Creative Destruction Lab (CDL)

The Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a seed-stage acceleration program founded in 2012 at the Rotman School of Management in Toronto, Canada. It is dedicated to supporting massively scalable, science- and technology-based ventures by providing a unique coaching process focused on specific objectives. CDL connects startups with experienced entrepreneurs and leading scientists across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, quantum computing, blockchain, energy, and cleantech. The program has expanded its reach, operating in six cities: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and New York City, and emphasizes the commercialization of scientific and technological advancements.

Sarah Applebaum

Associate

Rob Barbara

Associate

Tony Bommel

Associate

Charles Conn

Associate

Todd Crescenzo

Associate

Mark Evans

Associate

Bernard W. Gray

Associate

Bettina Hamelin

Associate

Christophe Jurczak

Associate

Patrick Kappel

Venture Manager, Space stream

Sue Marks

Associate

Oliver Plunkett

Associate

Jay Rhind

Associate

KJELL SKAPPEL

Founding Partner and Associate

Katharine Tomko

Associate

Past deals in Internet of Things

Lunar Outpost

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Lunar Outpost is a company dedicated to advancing technology that facilitates sustainable human presence in space, particularly on the lunar surface. It specializes in the development of innovative robotics, including a moon rover designed for autonomous swarm navigation and capable of carrying diverse payloads. Additionally, the company creates Internet of Things (IoT) air quality sensors that monitor and respond to local air quality conditions. This technology not only supports lunar exploration but also aims to have a positive impact on Earth, enabling governments, companies, and communities to establish a sustainable presence in space.

Last Lock

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Last Lock is a manufacturer of secure smart locks that revolutionizes traditional mechanical lock systems for homes and businesses. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company specializes in smart lock cylinders that can be easily integrated into existing door hardware, transforming them into advanced security systems. The smart locks utilize innovative self-powering and energy-harvesting technologies, eliminating the need for battery replacements. Last Lock offers a range of products, including specially engineered locks, access control systems, and enterprise security solutions, enabling effective management and tracking of access in various environments. By recognizing existing physical keys, radio-frequency identification devices, and smartphones, Last Lock enhances security and control for business owners and residential users alike.

Kraken Sense

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Kraken Sense is a developer of an automated pathogen detection platform that utilizes advanced nanotechnology and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology. The company's innovative solution features autonomous sampling capabilities and cloud-based encryption, allowing for the detection of bacterial contamination across various sources, including liquids, solids, and aerosols. Kraken Sense's IoT-enabled dashboard and analytics tools facilitate low-cost and user-friendly monitoring, empowering clients to identify a wide range of biological and chemical entities in real time. Through its cutting-edge technology, Kraken Sense aims to enhance safety and efficiency in pathogen detection for diverse applications.

Inchfab

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Inchfab is a company that specializes in the development of proprietary microchip manufacturing tools tailored for specific market needs. The firm offers a microfabrication platform that facilitates the prototyping and low-volume production of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and Internet of Things (IoT) chips. By providing cost-effective solutions, Inchfab enables clients to design and manufacture highly customized microchips with low production volumes. This capability allows businesses to efficiently create products that meet their unique specifications, enhancing innovation and accessibility in the semiconductor and micromechanical markets.

Breezi.io

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Breezi.io, Inc. specializes in developing and manufacturing wireless devices designed to monitor and detect issues within heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. One of its key products, AirPulse, enables users to assess the condition of air filters and other HVAC components, allowing for proactive maintenance. The company serves both residential and commercial customers, helping them to identify potential problems before they escalate. Founded in 2016, Breezi.io is headquartered in Pittsboro, North Carolina, and aims to enhance the functionality of smart homes through innovative technology.

InfiSense

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
InfiSense is a developer of a remote, real-time wireless sensing platform designed to enhance data collection and analysis for various industries. By utilizing LoRaWAN technology, InfiSense offers an extensive range of long-life wireless sensors that facilitate the integration of data from diverse sources. The platform addresses the challenges associated with data ingestion, organization, security, contextualization, and storage in the cloud, thereby simplifying the process for businesses. InfiSense's solution enables organizations to build analytics, services, and software applications using sensing data, allowing device manufacturers, network providers, and data-driven companies to efficiently scale their operations while maintaining cost-effectiveness. This innovative approach not only increases revenue and enables new service lines but also provides access to previously unavailable data for analytics.

