Business Development Bank of Canada

Hyperlume Inc., an avant-garde deep-tech venture based in Ottawa, Canada, is pioneering a groundbreaking ultra-low optical connectivity solution tailored for the realms of high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence (AI), and cutting-edge processors destined for the forefront of edge computing platforms.

Quadshift is a venture builder firm established in 2017 and based in Toronto, Canada. The company specializes in acquiring and developing B2B software companies within niche vertical markets. By leveraging its expertise in finance, sales, marketing, creative, engineering, and management, Quadshift aims to create new opportunities and enhance customer value. The firm is dedicated to transforming commerce across various industries through the provision of world-class SaaS solutions.

KOHO Financial is a Toronto-based company founded in 2014 that offers an application-based banking platform designed to simplify financial management for users. The platform facilitates day-to-day banking operations while providing a range of tools, including goal setting, cash flow projections, group spending features, and detailed spending insights. These resources enable users to effectively manage their expenses and banking activities from their mobile devices, enhancing their overall financial management experience.

Philer AI has been approved by the Law Society of Ontario as part of the Access to Innovation program, becoming the second technology platform in Ontario given the green light to deliver legal services to the end consumers.

Vive Crop Protection, Inc. is a Canadian company that develops and markets a range of crop protection products, including fungicides, insecticides, and nematicides. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, with additional operations in Boston and Calgary, the company focuses on creating effective and sustainable pesticides for both organic and non-organic farming. Vive Crop Protection employs its innovative Allosperse Delivery System, which enhances the targeting and performance of pesticide active ingredients. This technology allows farmers to optimize their use of pesticides, improving crop quality and yields while promoting increased productivity and sustainability on farms. The company's products are designed to integrate easily with liquid fertilizers and other chemicals, aiding in the control of diseases affecting various crops, including sugar beets, dry beans, alfalfa, potatoes, and corn.

KOHO Financial is a Toronto-based company founded in 2014 that offers an application-based banking platform designed to simplify financial management for users. The platform facilitates day-to-day banking operations while providing a range of tools, including goal setting, cash flow projections, group spending features, and detailed spending insights. These resources enable users to effectively manage their expenses and banking activities from their mobile devices, enhancing their overall financial management experience.

Nicoya Lifesciences Inc. is a Canadian company based in Kitchener that specializes in developing advanced sensor products for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Founded in 2012, Nicoya creates instruments designed to analyze biomolecular interactions, including proteins, antibodies, DNA, RNA, and small molecules. Their product lineup includes surface plasmon resonance (SPR) instruments, spectrophotometers, sensor chips, reagents, and accessories, as well as the OpenSPR, a personal label-free biomolecular analysis instrument. In addition to hardware, Nicoya offers software solutions for real-time kinetic analysis, instrument control, and optical peak tracking, enhancing the capabilities of their analytical tools.

Hydrostor Inc. is a company based in Toronto, Canada, that specializes in developing and operating compressed air energy storage systems. Founded in 2010, Hydrostor's technology offers a solution for addressing the electricity system's needs for dispatchable capacity and renewable energy integration. The company's systems provide long-duration, emission-free energy storage, capable of delivering hundreds of megawatts for 4 to 24 hours, making them suitable for both behind-the-meter applications and remote operations, particularly in mines and large industrial facilities. Hydrostor's approach also allows for the repurposing of retired fossil fuel plants and utilizes existing mining infrastructure. The company serves clients primarily in the United States, Australia, and Canada, and has established a strategic partnership with AECOM to enhance its service offerings.

Novamera Inc. is a Canadian company specializing in the mining of gold, copper, and other ores through an innovative method known as Sustainable Mining by Drilling. This approach targets steeply dipping, narrow vein deposits that are typically deemed uneconomic with conventional extraction techniques. Novamera employs advanced high-resolution subsurface imaging and directional drilling in a two-pass process to accurately determine the physical shape of mineral veins, enhancing drilling precision and efficiency. The company's proprietary software and hardware integrate with traditional mining equipment to create more flexible and cost-effective systems. By focusing on climate-smart, surgical mining practices, Novamera aims to unlock value in mineral deposits that would otherwise remain untapped. The company is headquartered in Mississauga, Canada, with an additional office in Baie Verte.

