Innovation Alchemy

E25 | Beyond the Firewall: Navigating the Complexities of Cybersecurity for Startups

Cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s foundational. In this episode of Innovation Alchemy, we dive deep into the challenges founders face as they bring new products to market in an era of constant digital threats. From real-world SOC workflow insights to the crucial role of trust in early customer relationships, we explore how startups can embed cybersecurity from day one.

Featuring members of the WEsecure pilot project - a community driven cybersecurity solution for businesses - that includes the University of Windsor School of Computer Science, Picsume, Sterling Information Technologies, and WEtech Alliance.

Learn more about WEsecure: https://www.wesecure.it/ 

Innovation Alchemy is a podcast by WEtech Alliance, dedicated to exploring the magic, mess, and mastery of innovation. Learn more: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/ 

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/

E24 | Creating Collisions: The Power of Density as a Downtown Innovation Engine

What happens when tech companies, public servants, and grassroots creators unite to redefine a city's core?

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast, WEtech Alliance's Director of Venture Services and Partnerships, Adam Castle, leads a powerful round table conversation on Windsor’s downtown resurgence, where civic leaders and tech innovators make the case for getting in early on a new era of density, creativity, and collaboration.

Featuring:

• Renaldo Agostino, City Councillor, Ward 3, City of Windsor
• Lauren Hedges, Managing Director, Hackforge & Program Manager, Parallel 42 Systems
• Jasen Sams, VP & Founder, Rocket Innovation Studio
• Godfrey Nolan, Founder & President, RIIS

Innovation Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to exploring the magic, mess, and mastery of innovation. Check out the video version of this podcast at www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts.

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: www.wetech-alliance.com

E23 | A Region of Makers & Growers

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast, WEtech Alliance's Director of Venture Services and Partnerships, Adam Castle, talks with Michael Del Ciancio of DC Farms, and Colby Wu of Stratus Plastics.

From greenhouses to factory floors, this episode explores how innovation in agriculture and manufacturing is reshaping Windsor-Essex. Join DC Farms and Stratus Plastics as they share how tradition, technology, and collaboration fuel a region of makers and growers.

Featuring:

• Michael Del Ciancio of DC Farms
• Colby Wu of Stratus Plastics 

Innovation Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to exploring the magic, mess, and mastery of innovation. Check out the video version of this podcast at www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts.

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: www.wetech-alliance.com

E22 | Building Tomorrow: Tech Innovators Tackling the Housing Crisis

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast, WEtech Alliance's Director of Venture Services and Partnerships, Adam Castle, talks construction tech with three firms in Windsor-Essex that are doing big things in building our region and tackling infrastructure and housing in different ways.

Featuring:

• Sarah Cipkar of Resimate
• David Mill of Scelta
• Scott Fairley of Optimotive

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: www.wetech-alliance.com

Innovation Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to exploring the magic, mess, and mastery of innovation. Learn more and watch the video versions: www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts

E21 | The State of Advanced Manufacturing in Canada

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast, Adam talks with three graduates of the i.d.e.a. Fund, Andrew Glover of Harbour Technologies, James Gibb of Affinity, and Vedagya Bakshi of Estare, about the state of manufacturing in Canada; where we can win; and where we're headed.

Learn more about Harbour Technologies: https://www.harbour-tech.com/

Learn more about Affinity Outdoor Living: https://www.affinityinc.ca/

Learn more about Estare: https://www.estare.co/

Learn more about the i.d.e.a. Fund: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/idea/

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/

E20 | ScalingUP with ScaleUP Accelerator Alumni

In this episode, Adam talks with three alumni of our award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator - Picsume's Jordan Goure, DuroByte's Curtis Laurie, and IPM Scoutek's Carrie Izsak. The ScaleUP Accelerator is powered by Libro Credit Union, in partnership with Invest WindsorEssex, City of Windsor, Communitech and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Learn more about Picsume: https://www.picsume.ca/

