Sault Ste Marie Innovation Centre

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SSMIC will strive to provide the content you need in the format you require.

SSMIC welcomes your suggestions and comments about improving ongoing efforts to increase the accessibility of this website. Please contact Administrative Assistant, Angie Wagner.

Our Mission
SSMIC has experts in business development, agriculture, IT, science and technology. Our team is dedicated to helping you find better solutions. 

We exist to drive business growth, facilitate research and commercialize innovation in science and technology through partnerships, expert advice, community development, business incubation, youth outreach and sector development activities.

Our Values
We are:

• Solutions focused: we strive to find solutions to improve communities 
• Supportive: we want to see you succeed and are dedicated to helping our patrons and staff learn and grow to reach their goals 
• Motivational: we provide the tools and resources for out of the box thinking 

We operate with: 

• Integrity: we are honest ethical and fair
• Courage: we are bold, reach beyond limitations, and encourage entrepreneurship

WHO:
SSMIC has experts in business development, GIS, software solutions, IT, agriculture, and science & technology. Our team is dedicated to empowering you.

WHY:
SSMIC is a non-profit organization that exists to make starting or growing your business in the science and technology sector easier. We find solutions for existing businesses in a range of sectors from the agri-food sector to GIS. We want to arm you with the blueprint for success.

We support projects that foster effective partnerships, encourage sustainability and develop talent in and for the Algoma region.

WHAT:

• SSMIC can help navigate and gain access to funding opportunities.
• We provide expert solutions for existing businesses to improve or advance their technology.
• We provide you with the tools you need to turn your ideas into reality.
• We create opportunities that encourage innovation.
• We have multiple programs and divisions that will help your business with custom solutions.

HOW:
Our job is to make sure you succeed. We have experts in the areas of Business Development, GIS and Information Technology Solutions, Agriculture, and Youth Entrepreneurship.

Our Programs

RURAL AGRI-INNOVATION NETWORK (RAIN)

The Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) is an initiative of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre with support from farmers and communities to enhance the agri-food-sector of Algoma. RAIN’s vision is to build a resilient farm and food sector in northern Ontario through innovative research and agricultural development projects. LEARN MORE ABOUT RAIN

BUSINESS SERVICES

The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre works with businesses to help them succeed. We offer our services to entrepreneurs with an idea, a start-up, or mature companies. We are here to help with funding, resources, access to incubation through Millworks Centre for Entrepreneurship, technology upgrades, access to market information, research and development and more. Our goal is to help science, technology and innovative businesses grow and scale your business concept faster. Our dedicated team offers expertise to help entrepreneurs become market-ready. 

Click on the "How We Can Help" button above to navigate some of the options we have available for you. Or reach out to our team and we would love to have a conversation with you to empower your ideas. 

ACORN INFORMATION SOLUTIONS

Acorn Information Solutions (AIS) – formerly known as the Community Geomatics Centre - is a division of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre. Acorn is dedicated to establishing the means to share data, knowledge and tools among organizations to create healthier, safer, and more prosperous communities. Declared to be the most comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) in the world, AIS is the first Community Information Utility and is the best example of leveraging public data for public good in North America.  

Acorn Information Solutions uses GIS, Data and customized software to create more efficiencies for business, municipalities, and organizations across Ontario. 

YOULAUNCH

YouLaunch is the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre’s youth innovation and entrepreneurial program that develops entrepreneurial thinking and STEM skills for youth in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma region. Through opportunities for students aged 9-29, YouLaunch provides workshops, camps, and training experiences to expand and grow individual skill sets to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow. YouLaunch inspires and supports the next generation of entrepreneurial thinkers and future leaders to make new innovative ideas come to life.  

SSM ACADEMIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

The Sault Ste Marie Innovation Centre and the Sault Ste Marie, Academic Medical Association have partnered together to facilitate the establishment and development of a local research program. Members of the association are faculty of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and share the vision of creating a healthier North. 

VULNERABLE PERSONS REGISTRY (VPR)

The Vulnerable Persons Registry (VPR) is a free, voluntary and confidential service aimed at improving the safety of residents living at home who would be at greater risk during emergencies.