Showcasing what makes Durham Region an ideal place to build, start, or grow an innovative technology business brought Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area and partners focused on business growth to the Collision Conference in Toronto. 

In a shared space with other members of Durham Region’s economic development ecosystem, Trent Durham GTA’s delegation highlighted the value that the University's graduates offer to startup and growth-stage companies. 

“Trent Durham GTA’s innovative interdisciplinary approach leaves graduates ready to adapt to any changes the future will bring. Technology that serves our communities must be created with a holistic lens to ensure that all of us move forward together,” said Scott Henderson, dean and head of Trent Durham GTA. 

With many emerging tech companies focused on eco-friendly solutions and clean technologies attending the conference, Collision was an excellent opportunity to explore opportunities with Cleantech Commons, Trent’s new research and innovation park, currently under construction at the University’s Symons Campus in Peterborough. 

Cleantech Commons is a regional hub for collaborative research, innovation, commercialization, and entrepreneurship of clean, green, low- and zero-carbon, sustainable, and circular economy solutions.  

“By building a cluster of scalable growth companies, startup and spinout ventures, corporate accelerators, and ‘innovation outposts’ at Cleantech Commons, we are developing the perfect location for both startup ventures and established businesses to connect with students, academic faculty, researchers, and university facilities to collaboratively create green innovations, sustainable products, and low-carbon solutions for the global market,” said Martin Yuill, the research park’s executive director. “Our participation at Collision as part of the Trent delegation provided us the valuable opportunity to network, learn, generate research and partnership leads, and gain exposure.”