Learn more about DuroByte: https://www.durobyte.com/

Learn more about IPM Scoutek: https://ipmscoutek.com/

Learn more about ScaleUP: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/scaleup/

Learn more about the Innovation Alchemy podcast: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/

E19 | ScalingUP with Scelta

In this episode, Adam talks with David, Averey and John from Scelta, one of 5 companies in Cohort 8 of our award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator, powered by Libro Credit Union, in partnership with Invest WindsorEssex, City of Windsor, Communitech and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Powered by Scelta helps General Contractors automate the stuff they don’t want to do so they can do more of the stuff that really matters through Real-Time data tools. Their mission “Streamlining Processes, Not Replacing Hands” reflects their commitment to empower the workers building our future, not replace them. By relieving the burden of administrative, planning, and client interaction aspects, they enable builders, contractors, and realtors to concentrate on the impactful, hands-on work that defines their craft. With Scelta 360, Scelta Real-Time, and Scelta Portal, they’re empowering the world’s first generation of Digital General Contractors, ensuring that every project component is efficient, simple, and connected by real-time data.

Learn more about Scelta: https://www.scelta.tech/

Learn more about ScaleUP: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/scaleup/

Learn more about the Innovation Alchemy podcast: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/

E18 | ScalingUP with MyHome

In this episode, Adam talks with Kiko and Ming from MyHome Digital Dwelling & Hi-tech Inc., one of 5 companies in Cohort 8 of our award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator, powered by Libro Credit Union, in partnership with Invest WindsorEssex, City of Windsor, Communitech and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

The MyHome365 app is a comprehensive platform that seamlessly connects users with licensed local contractors for an array of home maintenance tasks. Whether you are a landlord, tenant, or homeowner, MyHome365 offers a streamlined and efficient way to access top-notch local services for maintenance, repair, renovation, and rentals. The app also provides a unique feature for both landlords and tenants to post rental advertisements at no cost. Users can effortlessly upload property details, photos, and contact information, reaching a wide audience and establishing direct connections with potential renters.

Learn more about MyHome: http://www.myhome365.ca/

Learn more about ScaleUP: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/scaleup/

Learn more about the Innovation Alchemy podcast: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/

E17 | ScalingUP with Monerus

In this episode, Adam talks with Khalid Saadeldin, Project Manager at Monerus, one of 5 companies in Cohort 8 of our award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator, powered by Libro Credit Union, in partnership with Invest WindsorEssex, City of Windsor, Communitech, the Government of Ontario, and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Monerus, established in 2015, specializes in cutting-edge public safety and law enforcement technology. Their innovative product lineup includes the tech-enhanced Monerus Bikes and the advanced Iris Lightbar, as well as a variety of AI-driven hardware and software solutions. Partnering with leading innovators like Whelen Engineering and Volcanic Bikes, Monerus delivers state-of-the-art solutions designed to enhance safety and efficiency in challenging environments.

Learn more about Monerus: https://monerus.co/

Learn more about ScaleUP: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/scaleup/

Learn more about the Innovation Alchemy podcast: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/

E16 | ScalingUP with iDream Interactive

In this episode, Adam talks with Jacob, John and Phil from iDream Interactive, one of 5 companies in Cohort 8 of our award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator, powered by Libro Credit Union, in partnership with Invest WindsorEssex, City of Windsor, Communitech and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

iDream Interactive, Windsor’s leading video game development studio, with over 15 years of experience serving major enterprises, is passionate about creating games and apps enjoyed by millions worldwide. Since its inception, iDream has navigated the challenges of a constantly evolving video game industry, continually adapting and enhancing their skills. They recently released their first PC game, a fantasy-themed slot machine roguelike, with plans to expand it to mobile and console platforms.

Learn more about iDream Interactive: https://www.idreaminteractive.com/

Learn more about ScaleUP: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/scaleup

Learn more about the Innovation Alchemy podcast: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/