Entrepreneurs, educators and thought leaders invited to attend Feb. 26 'Igniter' event.
Maple Ridge, B.C., January 23 – Business leaders and educators are invited to attend the inaugural 'Igniter' event on Feb. 26 as the City of Maple Ridge launches the Catalyst Innovation Network, a new long-term initiative aimed at supporting entrepreneurship, innovation and future-ready job and economic growth.
The Catalyst Innovation Network is designed to build a connected innovation ecosystem that brings together entrepreneurs, businesses, educators, community organizations and regional partners. The initiative supports economic diversification, talent attraction, and high-quality job creation in Maple Ridge and across the region.
The network will officially launch at the Igniter event, hosted by the ISACA Vancouver Chapter in partnership with the City of Maple Ridge, on Feb. 26 at the ACT Arts Centre. The event will feature a keynote address by Dr. Jon Thomas, Director of the Esposito Family Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of the Fraser Valley. Participants can register at MapleRidge.ca/Catalyst.
"Innovation is at the core of economic growth, and the City is committed to supporting the conditions and connections needed for new regionally impactful ideas and ventures to happen in Maple Ridge," said Mayor Dan Ruimy. "The Catalyst Innovation Network is a practical, community-driven approach to help support new business ideas, attracting talent, and creating high-quality jobs that will help our economy grow and diversify over the long term."
The initiative aims to create an ecosystem where ideas can be shared, partnerships can form, and innovation can be tested and scaled. By connecting start-ups, established businesses and post-secondary institutions, the network seeks to strengthen regional competitiveness and position Maple Ridge as an emerging hub for innovation and scalable entrepreneurship.
Building a Support Network for New Business Growth
The initiative will be guided by four interconnected streams of work:
- Community Engagement – Working with residents, businesses, educators, youth, and industry partners through interviews, focus groups, and conversations to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities.
- Innovation Events – Hosting interactive events that bring people together to share ideas, highlight local innovators, and spark collaboration across sectors.
- Strategic Partnerships – Building relationships with post-secondary institutions, accelerators, and industry organizations to support talent development, entrepreneurship, and business growth.
- Media and storytelling: Promoting Maple Ridge’s innovation ecosystem by showcasing local companies and success stories to attract talent, investment and partnerships.
Together, these efforts support the city’s broader economic development goals, including high-quality job creation, entrepreneurship and regional competitiveness.
Together, these efforts support the City’s broader economic development goals, including fostering high-quality employment, supporting entrepreneurship, and strengthening regional competitiveness.
Business leaders and educators can learn more and register for the Igniter Event at MapleRidge.ca/Catalyst.
Igniter Event Details
- Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
- Time: 6:00–9:00 p.m.
- Location: ACT Arts Centre
- Cost: $15
Hosted by the ISACA Vancouver Chapter in partnership with the City of Maple Ridge, the event will bring together entrepreneurs, technology companies, educators, industry partners, government leaders, and community innovators for an evening of learning, conversation, and connection.
Dr. Thomas is a national leader in science commercialization and venture development and serves as B.C.’s regional innovation chair.
Attendees can expect insights into collaboration opportunities, cross-sector networking and opportunities to help shape the future of innovation and business in Maple Ridge.
Residents, businesses, educators, and organizations are encouraged to take part in shaping the Catalyst Innovation Network and its impact on the city’s future by attending events, participating in focus groups, forming partnerships, or serving as community ambassadors.
To learn more or get involved, visit MapleRidge.ca/Catalyst.
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Media Contact:
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 466 4319 C 778 955 4249
E media@mapleridge.ca