Bridging Gaps in Ottawa’s Startup Ecosystem
UX Research | UX Design | Strategy
Proposed Solution
Short-Term Solution: Ottawa Kickstarters
A centralized web portal that consolidates resources,
funding opportunities, and community events for
young innovators, while highlighting Ottawa’s startup
success stories.
Mid-Term Solution: Innovate Ottawa Initiative
A collaborative program that connects startups with the city to co-develop solutions to urban challenges, fostering innovation through civic engagement.
Long-Term Solution: City Rebranding Campaign
Reposition Ottawa’s identity beyond its government-centric image by launching a strategic image-building campaign that promotes the city as a dynamic, entrepreneurial hub.
Background:
Ottawa has long been recognized as one of Canada’s leading technology hubs, once earning the name “Silicon Valley North.” Despite a strong foundation and a growing startup ecosystem, recent research reveals a troubling trend: young talent is increasingly migrating to other major cities in search of better opportunities.
Challenge:
Despite Ottawa’s legacy in tech and a growing startup ecosystem, the city is struggling to retain young talent and attract new ventures. While infrastructure and support exist, a disconnect remains between the city's innovation potential and how it is perceived, both locally and nationally.
The challenge was to uncover the root causes of this disconnect and develop tangible strategies to reposition Ottawa as a thriving startup destination.
Insight:
"Perception is the biggest barrier. Ottawa’s startup future depends on better visibility and changing the narrative".
Research & Discovery
Methodology:
To understand the barriers facing Ottawa’s startup ecosystem, we conducted a mixed-methods investigation that included:
40+ secondary sources reviewed as part of a comprehensive literature and media analysis.
15 in-depth interviews with local entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem builders, and city officials.
10+ surveys completed by startup founders and young professionals in Ottawa’s tech sector.
This multi-layered approach enabled us to map Ottawa’s startup ecosystem and identify gaps.
Key Findings
Literature Review Findings:
"Smart cities are more entrepreneurial focused due to startups providing smart solutions to urban problems."
(Kézai et al., 2020)
Strategic urbanization can look at a city itself as a form of an innovative device breaking down barriers between:
WORK: Academia, Governance, Finance and Employment .
HOME: Cost of living, Neighbourhoods and Mobility.
LEISURE: Entertainment, Outdoors, Happening Districts and Activities.
(Moisio & Rossi, 2019; Kézai et al., 2020; Novakowski, 2010)
Interview Findings:
Embarking on the journey of launching a startup solo can lead to feelings of confusion and overwhelm.
-
“When you get lost, there is no list so you don't know what to do”
Early-stage Founder #P31
Limited access to private funding reduces the opportunity to fail fast and learn fast.
-
“It took me 2 years to get inbound revenue, I could only do that because I had a family member who was supporting. I would have given up in a few months if I did not have that freedom every time I failed.”
Early-stage Founder #P30
The limited sector diversity may impede the growth of the startup ecosystem in Ottawa.
-
“I applied to an accelerator program in Australia because they do accessibility related acceleration. I’ve had to go further and further to find a good fit for my company.”
Established Founder #P30
The shift to a work from home culture makes Ottawa a favourable city to live in.
-
“I chose Ottawa because it is not a fast paced city like other bigger cities.”
Established Founder #P33
Conclusion:
The impact of our project is multifaceted, profoundly influencing Ottawa's startup ecosystem. At its core, our initiative aims for a community-driven approach to addressing the complex urban and social challenges faced by the city. By fostering collaboration and collective action among stakeholders, we strive to catalyze positive change and foster innovation within Ottawa's entrepreneurial landscape.