Delegation meets with founders to discuss the future of tech

On Wednesday, a delegation from the Canada Arab Business Council (CABC) visited the Communitech Hub in Kitchener to explore Canada’s tech ecosystem and meet local founders.

The visit provided a platform for five local founders to showcase their solutions. Discussions centered on the use of artificial intelligence (AI), the future of technology and the opportunities to expand to global markets.

About the Canada Arab Business Council (CABC)  

The Canada Arab Business Council (CABC) is a not-for-profit organization focused on supporting trade and investment between Canada and Arab countries. Founded in 1983, the CABC facilitates business relationships and expands economic ties between Canadian businesses and markets in the Middle East and North Africa.  

The CABC delegation included ambassadors to Canada from several Arab countries. Through initiatives like this visit, CABC aims to connect Canadian tech companies with potential partners and investors in the Arab world, encouraging international business growth.  

Startup Showcase 

Six founders presented their solutions during the event:

• FluidAI is developing AI-based solutions to monitor patients after surgery. Its system collects real-time data to help health-care providers track a patient’s recovery to improve outcomes and reduce complications. 
• GeoMate specializes in AI-powered mapping technology and offers high-definition (HD) maps for urban planning, autonomous driving and smart mobility. Its mapping system can generate accurate maps without the need for fieldwork, which makes it more efficient and cost-effective compared to traditional methods.  
• Loop Parking is a platform that allows people to rent out unused parking spaces, similar to how Airbnb rents out properties. This system helps optimize parking in urban areas and provides property owners with an opportunity to monetize their empty spaces.  
• mmSense Technologies focuses on improving the reliability of connected vehicles by addressing issues related to radio interference. Its technology aims to reduce interference in connected cars, which could lead to safer and more efficient transportation systems.  
• Real Life Robotics developed a robot designed for last-mile delivery applications. Its platform, known as BUBS, is being used in industries like healthcare, retail, and hospitality to streamline delivery operations and reduce costs.  
• Cognitive Systems Corp. developed a method to detect motion accurately using the disruption of WiFi signals. Their technology enables devices to ‘see’ motion, connect and automate other smart home devices, and use machine learning and predictive analytics to create a smarter home environment.

Kitchener’s Mayor Speaks on Economic Development  

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic also spoke during the event, highlighting the city’s growth as a hub for innovation. He noted the importance of collaboration between local government, post-secondary institutions like the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College, and organizations such as Communitech. These partnerships, he said, have been essential to the city’s transition from a manufacturing economy to one driven by technology and innovation.  

Mayor Vrbanovic also highlighted the City of Kitchener’s ongoing investments in economic development, including a $100 million economic development investment fund established in the early 2000s to support local businesses. The city is also contributing funding to the opening of Innovation Arena, the latest collaboration space from the University of Waterloo, anchored by Velocity, which will further improve the region’s tech infrastructure. It also continues to operate the Kitchener SDG Idea Factory, an incubator for small businesses in the social enterprise space and sustainability, and businesses led by racialized or equity-seeking groups.  

Opportunities for Growth and Collaboration  

The event was an opportunity to connect with international business leaders and explore how Canadian innovations could be scaled to meet the needs of global markets. For the CABC, it was a chance to learn more about Canada’s tech ecosystem and the opportunities available for companies looking to expand into new markets.  

As the global tech ecosystem continues to grow, initiatives like this demonstrate the importance of international partnerships in driving innovation and economic growth.