Expands region's technology ecosystem to
bring on more data-driven businesses
WATERLOO, ON, May 11, 2017 /CNW/ - Today Communitech
officially launched the Communitech Data Hub with founding partners
CIBC, City of Waterloo and Quantum
Valley Investments. Located in Uptown Waterloo, the hub at 14 Erb
Street West is the region's new home for the data-driven tech
community.
Formerly a police station, the newly renovated 19,000+
square foot facility offers a collaborative space for a mix of tech
and data-driven clients and enterprise partners. This work
environment is available to startups and scale-ups , features
several data-specific special interest zones and is home to
Canada's Open Data Exchange (ODX)
–a federal government initiative that helps enterprises and
startups generate new commercial applications using open data
sets.
"There's this notion data is the new gold, and more and more
we've seen a rise in local tech companies specializing in open
data, artificial intelligence, connected vehicles, cyber security
and smart cities," said Iain
Klugman, CEO, Communitech. "In true Communitech style, the
new data hub supports and connects these companies in the region
while also welcoming new partners in the space."
CIBC, the data hub's official founding bank partner, is
introducing its new Data Studio at Communitech. A team of full time
data scientists paired with local co-op students will tap into the
thriving startup environment and work with key partners to explore
new capabilities.
"Being part of a collaborative ecosystem at Communitech means we
can identify new ways to harness the power of data to deliver
leading insight, advice and solutions for our clients," says
Jose Ribau, Chief Data Officer,
CIBC. "It's exciting to be part of this innovative partnership that
will enable established companies and start-ups to grow and use
data to its full potential."
"We are very pleased to welcome Communitech back to Waterloo. The data hub in our community is
vibrant and Communitech further strengthens it. The work and
synergies generated by these smart and innovative organizations is
exciting and we look forward to years of success and creativity,"
said Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky.
"We believe that the unique historic character of the 14 Erb
property and its location at the heart of vibrant Uptown Waterloo,
make it the perfect site from which Communitech can create new
business opportunities in the Waterloo Region," said Ophelia Lazaridis of Quantum Valley
Investments. "We congratulate them on this very worthwhile
endeavor and wish them great success moving forward."
About Communitech
Communitech is a private-public
innovation centre in Waterloo Region that supports a community
ecosystem of more than 1,000 tech companies—from startups to
rapidly growing mid-size companies and large global players. A
member of the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs, which is funded by
the Ontario Government, Communitech helps tech companies start,
grow and succeed.
For more information or to apply for space in the Communitech
Data Hub, please email datahub@communitech.ca.
About CIBC Data Studio
CIBC Data Studio is the bank's
new analytics innovation hub situated in the technology ecosystem
of Communitech in Waterloo,
Ontario. Co-located with other data-driven organizations,
CIBC Data Studio opened its doors to co-enable exploration of new
capabilities, and enhance discovery in emerging technologies and
smart cities. Thriving in a startup environment to deliver a new
horizon of innovation for clients, the initiative facilitates
CIBC's collaboration with the country's top tech talent and future
leaders. For more information visit cibcdatastudio.com.
SOURCE CIBC