Innovation doesn’t happen in a single moment. It happens when ideas connect, partnerships form, and communities come together around a shared vision for the future.
From June 22-26, WEtech Alliance is proud to launch the first annual Innovation Week, a series of announcements, events, workshops, and community celebrations designed to showcase the momentum building across Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent while setting the stage for what’s next.
Innovation Week is a celebration of the entrepreneurs, researchers, students, industry leaders, investors, and community partners who are helping shape the future of our region. It is also a catalyst, highlighting new opportunities, strategic investments, and collaborative initiatives that will continue driving economic growth and innovation long after the week concludes.
Whether you’re a founder, innovator, student, business leader, or simply curious about the future of our region, Innovation Week offers something for everyone.
Saturday, June 20: Community Walk
Looking to start the celebration early? Join local entrepreneur Jay Coulter on Saturday, June 20th for his second YQG – Startups & AI Walks.
Beginning at 9:30 a.m. in Sandwich Town, this community walk invites founders, developers, technology professionals, and the AI-curious to connect, share ideas, and explore the future of artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship in Windsor-Essex. Participants are invited to continue the conversation over lunch at Rock Bottom Bar & Grill.
Monday, June 22: Applications Open for ScaleUP Accelerator Cohort 10
Innovation Week officially kicks off with the opening of applications for Cohort 10 of WEtech Alliance’s award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator Program.
Powered by Libro Credit Union and delivered in partnership with FedDev Ontario, the Government of Ontario, and Communitech, the ScaleUP Accelerator supports high-growth technology and innovation-based companies across Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent, and Southwestern Ontario.
The six-month program, valued at up to $85,000 per company, provides intensive growth coaching, expert mentorship, curated programming, and strategic connections to help founders accelerate growth and scale successfully. Participating companies also gain opportunities to showcase their businesses throughout the program, culminating in the ScaleUP Showcase pitch competition and a chance to compete for a $20,000 prize.
Applications will be open to up to ten ambitious companies ready to take their growth to the next level.
Tuesday, June 23: Celebrating a Major Milestone for Regional Innovation
On Tuesday, WEtech Alliance will announce details of its official designation as an Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) Regional Technology Development Site (RTDS).
This significant milestone represents a major investment in the Windsor-Essex innovation ecosystem and reinforces the region’s growing leadership in automotive, mobility, transportation, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
The announcement will highlight the collaborative efforts of ecosystem partners working together to strengthen Southwestern Ontario’s innovation economy, including the City of Windsor, University of Windsor, St. Clair College, Invest WindsorEssex, the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel, the Windsor Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce, and industry partners across the region.
The announcement will also provide a glimpse into upcoming programs, initiatives, and opportunities that will support innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and businesses working in the future mobility sector.
Wednesday, June 24 (Part 1): Built in Windsor-Essex: Auto, Manufacturing and the Future of Innovation
For more than a century, Windsor-Essex has been known as a place where things are built. From vehicles and advanced manufacturing technologies to innovative companies, skilled talent, and strong partnerships, our region has played a critical role in shaping Canada’s automotive and manufacturing sectors.
As downtown Windsor launches its new Innovation District, join industry leaders, entrepreneurs, business professionals, and community stakeholders for an engaging fireside chat exploring the future of automotive innovation, advanced manufacturing, and economic growth in our region.
Featuring a fireside chat between Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA), and Ryan Donally, President & CEO of the Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce, this discussion will examine the opportunities and challenges facing Canada’s automotive and manufacturing sectors as emerging technologies, electrification, automation, and global competition continue to reshape how we build, move, and compete.
Topics will include:
- The future of Canada’s automotive and manufacturing industries
- Opportunities for entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs
- Supply chain evolution and advanced manufacturing technologies
- Building a stronger innovation ecosystem in Windsor-Essex
Event Agenda
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Networking and light appetizers
12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
Fireside Chat: Built in Windsor-Essex: Auto, Manufacturing and the Future of Innovation
1:15 PM – 1:30 PM
Audience Q&A
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Networking and event wrap-up
Wednesday, June 24 (Part 2): Tech Connect Meetup – Innovation District Edition
The centerpiece of Innovation Week will be a special Tech Connect Meetup: Innovation District Edition, a public celebration of the people, organizations, and technologies driving innovation in Windsor-Essex.
Hosted by WEtech Alliance and powered by Rocket Innovation Studio, the event takes place from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Ferry Street between Pitt Street and Chatham Street in downtown Windsor, directly in front of Greenshield Hall and Rocket Innovation Studio.
The event will feature the official unveiling of the new Innovation District banners, marking an exciting milestone for the region’s growing innovation ecosystem. This collaborative initiative brings together partners including Rocket Innovation Studio, the University of Windsor, St. Clair College, Invest WindsorEssex, OVIN and OCI to showcase Windsor-Essex as a destination for innovation, entrepreneurship, and advanced technology.
Attendees can expect:
- A special appearance by the APMA’s Project Arrow 2.0 concept vehicles, Vector and Borealis, showcasing Canada’s next-generation zero-emission automotive innovation.
- Interactive exhibits featuring robotics, drones, advanced mobility technologies, and innovations from local small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Demonstrations from the University of Windsor Formula Electric Team and their student-designed electric race car.
- Opportunities to connect with entrepreneurs, students, researchers, investors, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners.
- The official Innovation District banner unveiling ceremony.
- Food will be available for purchase from the Whamburg & Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream food trucks, serving up delicious eats throughout the afternoon.
Thursday, June 25: Helping Women Founders Increase Their Visibility in the AI Era
Innovation Week continues with a specialized workshop designed to help women and women-identifying founders navigate a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Hosted at Greenshield Hall, this hands-on session will explore how women-led businesses can improve their visibility across both traditional search engines and emerging AI-powered discovery platforms.
Participants will learn:
- How AI is changing online search behaviour.
- How AI tools determine which businesses and brands to recommend.
- Strategies for improving discoverability across search and generative AI platforms.
- How to create content optimized for both SEO and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO).
- Practical actions they can immediately implement to increase visibility and attract more leads and customers.
Attendees will leave with a clear, actionable AI visibility strategy designed to help their business stand out in an increasingly AI-driven marketplace.
Friday, June 26: Looking Ahead
Innovation Week concludes on Friday with a look back at the milestones, announcements, and connections made throughout the week, while also looking ahead to what’s next for the region’s innovation ecosystem.
WEtech Alliance will recap the week’s highlights and share additional announcements that underscore the exciting opportunities on the horizon for Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent. From new programs and partnerships to future initiatives designed to support entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders, these announcements will reinforce the momentum generated throughout the week.
Building the future together
Innovation Week is only the beginning.
As our region continues to grow as a hub for technology, entrepreneurship, advanced manufacturing, mobility innovation, and talent development, Innovation Week serves as both a celebration of how far we’ve come and a launchpad for where we’re headed next.
The investments being announced, the partnerships being strengthened, and the innovators being showcased throughout the week all point toward a common goal: building a stronger, more connected, and more innovative future for Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.
We invite the entire community to join us as we celebrate innovation, collaboration, and the future of our region.
Supported by the Ontario government through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation.