ApplyBoard is a technology company that facilitates the study abroad experience by connecting international students, recruitment partners, and educational institutions through its comprehensive platform. By automating and streamlining the application process, ApplyBoard enables students to easily discover, apply to, and enroll in universities across North America. The company has experienced significant growth, employing over 1,200 team members and earning recognition from Deloitte as one of Canada’s fastest-growing technology firms for five consecutive years. With its headquarters in Kitchener, Ontario, and a dedicated office in Gurugram, India, ApplyBoard operates with a global workforce spread across 30 countries, including major markets such as China, the Philippines, and the United States. This extensive network allows ApplyBoard to assist thousands of students in achieving their academic aspirations abroad.

The GIST is a media company based in Toronto, Canada, that focuses on providing sports content and community experiences specifically for women. Founded in 2017, the company aims to address the underrepresentation of women in sports discussions by curating and contextualizing sports news. The GIST offers various platforms for engagement, including e-newsletters, daily social media updates, a website, and organized viewing parties. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity in sports conversations, the company seeks to empower underserved fans and foster connections among them. Through its initiatives, The GIST strives to create a more equitable sports culture where diverse voices are heard and valued.

Neurescence Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Toronto, Canada, specializing in the development of advanced optical imaging tools for brain diseases and therapeutics. The company offers two types of graded-refractive-index (GRIN) lenses designed for implantation in various regions of the brain and spinal cord, facilitating the transmission of fluorescence signals from neurons to imaging sensors. Additionally, Neurescence has developed Quartet, a miniature fluorescence microscope paired with data collection software optimized for neuronal calcium imaging. This system allows users to capture and analyze neuronal activity, providing time-stamped data for individual neurons. By enabling real-time monitoring of neuronal activities, Neurescence aims to enhance the understanding of brain functions and assist healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating conditions such as Alzheimer's, epilepsy, and depression. Incorporated in 2014, Neurescence continues to innovate in the field of biological imaging.

Peak Power Inc. is a Toronto-based energy storage services provider established in 2015, with operations in New York, New England, and California. The company specializes in intelligent software solutions, notably its flagship platform, Peak Synergy, which optimizes energy management for commercial real estate and industrial clients. By focusing on battery energy storage systems, grid-interactive buildings, and electric vehicles, Peak Power helps customers minimize operational costs, reduce emissions, and participate in energy markets by selling energy back to the grid. The software is designed to enhance existing revenue streams and adapt to evolving market conditions, while the company's services encompass project development, construction, operation, financing, and maintenance. Peak Synergy has been deployed across over 13 million square feet of real estate, managing approximately 150 MWh of combined battery and electric vehicle capacity.

Borrowell Inc., founded in 2014 and based in Toronto, Canada, is a financial technology company that specializes in providing credit education and personal financial services. The company offers free credit scores, credit monitoring, and personalized financial product recommendations through its online marketplace-lending platform. Borrowell helps Canadians access various financial products, including personal loans, credit cards, and mortgages, while also providing tools for debt management and financial improvement. By integrating innovative digital solutions such as personalized credit coaching and AI-driven recommendations, Borrowell aims to enhance the financial well-being of its customers and promote responsible borrowing practices.

Tealbook, Inc. is an online supplier knowledge management and procurement platform headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Founded in 2014, the company provides a centralized system that consolidates credible and up-to-date information about suppliers, enabling procurement teams to identify and connect with qualified suppliers. The platform offers a comprehensive view of supplier data, including company details, product offerings, diversity status, and client recommendations. It also integrates with various enterprise resource planning systems and procurement tools, enhancing the visibility and knowledge of preferred suppliers. Tealbook's innovations have garnered industry recognition, such as being included in the CIX Top 20 and the Gartner Cool Vendor list. Through its services, Tealbook aims to improve buyer-supplier relations and streamline the procurement process for enterprises.

Aya Payments, founded in 2018 and based in Toronto, Ontario, specializes in developing payment tools and programs for employee benefits packages. The company has created a healthcare payment platform aimed at simplifying medical payments for users. This platform enables individuals to access, manage, and monitor healthcare costs while offering various financial products, including payment, deposit, lending, and investment options. By focusing on enhancing financial flexibility, Aya Payments strives to alleviate the stress associated with healthcare payments, ultimately improving the overall user experience in managing healthcare expenses.

Sol Cuisine Inc. is a Canadian company based in Mississauga, established in 1980, that specializes in the production of vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, and organic frozen and fresh meat alternatives. The company's product range includes items such as fattoush salad, various aioli sauces, vegan maki, vegan poutine, and savory morning swirls. Sol Cuisine aims to create high-quality, delicious foods using local and environmentally sustainable ingredients, providing consumers with nutritious and animal-friendly options that are designed to be superior to both meat-based products and other plant-based alternatives.

