At Volta Labs we believe that Atlantic Canada has performed above the Canadian average when it comes to technology-driven companies finding success. However, the success of technology companies in the region has not yet inspired a broader sense that success in technology-driven business happens here. There is now an opportunity to change that perception of Atlantic Canada and lead the development of a technically minded innovation cluster in the region.
This change in perception requires three main pillars to be present:
A vibrant and growing base of technology companies that are globally minded and locally based.
Strong educational institutions that develop young people who are entrepreneurial, innovative and have a global perspective in whatever area or field they want to excel in.
An innovation ‘district’ to build density in Halifax where modern technology companies have a ‘campus’ to centre their activities and radiate throughout the Atlantic Region.
Starting a business with a local connection is a good start. However, in order to grow a business today you must have a global mindset. Customers, funding, and the people that help build your company will reside in different cities in different countries. There are numerous examples of companies based in Halifax with customers in U.S. cities, Dash Hudson being top of mind as it grows its office space in downtown Halifax with customers in New York and other cities.
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Atlantic Canada is home to great educational institutions that not only develop young people from the region but also attract students from all over the world. It is important these educational institutions remain strong and nurture an entrepreneurial, innovative, and global perspective. The recent investment into Ocean Technology Research is a great start in establishing a globally competitive advantage for the region that sends a positive signal.
The establishment of an innovation district in downtown Halifax will change how technology and innovation is perceived in the region. A long-standing trend in major cities throughout the globe, innovation districts are a concentrated area of a city where education, industry, and residents are intertwined to create a vibrant living and working community.
Along Spring Garden Road, you can see the start of this district with the growth of the Dalhousie University Sexton campus, the investment in a modern library, development of condos, the presence of a growing number of early-stage technology companies, and Volta Labs being open to the community.
All levels of government, members of the community, higher education, and private industry partners are collaborating to establish density in the core of Halifax that will radiate out the next generation of innovative industry across Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada. Community is the framework for a prosperous future economy here in Halifax.
Volta Labs is that home base for a technology driven industry to take a firm root in Atlantic Canada while developing a global perspective. It will continue to evolve and develop the story that will inspire growing businesses to be successful in Atlantic Canada while competing globally.
Volta Labs CEO Jesse Rodgers is a 15-year veteran of the startup world. Before coming to Volta, Rodgers co-founded several startups and was the founding director of the Velocity incubator at the University of Waterloo and later of the Creative Destructive Lab at the University of Toronto.
