We’re creating a dynamic environment where start-ups, innovators, educators, and businesses can collaborate, pilot new ideas, and accelerate innovation to ignite the spark of change.
Join us for our first-ever Catalyst Innovation Network Igniter event on February 26 at the ACT Arts Centre!
Sparking Future Growth in Maple Ridge
The Catalyst Innovation Network is a new, sustainable, and ongoing initiative with the objective of building an innovation ‘ecosystem’ that connects existing and future entrepreneurs, businesses, community organizations, and talent to drive economic diversification and future-ready job growth in Maple Ridge.
This work will support the City’s goals of diversifying the local economy , fostering high-quality job creation, strengthening local and regional competitiveness, and positioning Maple Ridge as an emerging destination for innovative businesses, technology talent, and scalable entrepreneurship.
We will engage residents, businesses, schools, investors, and ecosystem partners, both within and beyond Maple Ridge, to co-design and help build an this network that reflects Maple Ridge’s unique strengths, community identity, and long-term economic ambitions.
The Focus of the Catalyst Innovation Network:
This forward-thinking initiative will be based on four key streams of work. Each stream supports our long-term goal of creating a connected, vibrant, and resilient innovation community.
Community Engagement
We’re engaging directly with residents, businesses, educators, youth, and industry partners to understand what Maple Ridge needs to continue to grow its innovation-fueled economy. Through interviews, focus groups, and conversations with local and regional leaders, we are gathering insights that help identify the city’s strengths, gaps, and opportunities. This community-guided approach ensures that the Catalyst Innovation Network reflects real opportunities and supports the people who will benefit most from it.
Innovation Events
We are working to host interactive startup and innovation events that bring people together to share ideas, connect with others, and learn about emerging opportunities in Maple Ridge. These sessions highlight local innovators, spark collaboration between different sectors, and build excitement about what innovation can look like in our community. Each event also gives residents and businesses a chance to help shape the direction of the network.
Strategic Partnerships
We aspire to build partnerships with post-secondary institutions, accelerators, industry organizations, and innovation enablers to support talent development, entrepreneurship, and business growth in Maple Ridge. Based on research and feedback from events and engagements, these collaborations will aim to bring new training programs, mentorship opportunities, and support for innovation and scalable entrepreneurship to the community. Through these efforts, we are creating long-term alignment and expanding what Maple Ridge can offer to innovators and businesses.
Media and Storytelling
We have only just begun promoting Maple Ridge’s innovation story to the region and beyond. By highlighting local companies, sharing bold community success stories, and securing features in industry and business publications, we are raising awareness of Maple Ridge as an emerging destination for innovation. This visibility helps attract talent, investment, and partnership opportunities while strengthening the city’s economic brand.
How You Can Get Involved
Do you have ideas for innovation, or would you like to learn more about opportunities to collaborate? Please reach out to us at Innovation@MapleRidge.ca.
Attend an Innovation Event
Participate in a Focus Group
Partner with Us
Be a Community Ambassador
Join Our First-Ever Catalyst Igniter Event!
Hosted by ISACA Vancouver Chapter in partnership with the City of Maple Ridge, this event brings together entrepreneurs, technology companies, educators, industry partners, government leaders, and community innovators for an evening of learning, networking, and forward-thinking conversations. Enjoy exclusive networking, refreshments, and a keynote from Dr. Jon Thomas Director of Esposito Family Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (EFCIE).
- Location: The ACT Arts Centre
- Day: February 26, 6 pm–9 pm
- Entry Fee: $15.00
What To Expect
- Gain insights and identify innovation and collaboration opportunities
- Spark the development of meaningful relationships across sectors
- Help shape the future of innovation and business in Maple Ridge
Who Should Attend
- Entrepreneurs and investors looking to discover new opportunities
- Community leaders looking to help shape the future of Maple Ridge
- Members of businesses or schools focused on innovation
- Local businesses interested in diversifying or scaling their operation
Dr. Jon Thomas is a BC Regional Innovation Chair and the Director of the Esposito Family Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (EFCIE) at the University of the Fraser Valley. He is an Associate Professor at UFV’s School of Business and studies science commercialization and venture emergence, particularly from university settings.
Dr. Thomas is also the Research Director, EDII Lead, and one of a four-member National Leadership Team (NLT) of researchers heading the National invention to Innovation (i2I) Network in Canada which received nearly $23 million in 2025 to expand science and technology commercialization training for STEM and health graduates across Canada.
He has mentored students, postdoctoral fellows, scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs across Canada and India for over two decades and his collaborative innovation research and training initiatives have received funding from Canadian and Indian organizations including IIT Delhi, AICTE, Mitacs, NSERC, and the Govt. of Canada. He is regularly invited as a keynote speaker on innovation and entrepreneurship topics. A recent book he co-edited on the innovation ecosystem in India was launched in July 2025.
