About Us
TechPlace is more than just a place to work
Our mission is to nurture entrepreneurial activity by connecting and supporting the development of talent, technology and resources that will ultimately lead to a stronger and more robust regional economy.
300
members
33
LaunchPad companies
20
Countries we've welcomed visitors from
15,000
Visitors
The Story
Released in 2016, the City of Burlington’s new 25-year Strategic Plan tasked Burlington Economic Development with creating a strategy for growing local talent, supporting existing businesses, and nurturing the start-up and growth of new companies. Burlington EcDev hit the ground running, meeting with 80+ members of the innovation community and leaders from best-in-class ecosystems in the USA and Canada. Within 6 months, we developed an Innovation and Entrepreneurship strategy that culminated in the recommendation to establish a physical space where the entrepreneurial community could come together to start and scale successful businesses.
In June 2017, TechPlace opened its doors. The 8,600 sq. ft. space welcomed more than 2,000 visitors in the first 6 months and the space quickly became a well-known example of how municipal organizations can support local innovation and entrepreneurship.
The energy was palpable, and over the first year it became clear that TechPlace was meeting a need that had gone unmet for a long time: an established place in Burlington where entrepreneurs from across the region could tap into everything they need under one roof.
Since then, we've expanded our LaunchPad program, and today we have capacity for ten companies in our private offices and flexible and dedicated hot desks for many more. The event space has seen more than 400 events, and 136 new products and services have been brought to market by companies working at TechPlace. Now that's impact.
Burlington is surrounded by innovation, with Hamilton to the West, Kitchener-Waterloo directly to the North, and Toronto to the East. We're ideally situated in the middle, and TechPlace is home to Innovation Factory and Angel One Investor Network. These partners are co-located in TechPlace and drive a lot of the programming and individualized support to entrepreneurs. Learn more about the partners that make TechPlace such a vibrant place to be.
The Model
Our unique membership model helps to ensure we have the right mix of companies within our walls.
To become a member at TechPlace, or to apply for a private office in our LaunchPad or Soft Landing programs, you must obtain an endorsement from one of our partners. Our network of local and international partners offer a wide range of expertise, including funding, mentorship, programming, and international expansion. They tell us which companies would benefit from the space and which ones have the most potential to grow. This collaborative approach is what makes TechPlace a destination for the best in tech.
We'll work with you to complete the endorsement section of your application. So get your application started by choosing the membership that works for you, and we'll look forward to connecting you to the right partners.
Best in Class
In 2020, the International Economic Development Council recognized TechPlace as one of the best economic development programs for entrepreneurship in North America.
This gold medal represents not only the space, but the community that brings it to life.
The Team
To say our team is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs in our community would be an understatement. This is a team with the skills, networks and know-how to get our members the momentum they need to take their business to the next level.
TechPlace is an initiative led by Burlington Economic Development, an agency of the City of Burlington that delivers economic development services on behalf of the City of Burlington.
Digital Main Street
TechPlace is home to Digital Main Street programs which provide your business with free digital transformation consulting and coaching through the Digital Service Squad Team Member.
The Location
Welcome to urban living with a small town feel
45 minutes west of Toronto, on the north shore of Lake Ontario, lies Burlington. It's a city of safe neighbourhoods, protected rural spaces and natural beauty. Here, you will find a backdrop for a thriving economic and technological infrastructure, one that provides every opportunity for your startup or business expansion.
Learn more about Burlington's key industries and growth opportunities.
