City showcases Brampton to an international audience of more than 35,000 at Collision Conference
Thursday, Jun 30 2022
BRAMPTON, ON (June 30, 2022) – Last week, the City of Brampton showcased Brampton to the largest in-person tech gathering in more than two years at a sold-out conference of over 35,000 entrepreneurs, start-ups and influencers from more than 130 countries at the Collision Conference in Toronto.
The Brampton booth attracted thousands of visitors over three days, including government ministers and sports and media personalities. It showcased the Innovation District and its partners, including the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre, Bhive Brampton, Altitude Accelerator, The Founder Institute, Algoma University, Sheridan College, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, and the Brampton Venture Zone.
With a focus on building a strong ecosystem for start-ups, entrepreneurs and the community, Brampton Economic Development worked to generate high quality leads, strengthen existing corporate relationships, and further the City’s brand in the spaces of innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. The Brampton team connected with hundreds of Canadian and international start-ups, venture capital firms, angels, and investors, and invited them to visit the Brampton Innovation District — with many showing an interest in joining the world class programming available.
As part of its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, Brampton Economic Development worked with the Collision Conference organizers who sponsored complimentary tickets to a delegation of 362 Black entrepreneurs and youth from Brampton to attend, benefit from, and participate in the Collision Conference. The City also supported Build Black Canada’s networking and empowering reception for young black entrepreneurs and professionals who attended Collision.
The City was the only municipality that participated in the curated Africa Day at Collision program – an event hosted by BKR Capital, TechStars, and Dream Legacy Foundation that celebrated and showcased top African start-ups at Collision.
More than 15 start-ups from the Brampton Innovation District had the opportunity to pitch their ideas and were showcased with their own booth at the conference. The Brampton booth also hosted a Brampton talent development pipeline exhibit, featuring a live robotics demonstration led by Sheridan College’s Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Design Technologies, as well as a spotlight showcase of Algoma University’s new Esports program.
About Collision
Collision is the fastest-growing tech conference in North America, bringing together “the world’s best speakers,” tech’s leading companies, and top media. This is the fourth time the City of Brampton’s Economic Development Office team has participated in the global event, together with its Brampton Innovation District partners and special guest, Brampton Batman.
About the Brampton Innovation District
The City of Brampton continues to revitalize and unlock the economic potential of its downtown by building an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem: the Brampton Innovation District.
The Innovation District has a sharp focus on start-up scaling, investment attraction and talent development, and provides local support for entrepreneurs and new business. It also offers resources to support innovation and technology companies in creating new technology. With agreements starting in 2019, the City has committed to investing approximately $20.5 million in its Innovation District, with an additional approximately $55.2 million in investments being drawn in by Innovation District partners.
To learn more about the Innovation District, visit www.bramptoninnovationdistrict.com or watch the City’s Innovation District video.
Quotes
“Collision is one of the top tech conferences in the world, bringing together people, great ideas and the world’s leading companies. I was honoured to join our Economic Development team at Collision last week to highlight why Brampton is a prime location to invest. Our city is in the midst of an exciting transformation, and together with our partners, we are developing our Innovation District into a major education and innovation hub.”
– Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
“Brampton is a City of Opportunities with incredible resources for entrepreneurs and start-ups to thrive, and together with our partners, we are building an innovation ecosystem to benefit our residents and businesses. Thank you to our Economic Development team for showcasing Brampton to a global audience of 35,000 at Collision last week. Brampton means business, and we look forward to continuing to attract and retain leading global companies in our community.”
– Martin Medeiros, Regional Councillor, Wards 3&4; Chair, Economic Development, City of Brampton
“Our Brampton Economic Development Office continues to lead the way in developing our city into an education and innovation hub to benefit our entire community. Thank you to our team for highlighting Brampton’s strengths to a sold out, global audience at the Collision Conference last week. We remain dedicated to establishing Brampton as a prime location to invest, and reinforcing Brampton’s unique position on the Innovation Corridor.”
– Clare Barnett, Director, Economic Development, City of Brampton