Trade Missions, App Launches, and What’s Next for ScaleUP Alumni

Amid the excitement of our current ScaleUP Accelerator cohort, we're also celebrating several exciting milestones and growth opportunities for the program's alumni. From international trade missions and strategic partnerships to fresh product launches and regional expansion opportunities, we're proud to showcase the ongoing impact and ambition of our community’s founders.

Two Windsor Startups Advance in Global Automotive & Mobility Innovation Challenge (GAMIC)

Windsor-based startups Estare and Transits Rewards have advanced to the semifinals of the Global Automotive & Mobility Innovation Challenge (GAMIC) and are among only two Canadian companies selected at this stage of the competition. The semifinals will take place on April 25. DETAILS

NEW Innovation Alchemy Podcasts - Meet ScaleUP Cohort 9

In the latest Innovation Alchemy podcast episodes, WEtech's Director of Venture Services & Partnerships Adam Castle sits down with each of the ten companies that make up Cohort 9 of the ScaleUP Accelerator. Check out the first two episodes featuring Estare and USpeak out now. DETAILS

10+ Ways to Celebrate International Women’s Day 2026

Here are 10+ great regional and virtual events to celebrate International Women's Day in Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent and beyond. DETAILS

University of Windsor Professor and Tech Entrepreneur Named Global Finalist for Women in 3D Printing Innovator Award

Recognized internationally for her research and innovation in additive manufacturing, Dr. Jill Urbanic has advanced as a finalist for the prestigious TCT Women in 3D Printing Innovator Award 2026. The award includes a public vote component (open through February 9). DETAILS

Building a Company When Moat, Money, and Momentum All Feel Thinner

In the current startup landscape, founders often tell us they’ve built something people want; but getting from early interest to a sustainable business can feel harder than ever. In his latest blog, WEtech’s Director of Venture Services & Partnerships Adam Castle explores how founders can rethink defensibility, lean into deeper customer connection, and navigate the gap between idea and adoption in a world where speed and resilience matter more than ever. DETAILS

NEW Client Perk - Render

Render helps teams build, deploy, secure, and scale everything from hundred-line prototypes to complex multi-service app architectures. WEtech clients are now eligible for $5k in credits and additional startup benefits that give them a head start with Render's intelligent cloud platform. DETAILS

More Tech & Innovation News:

• AI research at UWindsor shows promise for earlier detection of eye disease
• Enabling Independence: Branding Through Effective Communication
• Food for Thought: Horticulture innovation aims to benefit greenhouse industry
• Navigating Digital Accessibility as a Startup podcast
• Check out even more tech & innovation news HERE

ScaleUP Showcase & Pitch Competition (Mar 19)

Celebrate the latest regional innovations and witness our ScaleUP Accelerator Cohort 9 participants pitch for a $20,000 grand prize! Join us for an unforgettable evening of innovation, networking, and celebration at the ScaleUP Showcase & Pitch Competition.

Business Bootcamp (Feb 11)

Join the Chatham-Kent Small Business Centre for a fast‑paced Business Bootcamp designed to help new and growing entrepreneurs build strong foundations. DETAILS

Securing API in Vibe Coding (Feb 23)

Join GDG Windsor for an evening with Neha Chaudhari as they dismantle the move fast and break things mentality specifically for API security. DETAILS

She Means Business (Mar 5)

Hosted by the Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce, this event will feature a dynamic panel powered by both WEtech Alliance and Libro Credit Union, bringing together women entrepreneurs and business leaders from across various sectors to share insights and experiences. DETAILS

CIX Summit (Mar 26) - Women+ In Tech Flash Sale

We're proud to be a Community Partner for this year's CIX Summit, taking place March 25 in Toronto. This week only, Elevate is offering 2-for-1 tickets for women+ in tech, female founders, and gender-diverse professionals in the industry. To access the offer, add two tickets of the same pass type to your cart. Use code WOMENCIX2026 to apply the discount. Offer ends February 6. DETAILS

Innovation Blueprint (Mar 26)

Thinking about starting your own business? Have an idea that you want to commercialize? Do you have an existing business and want to diversify your revenue streams? Join us at our our next FREE, in-person, Innovation Blueprint session. DETAILS

Upcoming Hackforge Events

Check out these upcoming tech events from Hackforge. DETAILS

Never Miss a WEtech Alliance Event!

Head on over to our Eventbrite landing page and click the "Follow" button to be notified when we add new events. DETAILS

More Tech Events:

• Downtown Windsor Business & Community Skate Social (Feb 6)
• Biz Connect Networking Night (Feb 11)
• Check out even more Tech Events HERE

AquaAction Binational AquaHacking Challenge Launches Registration

Join the AquaHacking Challenge, a free innovation program uniting students, researchers, and young professionals across Canada and the U.S. to safeguard the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence, one of our most critical shared freshwater systems. No prior experience in entrepreneurship or water technology is required, just curiosity, collaboration, and a desire to make a difference.

WinHacks 2026

Windsor's annual hackathon that brings together innovators, creators, and problem-solvers from diverse backgrounds. This year's event takes place February 7-8th. DETAILS

Check out our Tech Jobs Board filled with dozens of regional Tech Jobs!

Hiring? Post your job for free and we'll help you promote it!