Symend Inc. is a company that specializes in debt recovery solutions through its innovative software platform. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Calgary, Canada, with additional offices in Toronto and Denver, Symend focuses on enhancing the debt collection process by utilizing automation, predictive analytics, and behavioral science. The platform aims to minimize debt delinquency while ensuring a positive experience for all stakeholders. It offers tools for treatment planning, campaign management, and self-service options, allowing businesses in sectors such as financial services, telecommunications, and utilities to engage customers effectively. By creating personalized interactions, Symend empowers individuals to manage their debts through flexible repayment options, ultimately fostering better financial outcomes and strengthening customer relationships.

ApplyBoard is a technology company that facilitates the study abroad experience by connecting international students, recruitment partners, and educational institutions through its comprehensive platform. By automating and streamlining the application process, ApplyBoard enables students to easily discover, apply to, and enroll in universities across North America. The company has experienced significant growth, employing over 1,200 team members and earning recognition from Deloitte as one of Canada’s fastest-growing technology firms for five consecutive years. With its headquarters in Kitchener, Ontario, and a dedicated office in Gurugram, India, ApplyBoard operates with a global workforce spread across 30 countries, including major markets such as China, the Philippines, and the United States. This extensive network allows ApplyBoard to assist thousands of students in achieving their academic aspirations abroad.

Tealbook, Inc. is an online supplier knowledge management and procurement platform headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Founded in 2014, the company provides a centralized system that consolidates credible and up-to-date information about suppliers, enabling procurement teams to identify and connect with qualified suppliers. The platform offers a comprehensive view of supplier data, including company details, product offerings, diversity status, and client recommendations. It also integrates with various enterprise resource planning systems and procurement tools, enhancing the visibility and knowledge of preferred suppliers. Tealbook's innovations have garnered industry recognition, such as being included in the CIX Top 20 and the Gartner Cool Vendor list. Through its services, Tealbook aims to improve buyer-supplier relations and streamline the procurement process for enterprises.

Founded in 2013, WeCook Meals (formerly Nutrition Fit Plus) is a leader in home meal delivery, offering a wide range of tasty, balanced and personalized healthy meals made with fresh produce and meat, and healthy snacks. Subscribers can order from a diversified weekly menu. The Dorval-based company has over 450 employees serving Québec and Ontario.

Relogix Inc., founded in 2010 and based in Ottawa, Canada, specializes in developing sensor-based devices for monitoring and tracking unused office spaces. The company offers a comprehensive solution that includes UtiLive, a system utilizing space tracking sensors and a machine learning analytics engine for data analysis. Relogix operates on a sensor-as-a-service model, which encompasses floor planning, deployment of sensor devices, and ongoing monitoring through a cloud-based application. The company's offerings are designed to support large enterprises and commercial real estate portfolios, enabling clients to make informed, data-driven decisions regarding their real estate strategies. Relogix's innovative workplace insights platform, Conexus, and advanced IoT occupancy sensors aim to enhance the workplace experience and optimize real estate utilization.

Element AI Inc. is an artificial intelligence company that provides solutions for organizations seeking to leverage AI and machine learning technologies. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, with an additional office in Toronto, the company operates an AI as a Service (AIaaS) platform, allowing businesses to launch and incubate AI solutions in collaboration with large corporations. Element AI focuses on delivering AI software products that enhance decision-making and operational efficiency across various sectors, including insurance, banking, manufacturing, logistics, retail, and consumer packaged goods. The company emphasizes research and development, maintaining strong ties to academia, and engages in policy discussions regarding the societal impacts of technology. Through its offerings, Element AI aims to help clients unlock insights, accelerate the adoption of AI, and improve overall business performance with explainable solutions.

Nicoya Lifesciences Inc. is a Canadian company based in Kitchener that specializes in developing advanced sensor products for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Founded in 2012, Nicoya creates instruments designed to analyze biomolecular interactions, including proteins, antibodies, DNA, RNA, and small molecules. Their product lineup includes surface plasmon resonance (SPR) instruments, spectrophotometers, sensor chips, reagents, and accessories, as well as the OpenSPR, a personal label-free biomolecular analysis instrument. In addition to hardware, Nicoya offers software solutions for real-time kinetic analysis, instrument control, and optical peak tracking, enhancing the capabilities of their analytical tools.

