TechAlliance to support local businesses and drive innovation in critical sectors
News release
Government of Canada investing $3.5 million to support over 115 businesses across the region
September 29, 2025 – London, Ontario
London is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities with strengths in agri-food, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, and health and life sciences. The Government of Canada is dedicated to supporting businesses and organizations as they drive sustainable growth and innovation to build a more resilient and prosperous future for southern Ontario’s economy.
Today, Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for London Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), visited TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario (TechAlliance) to announce an investment of $3.5 million to launch Polaris. MP Fragiskatos was joined by the Honourable Arielle Kayabaga, Deputy Government House Leader and Member of Parliament for London West.
Led by TechAlliance, Polaris will assist high-potential firms in developing cutting-edge technological solutions across a variety of sectors, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, medical technologies, digital health innovation, agricultural technologies, clean growth, housing manufacturing, and zero-emissions vehicles. The project will provide entrepreneurs with comprehensive support, including access to training initiatives, mentorship, advisory services, seed funding, leadership development, and coaching.
Through this targeted programming, Polaris will support the growth of over 115 high-potential firms, bridge gaps between rural and urban communities, foster sustainable job creation, encourage the adoption of clean technology, and strengthen and enhance global competitiveness for participating businesses.
Through this investment, we are advancing innovation, accelerating job creation and building a stronger, more resilient economy for the future.
Quotes
“Today’s investment in Polaris highlights our government’s commitment to driving innovation and sustainable economic growth across southern Ontario. By supporting organizations like TechAlliance, we are empowering businesses in both rural and urban communities to develop cutting-edge Canadian solutions, strengthening our region’s global competitiveness and building a more resilient and prosperous economy for the future.”
- The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
“It’s no secret that businesses not only create good jobs for Canadians, but they also play an important role in keeping our economy strong. Today’s announcement is great news for businesses in London and across southwestern Ontario as Polaris will drive innovation and sustainability in key sectors while supporting local businesses and jobs.”
- Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for London Centre
“London is home to incredible innovators and entrepreneurs who are building the future right here in our community. With this investment, we are helping local businesses in London and across southwestern Ontario grow, create good jobs and develop the kinds of solutions that will strengthen our economy and improve the lives of Canadians.”
- The Honourable Arielle Kayabaga, Deputy Government House Leader and Member of Parliament for London West
“This is a moonshot moment for southwestern Ontario’s innovation corridor. Polaris is an investment and a declaration of our ongoing commitment to a connected, powerful, and globally competitive region. FedDev Ontario funding will unlock and maximize unparalleled economic opportunities and forge sustainable growth for Canadian startups and hypergrowth scale-ups who choose to build in the greater London area. We continue to foster a robust and vibrant region where every entrepreneur has the resources to master their north star capacity in one of Canada’s top tech ecosystems.”
- Christina Fox, CEO of TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario
Quick facts
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London is home to some of the fastest-growing technology companies in North America and is nationally recognized as a test market city, a community that reflects broader markets and allows businesses to pilot and refine new products and services before scaling more widely, making it an ideal place for companies to develop new technology products and services.
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Incorporated in 2000, TechAlliance provides support to startups and high-potential firms through a range of programs and initiatives and is an important stakeholder in the region’s innovation ecosystem.
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Polaris will support businesses across London and the surrounding counties of Lambton, Huron, Elgin, Oxford and Middlesex, strengthening the innovation corridor across southwestern Ontario.
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TechAlliance also recently delivered the FedDev Ontario-supported i.d.e.a. Fund in the London region in collaboration with regional partners, helping businesses to adopt sustainable practices, bring new products to market and create high-quality jobs.
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Since November 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested nearly $70 million in more than 95 projects in the London Region, supporting over 1,700 jobs.
Associated links
Contacts
Sofia Ouslis
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Sofia.Ouslis@ised-isde.gc.ca
Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
media@feddevontario.gc.ca
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