Welcome to HardtechFest

Garage&co is thrilled to invite you to the first edition of the HardtechFest. Set against the backdrop of Startupfest, we offer you a unique opportunity to dive into the future of the Canadian hardtech ecosystem. We've carefully selected various speakers from across Canada and made it a point to highlight startups from our vibrant community. We envision this not merely as an event, but as an invitation to contribute to our ecosystem's growth and tackle the world's most pressing challenges through hardtech.

The Hardtech Rennaissance: Why should you care about hardtech

Hardtech stands at the intersection of innovation and tangible products, representing diverse sectors from renewable energy, water preservation, to breakthroughs in manufacturing technology. At its core, hardtech is about extending the transformative power of technology beyond the digital realm, creating solutions that touch every aspect of our physical world.

Last year, the Hardware & IoT startup sector reached a milestone, recording its highest growth rate ever. This surge was significantly fueled by a generous flow of subsidies and grants, amounting to billions, with a special emphasis on Climate Hardware Solutions (CHS). Such financial backing underscores a global push towards environmentally sustainable technologies. Meanwhile, the landscape of hardware development underwent a revolution, thanks to advancements in software that have expedited iteration cycles like never before. These enhancements have not only streamlined the path from design to deployment but also played a crucial role in boosting investor confidence. The result? An impressive 400% increase in Hardware & IoT exits from 2022 to 2023, a clear indication of the sector's booming success and its critical role in shaping the future of technology.

At Garage&co, we recognize hardtech's unparalleled potential to drive progress, which is why we've committed ourselves to nurturing this ecosystem. Hardtech is our future — a path to solving complex global problems with physical technologies.

Why HardtechFest ?

For the team at Garage&co, organizing HardtechFest represents both a bold leap and a no-brainer. Our ambition is to bring together members of the Canadian tech ecosystem for open and meaningful discussions (or debate) about Canada's position within the global hardtech landscape. What challenges do we face? How do our perceptions align with reality, and how can we develop a supportive and impactful ecosystem where hardtech startups can thrive? These questions have been at the heart of our discussions for years, and this summer's Startupfest presents the perfect platform to explore these topics with the entire Canadian tech community. HardtechFest is a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering innovation, and building a community united by a shared vision for the future. HardtechFest is where the brightest minds in technology, from investors to visionary leaders like Susan Schofer, CSO at SOSV/ HAX Chris Neumann, General Partner at Panache Ventures, BERT.rand(eng, MBA) Nepveu 🥽⚜️ , Diana Horqque Ratto, Guillaume Bédard, BComm, ICD.D and Marc Guilbert, Ph.D. , to emerging startups like FeX Energy (Hayden Smith), converge to inspire and be inspired.

PROMO CODE

Come meet us on July 10th from 1-5pm. For more information on participation, please contact communications@garageincubation.com. We will be happy to get you a special promo code for your Startupfest Tickets.

Stay tuned for the unveiling of the program in the next few weeks (you won’t be disappointed!)

*Collaboration is the cornerstone of innovation at Garage&co. If you're interested in exploring partnership opportunities or wish to contribute to our mission, reach out to laudettelagueux@garageincubation.com.

We would like to extend our gratitude to our partners in this adventure: AquaAction , ventureLAB , Punctuate Design Studio , Startupfest

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