Lynx Equity Limited is a private equity firm founded in November 2007 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with additional offices in San Diego, California, and Calgary, Canada. The firm specializes in management buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth capital investments in small to medium-sized enterprises, primarily targeting companies in North America, particularly in Ontario and Western Canada. Lynx Equity focuses on sectors such as manufacturing, business services, financial services, industrial products, food, clean energy, and consumer products. The firm typically invests between CAD $200,000 and CAD $8 million per transaction in companies with enterprise values ranging from CAD $1 million to CAD $10 million and revenues not exceeding CAD $25 million. Lynx Equity usually seeks to acquire a 100% stake in its portfolio companies, holding investments for three to five years, and structures its investments as a combination of debt and equity. The firm emphasizes transactions involving retiring entrepreneurs looking to transition their businesses.

North America’s leading composable commerce consultancy and systems integrator, we work with best-in-class technology partners to set strong composable commerce foundations today that can support how brands serve their customers across channels in the future. Orium was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario.

JLD - Laguë is a distributor of agricultural, commercial, and construction equipment in Quebec and Ontario. The company supplies a wide range of machinery, including tractors, mowers, forage harvesters, combine harvesters, balers, snowblowers, and various types of utility vehicles. In addition to equipment distribution, JLD - Laguë offers financing services to help clients acquire heavy trucks and related parts. The company distinguishes itself from competitors by actively pursuing innovative technological advancements to enhance its product offerings, ensuring that it meets the diverse needs of its customers in agricultural, snow removal, landscaping, and maintenance sectors.

TouchBistro, Inc. develops an iPad-based point of sale (POS) solution tailored for restaurants, cafes, bars, and food trucks. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in New York with an additional office in Toronto, the company offers various POS systems, including those specifically designed for food trucks, bars, and coffee shops. These systems enable efficient order management by allowing servers to take orders and submit them directly to the kitchen without returning to a terminal, thereby reducing errors and enhancing service speed. TouchBistro also provides features such as a reservation management platform, cloud reporting and analytics, and customer-facing displays, all aimed at improving the dining experience and operational efficiency. The software is available through the Apple App Store in the United States and internationally, making it accessible for a wide range of food and drink venues.

Assent Compliance Inc. specializes in providing compliance software and data management solutions aimed at assisting manufacturers with product compliance, trade compliance, and sustainability management. Its offerings include a suite of tools such as Global Product Regulatory Software, Environmental Compliance Software, and Custom Compliance Survey Software, which facilitate the management of compliance portfolios, environmental regulations, and supplier communication. The company also features Inspection Software that enables the creation of custom compliance forms. Additionally, Assent provides services like regulatory compliance consulting, data procurement, and support for ethical supply chain initiatives. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, Assent is dedicated to helping businesses navigate complex regulatory environments while promoting responsible and sustainable practices within their supply chains.

Element AI Inc. is an artificial intelligence company that provides solutions for organizations seeking to leverage AI and machine learning technologies. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, with an additional office in Toronto, the company operates an AI as a Service (AIaaS) platform, allowing businesses to launch and incubate AI solutions in collaboration with large corporations. Element AI focuses on delivering AI software products that enhance decision-making and operational efficiency across various sectors, including insurance, banking, manufacturing, logistics, retail, and consumer packaged goods. The company emphasizes research and development, maintaining strong ties to academia, and engages in policy discussions regarding the societal impacts of technology. Through its offerings, Element AI aims to help clients unlock insights, accelerate the adoption of AI, and improve overall business performance with explainable solutions.

WebsiteBox is a Toronto-based technology firm that specializes in providing comprehensive real estate websites for a one-time fee of $99, positioning itself as the most affordable option in the market. The company supports IDX integration with 265 multiple-listing-service boards across the United States and Canada, catering to over 10,000 real estate professionals. Its services include mobile-friendly website design, search engine optimization, customized content tailored to specific real estate niches, lead capture tools, and cloud hosting. Additionally, WebsiteBox offers backup integration with MLS data, analytics, online marketing tools, and live support, enabling real estate professionals to enhance their online presence and effectively grow their businesses.

Mosaic Manufacturing Ltd., established in 2014 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, specializes in 3D printing technology that enhances the capabilities of 3D printers. The company develops hardware and software solutions that enable the integration of multiple filaments into a single strand, allowing users to print complex, functional objects without the need for extensive modifications or additional equipment. Mosaic's patented multi-material 3D printing technology supports flexible manufacturing processes and mass customization, helping industries create high-quality products on-demand. By providing a comprehensive ecosystem of additive manufacturing solutions, Mosaic aims to make manufacturing more sustainable and resilient, transforming traditional polymer supply chains for leading companies.

Strongpoint provides companies with Netsuite and Salesforce to manage change in their systems, enabling them to drive growth with confidence and certainty.

