2014 in review: our 5 biggest entrepreneurship stories

This was the year it all started coming together.

 

The University of Toronto’s entrepreneurship statistics were already solid. U of T regularly topped international rankings for numbers of companies started; its researchers and alumni were boosting economies in Canada and beyond with university-developed businesses grounded in innovative tech, chemistry, medicine and more. 

 

But this year more than $3 million in funding from the province of Ontario enabled U of T to bring together, into one thriving ecosystem, the many entrepreneurial efforts previously operating in separate faculties, departments and centres. 

 

The result is a more coordinated and more powerful spirit driving U of T’s startups and entrepreneurship supports, accelerators, courses and programs. That means young entrepreneurs at U of T will have more ways to connect and they’ll be able to more quickly and effectively develop their businesses.

 

It also means that all things ‘entrepreneurship’ at U of T are finally featured in one comprehensive web space. (Read more about entrepreneurship at U of T)

 

At the same time, the rising stars of U of T’s startup scene continued to shine more brightly as they scored major investments, rolled out first-of-their-kind products and added members to their teams. Alumni startup Orchard was named 'the only app you'll need when the iPhone 6 launches'; serial entrepreneur and director of the Impact Centre accelerator, Cynthia Goh, was recognized by The Globe and Mail as one of Canada's most influential risk takers; and Bionym continued to make international headlines as it nabbed funding, inked a partnership with Royal Bank and began to ship its biometric wristbands. But that's just the start.

 

Here are just a few of our favourite stories from U of T’s growing startup community in 2014. 

 

One entrepreneurship ecosystem at U of T
With a new director heading up the University of Toronto’s central entrepreneurship hub, a major funding boost from the provincial government and major international resources coming to U of T, the unification of startup interests at U of T was a big win for the university’s entrepreneurs.

Introducing entrepreneurship.utoronto.ca

Meet Karen Sievewright, managing director of U of T’s new entrepreneurship hub

Ontario’s Campus-Linked Accelerator Program gives $3 million boost to U of T entrepreneurs

IBM Watson competition: U of T students create virtual legal researcher

Startup accelerator Hult Prize comes to U of T: Encouraging social entrepreneurs to solve world's pressing problems

U of T's leading entrepreneurs share their secrets to success

 

41 new companies
The university’s four featured accelerators graduated dozens of companies in 2014 – and some are already nabbing headlines in global media.

Eleven new companies develop through Creative Destruction Lab accelerator for innovative tech businesses ready to aggressively build equity

Twelve new companies develop through Techno, a summer bootcamp for scientists-turned-entrepreneurs

Thirteen new early stage companies develop through the Entrepreneurship Hatchery

Five new companies develop through UTEST accelerator for software innovations
 

U of T entrepreneurs in the community
Entrepreneurs are only as strong as their network when it comes to building teams, getting feedback, securing funding and gaining ground in the marketplace. This year, U of T’s entrepreneurs took part in major community events, launched new community spaces, invited Toronto to get hands-on with innovations… and even helped the community connect with nearby flu shots by talking to them in their own language.
iamsick.ca startup helps Toronto get healthier with “virtual waiting rooms”, flu shots and more
Maker Faire: U of T startups share tech wonders at the biggest-ever event for Toronto's 'maker' community
Icewire Makerspace: helping teens and adults create their own electronic inventions
Rolling out car-bikes, robotics, crop protections and more than 40 other science-based startups on Nov 5
Not sure which mayoral candidate aligns with your values? Vote Compass can help
 

Wearables take the lead
Tech gadgets and ‘smart’ fashion items from U of T-developed companies and alumni thrived in 2014. (Read U of T News’ wearable tech holiday gift roundup)

Nymi biometric wristband scores $14 million, begins shipping
Minuum first keyboard to work with Android Wear smartwatches

First intelligent, heated clothing burns up Indiegogo

U of T double-team: parkas from alumnus-led Canada Goose get stylish new custom trim add-ons – available in Sporting Life, sported by Drake – launched by current undergraduate in entrepreneurship course

 

A year of firsts

U of T startups continued to break new ground in 2014 with first-of-their-kind products and debuts.

OTI Lumionics launches world’s first consumer-ready Organic LED lamp

Nanoleaf launches the world’s most energy efficient dimmable bulb – that doesn’t need a dimming switch

U of T entrepreneurs developing car-bike vehicle appear in the university’s first-ever podcast series

First U of T/Will.i.am collaboration? MaRS Innovation reports on Minuum designed for Will.i.am's Puls cuff