Nventure Blog
Learn about our recent events and initiatives, as well as industry updates.
S3 E1 Volta Space Technologies
Nventure brings you an all-new Spacetech Start-up Series for Season 3 of the Frontier Entrepreneurship Podcast. For the opener, Frontier co-hosts Braden Kemp and Tracy Morningstar speak with Justin Zipkin, Co-Founder and CEO of Volta Space Technologies, a Canadian company developing power-beaming technology that will set the stage for long-term and sustainable lunar operations.
V13 Policetech Accelerator Returns as Canadian Institute Conference Partner
The V13 Policetech Accelerator continues its partnership with the Canadian Institute in 2026, connecting police services, technology innovators and public safety professionals through events including the 5th Annual Police Tech Conference & Expo in Mississauga this December.
Built to Grow: Prep Food Co.’s Story in Northumberland
Prep Food Co. has grown from an early-stage idea into a familiar part of downtown Cobourg’s food scene. Founder Zak Copeland’s journey reflects how local knowledge, financing and long-term relationships through the Community Futures Program can help entrepreneurs grow step by step.
From Pitch to Progress: Youth Innovation in Action This Summer
As students return to school, several local youth are bringing summer innovation with them. Through the V13 Policetech Accelerator’s Pitch to the Chief™ - Youth Edition, students spent the summer developing community safety and wellness projects, testing ideas, building partnerships and gaining real-world experience.
CFDCs Re-Open CANtrade™ Financing Solution for Tariff-Impacted Businesses
CANtrade™ financing has re-opened across eastern Ontario, offering rural businesses up to $150,000 to invest, adapt and build long-term resilience.
StrikeUP Canada Expands Into Free Year-Round Digital Platform for Women Entrepreneurs
StrikeUP Canada is entering a new chapter as a free year-round digital event and resource platform, offering women entrepreneurs across Canada greater access to practical learning, connections, resources and funding opportunities.
Rugged Textiles Receives Policetech Tested™ Badge Following Successful Pilot
Rugged Textiles has received the Policetech Tested™ Badge following a successful V13 Policetech Accelerator pilot of its Balteus Max tactical belt system.
Nventure at OCI DiscoveryX 2026
Nventure provides a report from the seventeenth OCI DiscoveryX Conference in Toronto, featuring innovation-driven entrepreneurs and the organizations who support their advancement.
Join Nventure This Summer: Intern Roles Now Open
Nventure is pleased to announce three summer intern opportunities in Cobourg. These roles are designed to give students and recent graduates hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, innovation and community economic development, while contributing to projects that support businesses both at the regional and national level.
Policetech Accelerator Notes from the Field, April 2026
Nventure provides notes and updates on recent activities associated with the V13 Policetech Accelerator joint initiative with the Cobourg Police Service, including Motorola’s recent acquisition of 2024 Pitch to the Chief winner, Hyper.
First-of-Its-Kind Virtual Reality Platform Moves into Pilot to Transform Manufacturing Hiring
The next phase of Nventure’s Virtual Reality platform is now underway. The platform is entering its formal pilot phase, marking a shift from development to commercialization and industry adoption through a 12-month agreement with the Northumberland Manufacturers’ Association (NMA).
Spectra Plasmonics Wins Pitch to the Chief™ 2026
The V13 Policetech Accelerator is pleased to announce Spectra Plasmonics as the first-place winner of Pitch to the Chief™ 2026, following a multi-stage policetech competition that began at SPUR Innovation Centre and concluded with the Finals on March 4 at Venture13 Innovation Centre in Cobourg.
Nventure AGM Showcases CFP Success
A short post recalling Nventure programs and impacts in 2025 highlighting the Community Futures Program (CFP) with the support of FedDev Ontario and the Government of Canada.
Annual General Meeting
A public invitation to attend Nventure Business Development Corporation’s virtual AGM. Please register via email in advance to receive the meeting link.
Pitch to the Chief™ Competition Returns with Expansion to Waterloo Region
The V13 Policetech Accelerator is pleased to announce the return of the Pitch to the Chief™ competition in 2026 with up to $30K in prizes available for Canadian policetech ventures, now in its sixth edition and with an expanded preliminary Semi-Finals event to be held at SPUR Innovation Centre in Waterloo, Ontario.
IN MEMORIAM: Gordon Thompson
A short note from Nventure acknowledging the death of longtime Director and former Chair, Gordon Thompson and remembering his extensive contributions to our organization.
Policetech Accelerator, Start-ups, Featured at Canadian Institute Conference
Nventure reports from the V13 Policetech Accelerator presence at the fourth annual Canadian Institute Conference & Expo at the Mississauga Convention Centre, including participation on a special innovation in policing expert panel and start-up showcase.
Nventure Launches Vfactory: Canada’s First VR Recruitment and Retention Tool for Manufacturing
On October 9, 2025, at the Venture13 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Centre in Cobourg, Nventure, in collaboration with the Northumberland Manufacturers Association (NMA), will launch Vfactory, Canada’s first Virtual Reality (VR) recruitment and retention platform for the manufacturing sector.
DELIA Invests in Women-Owned Food Companies
Nventure’s DELIA Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund backs food and beverage sector companies all across Canada. We introduce you to some of our clients and share industry trends in this latest feature.
Nventure Backs AI and Cleantech Ventures in Southern Ontario
Investment in innovation capital in southern Ontario continues under the thriveFORWARD banner with Nventure announcing new equity financing investments in five AI and Cleantech companies.
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