Flox

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Flox.ai, founded in 2018 and based in London, United Kingdom, specializes in artificial intelligence technology aimed at enhancing the welfare of broiler chickens and optimizing poultry farming efficiency. The company offers a comprehensive monitoring platform that incorporates various tools, including Flox-cam, which streams images from multiple cameras to monitors and smartphones; FLOX-box, an AI processor; and FLOX-alert, a tracking system for smothering and bird activities. By analyzing data from cameras, sensors, and activity monitors, Flox provides real-time insights into individual bird health, behavior, and environmental conditions. This technology empowers poultry farmers to identify and address issues promptly, ultimately improving bird welfare and increasing productivity on farms.

Dynami Battery Corp

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Dynami Battery Corp is a technology company focused on developing customized battery solutions tailored to specific product designs rather than adapting products to fit standard battery sizes. Founded in March 2017 and headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with an office in Washington, DC, Dynami specializes in creating batteries for a variety of applications, including the Internet of Things (IoT), wearable technology, sensors, and medical devices. The company utilizes regional resources and advanced engineering to develop proprietary battery technologies and manufacturing processes. Dynami's innovations offer scalable, cost-effective solutions, enabling industries such as electric vehicles, aerospace, and consumer electronics to benefit from fast-charging batteries with extended lifecycles.

Hydromea

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Hydromea is a developer of a portable underwater robotics ecosystem that focuses on providing access to submerged assets and data in underwater environments. The company has created a scalable multi-robot inspection and sensing system that can be permanently installed at sea or deployed from mobile autonomous crafts. This system is designed for remote tasking to conduct regular inspections, environmental measurements, and emergency responses. Hydromea's technology features in-house developed sensors that can be fitted to drones, enabling faster data collection both onshore and offshore. By emphasizing portability, affordability, and ruggedness, the company aims to deliver valuable insights to clients while ensuring its solutions can withstand harsh underwater conditions.

Remora

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Remora is a technology company based in San José, Costa Rica, focused on improving sustainability in the seafood industry through innovative solutions for traceability and conservation. The company offers a range of products including a Vessel Monitoring System, which is an IoT geolocation device that tracks fishing boats and analyzes their activities in relation to permits and fuel usage. Additionally, Remora's Fishing Data Platform integrates data from various sources to provide insights into fisheries management, fishing efforts, and consumer behaviors. Their Smart Scale transforms fishing landing centers into intelligent spaces, while the WHATSFISH mobile application fosters connections between fishermen and consumers to promote sustainable practices. By implementing catch documentation schemes, Remora aims to enhance the sustainability of marine resources and address pressing marine conservation challenges. The company's commitment to innovation was recognized when it won first prize at the Fishackathon in Costa Rica in 2016, an event supported by the US Department of State.

Komfort IQ

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Komfort IQ is a company focused on enhancing energy efficiency in commercial buildings, addressing the significant energy consumption attributed to HVAC systems. By employing artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and machine learning algorithms, Komfort IQ has developed an innovative system that optimizes heating and cooling. This technology not only manages temperature preferences for individuals throughout the workday but also supports commercial offices in reducing energy usage and lowering electricity costs. The company's solutions aim to create a more comfortable and efficient working environment, contributing to sustainability efforts in the built environment.

Krucial (formerly R3 IoT Limited)

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
R3 IoT enables organisations to access their critical operational data by automating the collection of sensor data. This data is transferred from remote operations to the cloud via satellite providing business leaders and operational management the capability to make better decisions and reduce inefficiencies.

Cipher Skin

Grant in 2020
Cipher Skin Inc. is a technology company based in Denver, Colorado, founded in 2014. The company specializes in wearable technology that utilizes innovative mesh sensors to conform to the human body, enabling precise measurement and monitoring of vital data. Cipher Skin's platform captures three-dimensional motion data and biosignals, such as heart rate and oxygen saturation, without the need for cameras or bulky equipment. This technology provides actionable insights that can be trusted, allowing physical therapists and trainers to develop safe and effective programs by accurately assessing complex movements, particularly in the upper limbs. Through its advancements, Cipher Skin aims to create the largest and most accurate data DNA platform of the physical world.

