To encourage innovation and cultivate diversity and inclusion, ventureLAB, in partnership with York Region, is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund (EIF). This year’s fund supports both non-profit organizations that strengthen inclusive innovation ecosystems, and entrepreneurs driving the future of Cleantech and Agri-Tech in the region.
The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund provides direct support to emerging leaders, non-profits, startups, accelerators, and community partners helping them scale impact-driven projects that foster economic growth, sustainability, and inclusion across York Region and beyond.
Stream 1: Non-Profit Organizations
In recognition of the vital role non-profits play in building inclusive and resilient communities, Stream 1 of the 2025 Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund awards $10,000 each to two organizations empowering underrepresented and underserved communities through innovation and entrepreneurship.
We are pleased to announce the 2025 Stream 1 recipients:
FoundersGap
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
FoundersGap Inc. is an Ontario-based not-for-profit advancing inclusive entrepreneurship across the GTA and York Region. The organization helps newcomer and underrepresented founders launch and grow innovation-driven businesses through targeted skills modules, mentorship, investor access, and a supportive digital community.
Through its Newcomer Founder Launchpad, FoundersGap will deliver 10 skills-based workshops, mentorship pods, and quarterly networking sessions addressing barriers such as isolation, Canadian business norms, and access to capital. The initiative will directly support 20+ participants and 10 startups in key sectors like AI, HealthTech, and advanced manufacturing—catalyzing local job creation, IP development, and economic growth across York Region.
ClearWater Futures Foundation
LinkedIn: The ClearWater Futures Foundation | Instagram | Facebook
ClearWater Farm, the flagship project of the ClearWater Futures Foundation, is an educational hub located on the shores of Lake Simcoe in Georgina. Dedicated to regenerative farming and environmental stewardship, the organization provides hands-on training in sustainable agriculture for youth, women, and Indigenous communities.
Through the Vertical Farming Training Centre, ClearWater Farm is integrating vertical farming technology into its regenerative agriculture model—making it the region’s first training hub of its kind. This initiative strengthens food security, creates pathways to green careers, and positions York Region as a leader in climate-resilient, inclusive agriculture.
Stream 2: Entrepreneurs and Startups Driving Agri-Tech and Cleantech Innovation
York Region continues to be a national leader in innovation and home to Canada’s second-largest tech hub and a rapidly growing Agri-Food ecosystem. Stream 2 of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund awards $10,000 each to York Region–affiliated startups advancing Agri-Tech and Cleantech innovation through groundbreaking technologies that support sustainable growth and environmental stewardship.
We are pleased to announce the 2025 Stream 2 recipients:
Cropinno
Cropinno is an Agri-Tech startup transforming farming through satellite imagery and AI-powered analytics. Their technology provides early detection of crop issues, helping farmers prevent yield loss, improve productivity, and promote sustainability. By supporting farms and agribusinesses in York Region, Cropinno is driving profitability, resilience, and data-driven innovation in local agriculture.
Poket
Poket offers a customizable data collection platform that empowers users to crowdsource and self-report field data through an intuitive mobile interface. With real-time dashboards and offline functionality, Poket supports use cases across agriculture, sustainability, and humanitarian sectors. EIF funding will help expand its use for field-based agricultural monitoring and community-led insights in York Region and beyond.
Serenity Power
Serenity Power has developed a compact, next-generation generator capable of running on multiple fuels, natural gas, hydrogen, and biogas. Achieving up to 85% efficiency, the system provides a cleaner, quieter, and more cost-effective alternative to diesel. For York Region customers, Serenity Power’s technology translates into up to 77% lower fuel costs and near-zero emissions, advancing the region’s Cleantech leadership.
RadioWires
RadioWires is redefining in-vehicle connectivity with its patented RadioWires Tape™, a lightweight, self-adhesive, switchless data network that replaces traditional wiring harnesses. RadioWires EIF-supported project is Validation of Lightweight Interconnects for Enhanced EV Range and Sustainable Manufacturing this will generate critical data demonstrating how this innovation increases electric vehicle range and reduces manufacturing waste.
Just Vertical
Just Vertical creates sustainable indoor gardening systems that make it easy for individuals and communities to grow fresh food year-round. Their York Region initiative focuses on partnerships with local schools, long-term care homes, and community centers—bringing food production and sustainability education into shared spaces, and promoting food security across the region.
Nanodevice Technologies Inc.
Based in Markham, Nanodevice Technologies develops advanced semiconductor-based sensors for agriculture, food, and medical applications. Their AI-powered smart multi-sensor soil probe measures key soil parameters in real time, helping farmers reduce fertilizer use, enhance yields, and promote soil health. Establishing an R&D facility in York Region, Nanodevice will create high-skilled jobs and drive sustainability in agri-food innovation.
STEM Minds Corp.
STEM Minds, a social enterprise based in Aurora, empowers learners through STEM and AgriTech education. Their EIF-supported project will deploy an AI-powered crop health tool that enables users to upload plant images and receive instant diagnostics. Partnering with local schools and community gardens, STEM Minds is bridging technology, sustainability, and education, positioning York Region as a hub for AgriTech learning.
About ventureLAB
ventureLAB is a leading global founder community for hardware technology and enterprise software companies in Canada. Located at the heart of Ontario’s innovation corridor in York Region, ventureLAB is part of one of the biggest and most diverse tech communities in Canada. Our initiatives focused on raising capital, talent retention, commercializing technology and IP, and customer acquisition have enabled thousands of companies to create over 7,000 jobs and raise more than $480 million in investment capital. ventureLAB is powering hardtech founders to build and scale globally competitive ventures that advance Canada’s knowledge-based economy.
About York Region
York Region is home to one of Canada’s most vibrant and diverse innovation ecosystems. As the second-largest tech hub in Canada and a leader in Agri-Food and Cleantech industries, York Region continues to foster an inclusive community that supports entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers from all backgrounds.
