Innovation Factory
A not-for-profit business accelerator and regional innovation centre providing 3D printing services, prototyping, and additive manufacturing support to startups and entrepreneurs in the Greater Hamilton Area.
- CEO / Founder
- David Carter
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Established
- Total Funding
- Undisclosed
- Latest Round
- Grant
- Key Investors
- Government of Ontario; Government of Canada
Technology & Products
Key Products
3D printing services; Prototyping; Design and modeling support; Business acceleration programs; Funding and investment matching
Technological Advantage
Leverages nearly a decade of 3D printing expertise and government funding to offer subsidized services and non-repayable contributions to startups, creating a low-barrier entry for innovation.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Offers access to advanced 3D printing technology, expert mentorship, and funding opportunities to accelerate product development and commercialization, reducing time-to-market for innovative physical products.
How They Differentiate
Focuses on business acceleration and funding support alongside 3D printing services, unlike pure service bureaus or makerspaces; targets startups with growth-oriented programs.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Startups, entrepreneurs, designers, and small businesses in technology, digital health, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Industry Verticals
Technology; Digital Health; Advanced Manufacturing; Industrial Design
Competitors
TechShop; MakerBot Industries; Shapeways
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Helped over 950 companies attract $220M+ in investment, generate $468M+ in revenues, and create 3,000+ new jobs since inception.
Major Milestones
Founded in 2010; Launched i.d.e.a. Fund providing up to $20,000 in matching seed funding; Supported 20 companies with $600,000 through Cohort 1 of i.d.e.a. Fund; Marked 15 years of impact with inaugural annual report
Notable Customers
Mile1; AdMass; Acuity Insights; Ecosystem Informatics Inc.; MedStack; Fotaflo; Nuts for Cheese; QReserve; Weever; Gatik; Enhanced Medical Nutrition (EMN); Skygauge Robotics