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The startup scene in Canada
McMaster Innovation Park (MIP) says it links university research and entrepreneurs with industry, with focus sectors of life sciences, advanced materials and manufacturing, and information communication technology. Innovation Factory lists advanced manufacturing, clean tech, information technology, smart transportation, life sciences and health care, and social innovations among the sectors it supports; its stated scope includes Southern Ontario and Ontario clients.
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McMaster Innovation Park (MIP) says it links university research and entrepreneurs with industry, with focus sectors of life sciences, advanced materials and manufacturing, and information communication technology. Innovation Factory lists advanced manufacturing, clean tech, information technology, smart transportation, life sciences and health care, and social innovations among the sectors it supports; its stated scope includes Southern Ontario and Ontario clients.
A survey-based Synapse report, announced January 17, 2025, reported more than 230 public and private organizations in the Hamilton life-sciences ecosystem and $989 million in 2023 life-sciences investment. The report gives these as attributed regional figures, with a greater Hamilton regional context.
McMaster describes connected routes for industry research commercialization through MILO, startup incubation through The Forge, health innovation through The Clinic and MACcelerate, and research-based startup support through the McMaster Seed Fund. The City of Hamilton’s Business Centre lists free workshops, mentorship and consultation booking for Hamilton entrepreneurs.
The Hamilton Independent reported that AtomVie was founded out of McMaster’s Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization and announced a $138 million Hamilton expansion on December 12, 2025, with targets to sustain 131 jobs and create 70. In a November 22, 2024 report, the publication described OmniaBio as founded by CCRM and reported that it had a 120,000-square-foot facility at McMaster Innovation Park. It also reported that MEDIPOST planned to manufacture CARTISTEM there in Hamilton for North American patients. These are historical reports and announced plans, not verified current outcomes.
Startup ecosystem standing
Where Hamilton ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (cities) | 2025 | #260 | No prior edition | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
7 organizations with a profile
Who's based in Hamilton
Incubators 4
Incubator
IncubatorBusiness incubator supporting innovative startups.
IncubatorEmpowering entrepreneurs in underserved communities.
The 3 most prominent of 4. Browse all incubators
Investors 2
InvestorEmpowering bold ideas for impactful change.
InvestorInvesting in a sustainable future through data analytics.
Accelerators 1
AcceleratorAccelerating early-stage technology startups.
Based here, most-ranked first
Universities in Hamilton
UniversityListed in 2 rankings
Pick what describes you
Your way in
Raising in Hamilton
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
Get investor introsFinding startups in Hamilton
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
Get startups that fitScouting in Hamilton
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
Start scoutingFrom public sources
What the sources say about Hamilton
Local reporting ties OmniaBio to CCRM and MEDIPOST and describes a 120,000-square-foot Hamilton production site.
Source: Another biotech company, OmniaBio, opens new facility at McMaster Innovation ParkLocal reporting connects AtomVie to McMaster commercialization and reports its planned Hamilton expansion; the employment figures are announced targets.
Source: Radiopharmaceutical company AtomVie announces $138 million expansion in HamiltonA survey-based Synapse report says more than 230 organizations operated in the ecosystem and reports $989 million in 2023 life-sciences investment; these are attributed regional figures.
Source: 2023 Synapse Cluster Report: Hamilton’s life science sector sees landmark year of growth and global impactThe City’s Business Centre reports 238 supported business starts and 269 jobs in 2025; metrics are operator-reported.
Source: One-Stop Source For Small Business - Hamilton Business CentreHamilton entrepreneurs can book a consultation or register for free workshops and access mentorship through the City’s Business Centre.
Source: One-Stop Source For Small Business - Hamilton Business CentreMcMaster's entrepreneurship map connects industry commercialization, startup incubation, health innovation programs and a research-startup seed fund.
Source: Why McMaster - Entrepreneurship
Questions about Hamilton
How does Hamilton rank as a startup ecosystem?
Its best position is #260 in StartupBlink Index (cities) (2025).
How many startup investors are based in Hamilton?
2 investors based in Hamilton have a profile here, including Trio Capital Group and Mercator Analytics Incorporated. The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in Hamilton?
Yes. Hamilton has 1 accelerator and 4 incubators on record, including HacktheCity - Startup Accelerator and McMaster Innovation Park.
Which universities are in Hamilton?
One university has a profile: McMaster University.
Geographic proximity
Nearby cities to Hamilton
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