ThermoAI

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
ThermoAI is a developer of advanced sensor technology and proprietary machine learning algorithms aimed at optimizing industrial combustion processes. By leveraging IoT and AI, the company’s systems continuously monitor various factors such as moisture content, atmospheric pressure, and air intake levels to enhance combustion efficiency. This technology enables power plant operators to achieve near-perfect chemical reactions, resulting in significant fuel savings, increased energy output, and extended lifespans for expensive equipment. Additionally, ThermoAI's solutions contribute to lowering emissions, thereby supporting environmental sustainability while improving operational performance in power generation facilities.

i-5O

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
i-5O is a developer of an artificial intelligence-based operations management platform aimed at enhancing production output for manufacturers. The company’s technology aggregates and analyzes data from various Internet of Things sources, providing insights into key performance metrics such as labor efficiency, capacity utilization, and processing times. This enables manufacturers to make informed decisions and quickly identify and address inefficiencies in their operations. i-5O envisions a future where humans and machines collaborate effectively, ensuring that advancements in robotics and automation lead to meaningful improvements in productivity and performance.

Sonus Microsystems

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Sonus Microsystems specializes in the development of innovative ultrasound transducers, crafted from polymer materials. They offer customizable linear and matrix array transducers, primarily for consumer ultrasound applications. Their technology, distinguished by its size, flexibility, and customizability, expands the possibilities of ultrasound imaging, surpassing traditional piezoelectric or silicon-based transducers. Notably, Sonus Microsystems is developing a wearable cardiac ultrasound imaging device, harnessing advanced polymer micro-electromechanical systems transducers and AI-driven analysis. This device aims to facilitate real-time cardiac insights, enabling timely interventions for patients with cardiovascular conditions and enhancing diagnostic precision in remote monitoring scenarios.

Bibu Labs

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Dynamic Defence Against Cyber Attacks for IoT

aDolus Technology

Seed Round in 2020
aDolus Technology develops a cybersecurity platform designed to enhance the security of industrial and medical systems. The company's innovative solution generates Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs) from software binaries, allowing for the analysis of vulnerabilities, malware, and obsolescence within software components. By providing a risk score for software used in regulated and sensitive industries, aDolus enables organizations to detect counterfeit components and assess third-party risks, thereby safeguarding critical infrastructure. With a growing database of 32 million records and a vendor-agnostic approach, aDolus is positioned to address the urgent need for security solutions in a rapidly expanding market, particularly for the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS). As the security landscape evolves with increasing regulatory demands and the proliferation of connected devices, aDolus aims to capitalize on significant opportunities across various sectors, including energy, transportation, medical, and defense.

Joyride

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Joyride is a leading provider of software solutions for micromobility operators, specializing in dockless bike-share and electric scooter systems. The company offers a comprehensive platform that includes a white-label mobile application for users and a web-based dashboard for fleet management. Operating in over 100 markets globally, Joyride's technology enables businesses of all sizes to launch their fleets rapidly—within 24 hours—and scale efficiently, supporting operations ranging from five vehicles to over 500,000. The platform facilitates backend management, IoT connectivity, payment processing, and customized marketing campaigns, allowing operators to effectively manage and grow their micromobility services.

Symroc

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Symroc is a developer of advanced real-time Internet of Things (IoT) technology specializing in broadband seismic and vibration remote sensing systems. The company focuses on providing critical insights for earthquake monitoring, microseismic monitoring, and the oversight of critical infrastructure. Symroc's innovative system integrates sensor hardware, connectivity, and data analysis to deliver high-accuracy, high-resolution data remotely and wirelessly. This technology allows for efficient operations and proactive maintenance without the requirements for additional infrastructure, power, or cables, making it particularly valuable for industries involved in infrastructure, facility, and machinery management.

Sobie Systems

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Sobie Systems is a technology company specializing in IoT devices for HVAC systems. Their core product is a real-time monitoring device that connects directly to furnace control boards, transmitting error codes and enabling swift identification and resolution of potential issues. This not only enhances system efficiency and occupant comfort but also ensures safety by mitigating carbon monoxide risks.

Razzberry

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Razzberry is creating breakthrough technologies in microsensing to change the way we interact with ourselves and our world.

LifeBooster

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
LifeBooster is a pioneer in the field of enterprise health and safety, specializing in risk analytics and wearable Internet of Things technology. The company has developed Senz, a connected worker platform that predicts and models risks and exposures across an entire workforce, aimed at preventing workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. By digitizing and automating risk assessment processes, Senz provides health and safety professionals with the tools they need for accurate evaluations and effective injury prevention. LifeBooster's approach has achieved significant success, reportedly reducing risks in the industrial sector by up to 80%. Collaborating with local and global leaders in the fields of health and safety, risk management, and workers' compensation, LifeBooster has established itself as a leading provider of innovative connected worker solutions, dedicated to ensuring worker safety and well-being.

