Toronto may not be as established as other regions when it comes to tech innovation, but recent developments may soon see Canada’s largest city going head-to-head with startup hubs like Vancouver. Only time will tell how many will succeed on a global scale; notwithstanding, the future seems bright for many of these ventures.
Here are 10 Tech Startups from Toronto worth to follow.
1. Chematria
Chematria first gained widespread attention back in 2014 with its experimental artificial intelligence (AI) programs for discovering Ebola virus treatments. Its AI program—developed by California developer Atomwise—is now being used to rapidly discover new medicines and treatments for devastating ailments like malaria and leukemia. The firm is also involved in developing more environmentally-friendly pesticides for agriculture.
2. ThinkData Works
ThinkData Works is an information aggregating service that focuses on open data: openly sharable/distributable information released to the general public by government agencies and other entities. Its Namara.io open data search engine boasts over 60,000 sets of data from over 700 sources.
3. UCIC
The Unified Computer Intelligence Corporation (UCIC) enables voice interactions in business software, most notably with Amazon Alexa Voice Service for issuing simple voice commands to query/interact with products and services. It also works with third parties to develop their own speech recognition software for various applications.
4. OTI Lumionics
Already used in smartphones and ultra-slim televisions, OLEDs—short for organic light emitting diodes—allow for strings of lights to be mounted on flexible, paper-like sheets for unparalleled ease of installation. OTI Luminotics is applying OLEDs for use in general interior lighting, furniture enhancement, and even wearable clothing.
5. Nymi
The Nymi Band is a stylish wristband that doubles as an authentication device—a biometric template (e.g., fingerprint sample, heart rhythm profile) is recorded/stored as a key for activating its features. Once activated, the band communicates via Bluetooth to unlock devices, gain physical access past security doors, authenticate financial transactions, and more.
6. Bridgit
Bridgit is a platform that helps contractors manage subcontractors working on their sites, streamlining the process of applying post-construction modifications and corrections. Using the app, contractors simply take a picture on-site and mark where it is/what needs to be done—the platform automatically sends it to all subcontractors. Once the job is completed, subcontractors can snap a photo to confirm completion and request approval from the contractor.
7. Varage Sale
As its name implies, Varage Sale is a platform for virtual garage sales. While websites like eBay and Craigslist are popular for selling second-hand possessions, Varage Sale takes this to the next level by facilitating the creation/organization of online social groups and in-person meetups—adding the personal touch of meeting new people in person and discovering interesting buys.
8. Synbiota
Synbiota’s overarching philosophy is that biology is technology. They have developed what is likely the world’s first virtual petri dish, enabling users to design/build synthetic DNA constructs on their personal computers from home. The applications are unprecedented: biological circuits that behave like switches and sensors, cells that produce specific smells at defined temperatures, and rare materials created from common items, among others. The solution consists of software to design creations and a wetware kit to bring them to life.
9. Freshbooks
Like Shopify, Freshbooks eliminates the need to hire a team—except in this case, it’s for accounting operations. The cloud-based platforms keeps track of expenses and receipts, sends invoices, and even automatically messages clients that owe outstanding payments. Additional features such as profit/expense tracking over time and payment transfer handling/creation make it an attractive option for new businesses looking to save time and money.
10. Shopify
Online shopping is quickly replacing traditional retail—in response to this shift, most brands have enlisted entire e-commerce teams to manage operations. Smaller companies do not have this luxury—but they do have Shopify: a user-friendly platform for business owners to create their own online stores. The offering features WYSIWYG development, data analytics, and a myriad of online marketing tools.