AC Innovation Showcase

40 innovative startups. 400 attendees. One incredible celebration of Canadian innovation.

Join us for the 2026 AC Innovation Showcase bringing together the people, ideas, and technologies shaping the future of Canadian innovation.

This year’s showcase will bring together 400 founders, investors, researchers, industry leaders, government representatives, and community members for an exciting celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the incredible talent emerging from Waterloo Region.

At the heart of the event is our Innovation Showcase Floor, featuring 40 of Waterloo Region’s most promising technology companies from across the Accelerator Centre’s programs, including AC:Studio, AC:RevLab, AC:Health, the Aerospace Accelerator, and AC:Incubate.

From breakthrough technologies to solutions tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges, attendees will have the opportunity to explore what these companies are building, see innovation in action, and connect directly with the founders behind the ideas.

Event Agenda

Full agenda and speaker details coming soon.

12:00 PM: Doors Open

12:30 PM: Main Stage Presentations

1:30 PM: Showcase Floor Opens & Networking

4:00 PM: Event Close

Spotlight on AC:Studio: Seven founders. Big ideas. Real progress.

This year’s event will feature AC:Studio Founder Presentations from the top 7 companies from AC:Studio cohort 2.

Over the course of the program, these founders have been transforming ambitious ideas into promising ventures, working alongside experienced mentors, industry experts, and partners to validate their technologies, strengthen their business models, and prepare for their next stage of growth.

Now, they’re taking the stage to share how far they’ve come.

These presentations offer a unique look at the journey of building an early-stage technology company and the potential of the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs.

A celebration of our innovation community.

The AC Innovation Showcase is about more than the companies on stage or the technologies on display. It’s a celebration of the entire ecosystem that helps Canadian startups succeed.

Throughout the event, attendees can expect inspiring conversations, new connections, and insights into the opportunities shaping our region’s innovation economy.

We’ll also be sharing a special update about what’s ahead for the Accelerator Centre and the founders we support. Stay tuned!

What to expect

• 40 companies on the showcase floor: Explore emerging technologies and meet founders from five Accelerator Centre programs.
• Seven AC founders on stage: Hear firsthand about their entrepreneurial journeys, progress, and plans for the future.
• 400 members of the innovation community: Connect with entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners.
• Inspiring conversations and fresh perspectives: Discover technologies, new opportunities, and the impact of Canadian innovation.
• A look at what’s next: Celebrate the achievements of our founders and get a glimpse of the exciting opportunities ahead.

This is a free, public community event. Everyone is welcome.

Register today and join us in celebrating the people and ideas shaping Canada’s future.

The AC Innovation Showcase is proudly sponsored by:

AC:Studio is delivered by the Accelerator Centre in partnership with WEtech Alliance, Conestoga College, SnapPea Design, and Carbon Graph with support from the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).