By Pepper Parr
July 27th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It was an occasion for some celebration.
TechPlace had been in operation for more than a year and the plans were rolling out the way Frank McKeown and his team had expected.
Like anything in the high tech field there are surprises – some awkward that call for a course correction and other pleasant that bring out the best in people.
Halton’s “Godfather”, Frank McKeown, taking care of Claire Green’s new baby.
TechPlace manager Claire Green gave birth to a child and McKeown seems to have become the Godfather – fitting title for the man.
Catching up and trading notes.
The evening was to be the Haltech Annual Summer social that took place at TechPlace – the technical type do social a little differently; the participants spend all their time pitching their development and talking about the changes.
The high tech world hierarchy can be confusing:
Haltech is at the nexus of Halton Region’s innovation ecosystem, working with technology companies to accelerate innovation for business growth. Their mission is straightforward: they help technology entrepreneurs and companies to develop and transform their good ideas and product innovations into well positioned, growing ventures.
Haltech first began operating in 2011. The organization went through some bumps getting off the ground and becoming relevant. They have supported more than 500 start-ups and entrepreneurs in Halton region, several of whom have grown into successful commercial businesses.
Haltech focuses on companies who innovate in the following technology sectors that are important in our region: Advanced Manufacturing, Digital Media & ICT, Clean Technology, and Life Sciences & Healthcare.
Explaining what the application is all about.
They have worked with companies in other diverse sectors such as Educational Technology, Agricultural & Food Science, Mining, Consumer Goods, and Social Innovation.
Haltech is funded by the provincial Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science – the current funding is in place for the next two years. A small portion of their funding comes from sponsors.
Anita Cassidy, Interim Executive Director Burlington Economic Development Corporation.
TechPlace is led by the Burlington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC), it is dedicated to connecting, developing, and advancing entrepreneurs at all stages. This means providing access to space, programming, mentorship, networking and resources that are fundamental to growing a business in today’s technology-driven marketplace.
TechPlace rents space to Haltech for there presence in Burlington.
TechPlace is funded by the Burlington Economic Development Corporation that was, until very recently, run by Frank McKeown who retired late in June. Anita Cassidy is serving as the interim TechPlace Executive Director; she is a candidate in the competition for the job.
