Evolving the Innovation Ecosystem. Cheryll Watson VP, Innovate Edmonton

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1 Evolving the Innovation Ecosystem Cheryll Watson VP, Innovate Edmonton

2 EEDC Mission Cultivate the energy, innovation, and investment needed to build a prosperous and resilient Edmonton economy

3 Economic Development Drivers Investment Attraction New Business Growth Tourists / Visitors Conferences & Conventions Major Events Talent / Students Direct Flights

4 Portfolio Corporation Edmonton Tourism Enterprise Edmonton Innovate Edmonton Conferences & Conventions Consumer Brand Geo Market Plans Travel & Trade Edmonton Events Major Pursuits Regional Delivery Business Brand Industry Development Investment Attraction Export & Trade Innovation Brand Startup Edmonton Edmonton Research Park TEC Edmonton (partner w/uofa) Edmonton Made Tech Talent Programs Shaw Conference Centre Edmonton EXPO Centre Corporate Governance & Leadership Marketing & Communications Finance & Accounting Human Resources Information Technology Administration Stakeholder Relations Business Planning & Reporting

5 Innovate Edmonton Mission To create the best possible environment for technology innovation and tech-enabled startup and scaleup company growth

6 2017 Outcomes Companies Helped 200+ Capital Raised $100M+ Jobs Created 500+

7 Innovate Edmonton Strategic Priorities Create New Tech Businesses Accelerate Scale of High Potentials Inspire Action to Fuel our Growth Lead the continued evolution of the Edmonton tech innovation & entrepreneur ecosystem Scale and expand the capacity of startup programs/events and assess Scaleup programming and initiatives Drive events, programs and campaigns to attract/retain tech talent and investment Engage Edmontonian s as active participants in driving the growth and success of locally created, internationally competitive companies Position Edmonton as a top city for technology, talent, innovation and investment

8 Began a Journey of Self Assessment

9 External Benchmarking

10 What We Heard

11 What have Entrepreneurs said 1) Simplify the system 2) Expand high grade programs 3) Develop a talent strategy 4) Maximize collision & networking opportunities 5) Govern the gaps 6) Local culture; global mindset

12 Startup Genome told us 1) Need to create more startups 2) Attack the funding gaps for early stage 3) Connect emerging sub sectors (AI/ML, Health and Big Data) with traditional industry 4) Enable global (SFO, NYC, London) tech networking

13 Feedback

14 Vision Edmonton is recognized as one of the top cities in the world for technology, innovation and entrepreneurship

15 Strategic Ecosystem Priorities Engage and align the service provider community Scale & invest in Startup Edmonton programming: investment & programs Assess and invest in scaleup programming

16 Strategic Ecosystem Priorities Create a new downtown Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub

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18 What s Different? A central entry and navigation point A gateway to investors, mentors, programs, providers Experience all stages of growth and evolution within one location Street front event space to showcase emerging tech and businesses

19 The Opportunity is Now

20 Once we sign a conditional offer on a space, we intend to do a 90 day market test of this new Innovation Hub concept. Viability, better system access and potential tenant commitment As the entry point to the Innovation Ecosystem, we believe Startup Edmonton will be a key member of the Innovation Hub community. The Mercer Warehouse space would be leased by EEDC to a tenant(s) committed to maintaining the spirit of community that has collectively been created here.

21 Thoughts Questions Feedback

22 Next Steps Gather your feedback (survey will be sent out) Close on a potential location Engagement sessions with greater tech community Fall entrepreneurship feedback on existing programs and gaps

23 Thank You