Invest Ottawa
Also known as IO
Government program Ottawa, Canada Since 2012 investottawa.ca
Overview
Ottawa's lead economic development agency, which runs startup and scale-up programmes alongside investment attraction. It operates Bayview Yards, a hub for entrepreneurs, and Area X.O, a test site for smart mobility, autonomy and connectivity. Since 2012 it reports helping firms attract more than CA$992M in capital.
What startups get
Programmes from idea validation (IO Ignition) and an early-stage track with advisors and startup perks (IO Flex) to IO Accelerator and IO ScaleUp. Also offers SheBoot and ElevateIP for women and Indigenous founders, and business advisory services.
Details
- Type
- Government program
- Headquarters
- Ottawa, Canada
- Runs in
- Bayview Yards, Area X.O
- Format
- Cohort and advisory programmes
- Who can apply
- Ottawa-region tech startups and SMEs
- Stages
- Pre-seed, Seed, Early stage, Growth
- Sectors
- technology, defense
- Started
- 2012
- Status
- Active
- Website
- investottawa.ca
About this data
Compiled from the program’s website, announcements, and press reports as of October 9, 2026. Terms, credits, and eligibility change between cohorts; confirm them with the program before applying. Alumni are examples, not a complete list.