robotics, and Arctic exploration – the opportunities are here and this conference is your gateway to ocean innovation in one of the world’s most rugged and resource-rich regions.

Apply now: Workforce Relief Fund for local businesses 

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) recently announced a series of initiatives to promote internal trade across Canada. The $5 million Workforce Relief Fund is meant to assist businesses impacted by tariffs offering up to $200,000 per organization for training, retaining and upskilling costs. A Fair Registration Practices Act was proclaimed to help improve labour mobility and foreign recognition for many occupations in NL. The Fair Registration Practices Office will support skilled newcomers, Canadians educated abroad and those with credentials from other provinces and territories by ensuring they receive transparent, timely, and fair assessments from the relevant regulatory bodies for their chosen professions. To receive support from the Office, please email: FairRegistration@gov.nl.ca. 

Insight Business Consulting Program

The Insight Business Consulting Program at Memorial University pairs start-up companies with full-time MBA students for project support. Companies gain fresh solutions and insights, while students gain real-world experience. This program is free for start-up companies. Applications for the fall semester are due Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 3 PM NDT. For details and to apply, visit www.mun.ca. 

Provincial Government launches Restaurant Loan Guarantee Program

Restaurants throughout Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) play a key role in our communities and our economy. To help restaurants navigate financial challenges the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador launched a Restaurant Loan Guarantee Program. The program is targeted toward businesses operating full-service restaurants that require emergency debt restructuring to protect the long-term operation of the business. The program will offer loan guarantees of a maximum of $100,000 per loan to financial institutions that lend to qualifying businesses. Loans up to the maximum amount will be fully guaranteed by the Government of NL and will have a repayment term of up to 10 years. Further details can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/iet/funding/restaurant-loan-guarantee-program/.