Ondaka

Seed Round in 2019
Ondaka is a technology company founded in 2017 and based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in high-resolution 3D visualizations for the oil and gas sector, as well as heavy equipment industries. The company focuses on delivering interactive visual understanding and contextualized data to facility engineers and project stakeholders, enhancing their ability to manage remote assets effectively. Ondaka's platform integrates asset visualization, AI-driven data surfacing, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, allowing clients to access mission-critical information quickly. This innovative approach helps clients save time and improve safety by providing intuitive data management tools tailored to the demands of heavy industry and critical infrastructure. Ondaka has established a diverse client base that includes major operators and oilfield service companies, addressing needs across various operational stages, from well pads to pipelines and refineries.

Mentore.ai

Seed Round in 2019
Iterate Labs is a developer of a smart wearable device used to track relevant hand and wrist actions for workplace safety. Its device is a smart glove that collects and analyzes biomechanics data to alert workers and managers of injury risk and fatigue that enable health and safety officers to monitor and prevent workplace injuries through sensors and data analytics.

SensiML

Seed Round in 2019
SensiML Corporation is a software company based in Beaverton, Oregon, founded in 2017. It focuses on providing an end-to-end software suite designed for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and developers in the Internet of Things (IoT) and wearable device sectors. SensiML's platform enables users to develop pattern matching sensor algorithms using machine learning and artificial intelligence, specifically optimized for ultra-low power consumption. The software allows for rapid creation of customizable, learning sensor algorithms that operate autonomously on embedded devices, eliminating the need for extensive coding or data science expertise. By streamlining the development process from data collection to algorithm generation and testing, SensiML transforms raw sensor data into meaningful insights, enhancing the capabilities of IoT devices. As of January 2019, SensiML operates as a subsidiary of QuickLogic Corporation.

MesoMat

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
MesoMat is a company that specializes in developing advanced plastic-based fibers designed to function as lightweight strain sensors. These innovative sensors are capable of monitoring fatigue, fracture, and failure in critical material systems. By integrating sensing fibers with custom electronics and software, MesoMat offers a comprehensive condition-based monitoring platform that utilizes real-time data to help prevent material failure. The sensing fibers can be easily embedded into various materials, making them suitable for high-strain environments that are typically difficult for traditional strain sensors to access. This technology positions MesoMat as a key player in enhancing material reliability and safety in numerous applications.

Variense

Non Equity Assistance in 2017
Variense is a startup based in Montreal that offers Industrial IoT sensing solutions.

Mysa

Non Equity Assistance in 2017
Mysa is a developer of innovative high-voltage smart thermostats designed to optimize home heating while reducing energy costs. The company offers a fully featured thermostat that includes smart learning capabilities, which can lead to approximately 15% savings on energy bills. Mysa's Wi-Fi-enabled devices allow homeowners to monitor and control their home’s temperature remotely through a smartphone app, providing convenience and efficiency. Additionally, the thermostats utilize location tracking to identify and address any appliances that may be left on when the house is unoccupied. Mysa also generates detailed energy reports that inform users about their daily energy consumption and potential utility expenses. The thermostats seamlessly integrate with popular smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit, enhancing their utility and user experience.

Instantia Labs

Non Equity Assistance in 2017
Instantia Labs provides an IoT water meter device that allows to monitor water quality, leaks, and usage in real time.

InnerSpace

Non Equity Assistance in 2017
InnerSpace Technologies Inc., established in 2014 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, specializes in indoor mapping and navigation solutions. It offers a turnkey platform that automatically generates maps and locates people and objects within indoor spaces using advanced mapping technology, smartphone-compatible sensors, and machine learning. The company's location-as-a-service provides contextual maps and positioning data on a subscription basis, catering to both enterprise and consumer needs. With a global presence, InnerSpace serves clients primarily in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Canada, helping them make informed decisions about space utilization and corporate real estate.

Elevated Signals

Non Equity Assistance in 2017
Elevated Signals Inc., established in 2016 and headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, specializes in a digital cultivation management platform. This platform employs wireless IoT sensors and data science to optimize controlled environment crop production. It offers seed-to-harvest Health Canada GPP/GMP compliance record keeping, cultivar-specific workflow management, high-resolution environmental monitoring tied to plant IDs, along with reporting and analytics features. The company's cloud-based solution automates manual tasks, tracks real-time inventory data centrally, facilitates end-to-end batch production tracking, and enables instant one-click compliance reporting, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities for its clients in emerging sectors.

