Development group Halifax Partnership has named Patrick Farrar its new Director of Innovation responsible for promoting innovative companies in the city.

“We are thrilled to have Patrick join our team to continue supporting the rapid growth of startups and scaleups in Halifax,” said Wendy Luther, HP President and CEO, in a statement.

“Patrick will work with partners to advance Halifax’s Innovation District while connecting entrepreneurs and established companies to the city’s research and innovation assets and opportunities,” she continued.

During his career, Farrar has led several startup organizations. He was COO of Venture for Canada, a group which matches leading Canadian graduates with jobs in the country’s startups. Most recently, he was CEO of the Startup Zone in Charlottetown.

“I’m excited to support the next phase of growth in Halifax,” Farrar said in the statement.

“Having grown up here, I’ve seen Halifax evolve and become one of the most sought-after Canadian cities to live in and do business. The city's diversity, economic progress, and innovation ecosystem provide a great foundation for the future development and growth of startups and scaleups.”

Halifax Partnership works to advance the Halifax Innovation District, a hub where entrepreneurs, firms, and organizations collaborate. The district is home to seven post-secondary institutions, various startup incubators and innovation hubs, and over 2,000 companies including startups and scaleups in the IT, life sciences, clean tech, and ocean tech sectors. 

Farrar takes over from Miriam Zitner who was the VP in charge of the Halifax Innovation District and left this year to join Outcast Foods.