The Power of Connections at TechPlace: iMatr Canada Inc.

What happens when the right startup connects with the right ecosystem at the right time?

For iMatr Canada Inc., the result has been a journey defined by rapid growth, cross-sector collaboration, and civic innovation—powered by the community and connections at TechPlace.

iMatr is a civic tech company dedicated to reshaping how citizens engage with democracy. When the startup joined TechPlace as a member in April 2024 and entered the LaunchPad program that July, the decision was about more than workspace. It was about joining a collaborative ecosystem intentionally designed to connect entrepreneurs with the people, programs, and partnerships that move ideas forward.

Located in the heart of Burlington’s innovation corridor, TechPlace provided iMatr with access to funders, government leaders, research institutions, and fellow founders. One of its earliest breakthroughs came through Innovation Factory, one of TechPlace’s co-location and ecosystem partners. Through this connection, iMatr discovered and successfully applied to the EnvisAGE AgeTech research funding program.

The funding from EnvisAGE helped the SAGE Program (Seniors’ Awareness and Global Events), an initiative aimed at empowering older adults to engage more deeply in civic life. It also helped iMatr build new academic partnerships. Through connections facilitated by TechPlace and Innovation Factory, iMatr collaborated with several McMaster University research hubs, including the Digital Transformation Research Centre (MDTRC), the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA), the Digital Society Lab, and CIVDEM@Mac. These collaborations continue to shape SAGE’s development and impact.

On the community side, iMatr brought SAGE to life in partnership with Sunrise Senior Living. During TechPlace’s 2024 Open House, the iMatr team connected with two City of Burlington Councillors, one of whom, drawing from experience in senior care, became a key advisor and supporter of the program’s rollout. It’s these kinds of authentic, values-driven connections that make TechPlace more than a business hub.

By early 2025, iMatr’s growing momentum earned them the Award for Excellence in Innovation and Technology from Burlington Economic Development and Tourism. That recognition led to increased exposure, including a visit from MPP Natalie Pierre, who toured TechPlace to see a demo of iMatr’s DemTech platform, a tool built to amplify citizen voices in policymaking.

Later that year, iMatr was featured at the Mayor’s 2025 State of the City Address, recognized as one of Burlington’s top emerging tech companies. With more than 800 community and industry leaders in attendance, the event elevated iMatr’s profile locally and beyond.

The momentum didn’t stop there. iMatr continued to strengthen its presence in the region by taking part in events like The Big DiF, joining the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, and participating in international delegation visits. The team also hosted the launch announcement of their innovative DemTech platform at TechPlace, which led to opportunities for multilingual demos, pilot projects, and EU-based collaboration. They further deepened their local roots by hiring a TechPlace member full-time to support their growing initiatives.

Thanks to TechPlace’s 2025 Open House, iMatr also formed a new connection with Erin Andrews from Impact Zero, leading to a pilot that’s opening an entirely new growth avenue. This collaboration marks the expansion of iMatr’s platform into a third major vertical, member-based ecosystems, alongside its existing work with Chambers of Commerce and Engineering Firms. Each represents a distinct use case, yet all share one thing in common: they rely on iMatr’s platform to build stronger connections between organizations and the communities they serve.

At every stage, TechPlace has served not only as a workspace but as a true connector and catalyst. iMatr’s success is a testament to what can happen when innovation meets community.

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