EZ-Robot

Non Equity Assistance in 2017
EZ-Robot Inc. is a Calgary-based company founded in 2011 that specializes in developing an integrated robot and IoT platform aimed at facilitating technology education across various levels, from middle school to industry professionals. The company provides innovative educational tools designed to teach STEAM-related concepts and skills, fostering lifelong learning and problem-solving abilities. By utilizing robotics as a medium, EZ-Robot inspires students to engage with technology through practical applications and creative content, making the learning process more accessible and effective.

SensorUp

Non Equity Assistance in 2017
SensorUp Inc. is a Calgary-based company that specializes in developing and operating an Internet of Things (IoT) platform. Founded in 2011, SensorUp provides innovative solutions for integrating sensor data, analytics, and mapping feedback through its SensorUp IoT Software Platform. This platform enables seamless connectivity between Internet-connected devices, allowing them to interact with each other and with third-party applications via the SensorUp Cloud. The company focuses on empowering industries with actionable insights by aggregating IoT data from diverse systems, particularly for asset-heavy sectors. One of its notable offerings is the Smart Cities Starter Kit, designed specifically for air quality monitoring. SensorUp aims to enhance operational visibility and support advanced methane detection and repair initiatives, aligning with stringent emissions reporting standards while promoting intelligent automation for improved safety and productivity in the workplace.

Noze

Non Equity Assistance in 2017
Noze is a pioneering company in digital odor perception, recognized for creating an advanced digital nose that accurately detects and identifies odors in various real-world contexts. Leveraging cutting-edge machine perception technology and a specialized sensor developed from NASA innovations, Noze aims to enhance human health and wellbeing. The company's technology mimics the human olfactory system, allowing it to gather data on air quality and chemical footprints based on scent. This enables healthcare providers to monitor and predict health changes, diagnose diseases, and perform routine screenings through breath-based odor biomarkers. Ultimately, Noze is dedicated to facilitating real-time disease detection at any point-of-care, thereby significantly improving patient outcomes.

Tenstorrent

Non Equity Assistance in 2016
Tenstorrent Inc. is a technology company based in Toronto, Canada, with an additional office in Austin, Texas, founded in 2016. The company specializes in the development and manufacturing of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) tailored for machine learning and data processing tasks. Its hardware architecture is designed to support a range of applications, from battery-powered Internet of Things (IoT) devices to large-scale cloud servers, providing scalable solutions for deep learning. Tenstorrent's offerings enable developers and researchers in the artificial intelligence sector to enhance computational performance and adapt algorithms effectively, positioning the company as a key player in advancing AI technology.

Grobo

Non Equity Assistance in 2015
Grobo specializes in developing fully automated grow boxes designed for home use, utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technology to facilitate smart gardening. Their systems employ artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize plant growth, enhancing yields while reducing growth times. The automated grow boxes feature personalized, app-controlled automatic watering and LED lighting systems, enabling users to cultivate high-quality food and medicinal plants in a virtual indoor environment. By integrating technology into the growing process, Grobo empowers individuals to take control of their health by simplifying the cultivation of safe and fresh plants at home.

Kepler

Non Equity Assistance in 2015
Kepler Communications Inc. is a Toronto-based satellite communications company focused on creating a robust in-space telecommunications network for connecting various space-borne assets. Established in 2015, the company designs, develops, and operates a constellation of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites that act as on-orbit cell towers, facilitating real-time connectivity for diverse applications. Kepler's offerings include PolarConnect, a communication solution for operations in extreme environments, and Global Data Service, which enables efficient transfer of large data files from remote locations to the internet. Additionally, the company is developing everywhereIOT, a low-power satellite service designed to connect Internet of Things devices globally. By addressing the challenge of intermittent connectivity for non-geostationary satellites, Kepler aims to enhance communication capabilities in industries such as maritime, natural resources, defense, and logistics. With two satellites already in orbit and plans for further expansion, Kepler is positioning itself at the forefront of space-based connectivity solutions.

Petbot

Non Equity Assistance in 2014
PetBot Inc. is a Toronto-based company that specializes in developing innovative pet care and monitoring systems, established in 2013. Operating as a subsidiary of Petcube, Inc. since 2017, PetBot focuses on creating internet-connected devices that enhance the bond between pets and their owners, even from a distance. Its compact, wall-mountable pet monitor allows users to care for their pets remotely, providing features such as customizable greetings, remote feeding, and the ability to capture photos and videos. This technology enables pet owners to engage with their pets and ensure their well-being while they are away, offering peace of mind and convenience.
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