Minister Solomon in Waterloo to announce investment in local companies to scale up production
News release
FedDev Ontario invests over $3.5 million for Voltera Inc. and Blake Medical Group Inc. to enhance manufacturing capabilities and reach new markets
January 14, 2026
Manufacturing is a key driver of southern Ontario’s economy—creating jobs, producing essential goods, and sparking innovation. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting local manufacturers and businesses as they modernize, adopt advanced technologies, and deliver smarter, more sustainable products and solutions to Canadians.
Today, 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), announced a combined investment of over $3.5 million for two companies as they expand operations, build new capabilities, and adopt innovative technologies. Minister Solomon was joined by the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament for Waterloo.
This includes a $1.7-million investment for Voltera Inc., a Waterloo-based manufacturer that specializes in electronics printing machines to help engineers and researchers create and test circuit boards and apply advanced materials for new designs. These tools make it easier to develop innovative electronics without waiting for long lead times associated with traditional manufacturing processes. With this investment, Voltera will scale up and commercialize their Alta PCB assembly solution, designed to accelerate electronics prototyping and keep manufacturing capabilities in-house. This investment will also help Voltera increase their production capabilities to position the company to meet growing global demand and strengthen their competitiveness within the electronics manufacturing supply chain.
Blake Medical Group Inc. (Blake Medical) is receiving an investment of nearly $1.9 million as they expand their operations to Brantford and adopt new advanced equipment for their new, smart medical mattress line and existing medical mattresses and therapeutic products. These upgrades will allow the company to bring key material sourcing in-house and deliver patient-focused solutions to hospitals and long-term care facilities across Canada while opening up new opportunities in international markets.
The Government of Canada is committed to helping local manufacturers grow, innovate, and keep Canada competitive on the world stage.
Quotes
"Manufacturing is a key driver of the economy in southern Ontario and across Canada. By supporting innovative companies like Voltera and Blake Medical Group, we are investing in technologies that drive growth, create good jobs, and build resilient domestic supply chains 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
"Today’s investments in Voltera and Blake Medical Group will help these businesses as they scale up, bring cutting-edge products to market, and strengthen the regional economies while expanding Canada’s global competitiveness."
- The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament for Waterloo
"With this investment from FedDev Ontario, Voltera will be able to expand our Waterloo-based operations and production capacity, as well as adopt innovative technologies that speed up electronics prototyping and development for our customers."
- Jesus Zozaya, CEO and Co-Founder, Voltera Inc.
"Blake Medical Group Inc. has been developing medical products that comfort, enrich and improve the lives of our customers for over 20 years. Through this investment from FedDev Ontario, Blake Medical Group Inc. will drive more jobs, more growth, and more automation than ever before.”
- Craig and Cathy Alexander, Owners, Blake Medical Group Inc.
Quick facts
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Founded in 2013, Voltera is a scaling technology company that is driving change in the additive electronics industry. Voltera products are designed, assembled, and shipped from their headquarters in Waterloo, Ontario.
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Incorporated in 2005, Blake Medical Group Inc. is a manufacturer of therapeutic and preventative pressure-relief products for healthcare.
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Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $475 million in nearly 520 projects in the manufacturing sector, creating and maintaining over 31,000 jobs. Learn more about some of FedDev Ontario's recipients by visiting our impact stories page.
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
FedDev Ontario Media Relations
media@feddevontario.gc.ca
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