Assent Compliance Inc. specializes in providing compliance software and data management solutions aimed at assisting manufacturers with product compliance, trade compliance, and sustainability management. Its offerings include a suite of tools such as Global Product Regulatory Software, Environmental Compliance Software, and Custom Compliance Survey Software, which facilitate the management of compliance portfolios, environmental regulations, and supplier communication. The company also features Inspection Software that enables the creation of custom compliance forms. Additionally, Assent provides services like regulatory compliance consulting, data procurement, and support for ethical supply chain initiatives. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, Assent is dedicated to helping businesses navigate complex regulatory environments while promoting responsible and sustainable practices within their supply chains.

Aterlo Networks is focused on the development of networking products for internet and streaming media users. It offers its solutions for ISPs and content providers; maritime, energy, and mining sectors; and work camps. Aterlo Networks was founded in 2014 and is based in Kitchener, Ontario.

Think Dirty Inc. is a Toronto-based company that has developed a mobile application designed to help consumers understand the ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products. The app enables users to quickly learn about potentially harmful substances by scanning product barcodes or searching for them directly. It consolidates information from various reputable sources, including government lists of banned chemicals, peer-reviewed studies, and guidelines from health organizations, which culminates in a score reflecting the safety of each product. By providing clear information on product ingredients and safer shopping alternatives, Think Dirty empowers consumers to make informed choices regarding their health and the environment.

Solantro Semiconductor Corp. is a semiconductor company based in Ottawa, Canada, specializing in the design and manufacture of integrated circuits for grid applications, particularly in the renewable energy sector. Founded in 2009, the company develops advanced power management chipsets, including analog power managers, maximizer DC controllers, and micro-inverter controllers. These chipsets enhance the functionality of solar panels, transforming them into integrated power generators. Solantro's products support applications such as DC-AC micro-inverters, DC-DC power optimizers, and intelligent photovoltaic (PV) module safety disconnects. In addition to hardware, the company offers software development tools to facilitate the integration of its semiconductor solutions into power electronics and smart grid systems. Solantro serves various clients in the renewable energy and power electronics industries, leveraging its expertise in system architecture and power conversion to promote scalable and efficient energy solutions.

Interface Biologics, Inc. is a commercial stage company based in Toronto, Canada, that specializes in developing innovative biomedical polymer technologies aimed at enhancing the safety and effectiveness of medical devices. The company’s patent-protected technologies include anti-thrombogenic additives designed for blood-contacting medical devices and polymer-enabled combination drug delivery systems. Interface Biologics has established exclusive licensing agreements for its Endexo™ technology with AngioDynamics for vascular access catheters and with Fresenius Medical Care for chronic dialysis systems. Medical devices incorporating this technology, such as AngioDynamics’ BioFlo PICCS and DuraMax Dialysis Catheter, have received FDA clearance and are gaining market traction. Additionally, the company has a joint venture with Qualimed to develop a drug-coated balloon utilizing its Kinesyx™ technology. Founded in 2001, Interface Biologics operates from the MaRS Innovation Centre and focuses on solutions that reduce infection and thrombus-related complications across various medical specialties, particularly ophthalmology.

Liquid Computing Corp. develops converged communications and computing platforms. It designs and develops LiquidIQ, a computing infrastructure that offers IT infrastructure and data centers management, and software-based control of servers, as well as storage and networking resources. The company was founded in 2003 and is based in Ottawa, Canada with an additional office in Stamford, Connecticut.

Cyrium Technologies Inc. operates as a fabless concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) cell manufacturer in Canada. The company develops, manufactures, and supplies CPV cells for terrestrial solar energy markets and CPV system manufacturers; quantum dot enhanced cells; and application-specific concentrator cells (ASCC). It also provides cell performance optimization and customization services through the ASCC program. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada with an additional office in Hong Kong.

Critical Telecom is a Canadian company based in Ottawa, established in 1987, that specializes in developing broadband enabling platforms for IP-based access networks. The company focuses on providing innovative solutions to enhance network access, including its flagship product, GEmini, an Ethernet remote DSLAM. This technology delivers non-blocking bandwidth, which supports various applications such as triple play services and IPTV. By offering these advanced broadband services, Critical Telecom aims to facilitate seamless streaming and improve overall user experience in accessing network services.

IceFyre Semiconductor designs and develops a range of Wi-Fi chips. Its products include SureFyre 802.11a and TwinFyre 802.11a/b/g system solutions. The company offers orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) product that reduces power requirements with the use of the digital computational engines in the data transmission chain. IceFyre was founded by Cedric Paillard and is based in Kanata, Ontario.