Three of New Brunswick’s largest economic development agencies are teaming up to celebrate innovation.
Officials are putting the final preparations together for the inaugural InnovateNB Celebration in Saint John on Tuesday.
It is a partnership between Envision Saint John, Ignite Fredericton, and 3+ Economic Development Corporation in Moncton.
“It’s a full-day event aimed at raising awareness and to spark interest in the innovation work that’s happening in New Brunswick,” said Paulette Hicks, CEO of Envision Saint John.
The day-long event will include an industry trade show and recruitment showcase, round table thought leadership sessions and a “Meet the Investors” session with venture capitalists and other investors.
It will be capped off with the InnovateNB Awards celebrating the province’s most innovative organizations and solutions.
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“There’s actually been a long history of innovation in our province. There was an event, the KIRA Awards, which were held in Fredericton. As the pandemic, there was a pause and a reimagination as to what does this event need to look like moving forward,” said Hicks.
While the inaugural event will take place in Saint John, Hicks said it will rotate throughout the province each year.
The InnovateNB Celebration is set to take place in Fredericton next year and Moncton the following year, she said.
“Alignment is everything and it is always New Brunswick first. What we know from an innovative perspective is that partnership is so critical,” said Hicks.
“It’s not just about working on our region or putting a spotlight on our region, it really is about New Brunswick.”
Hicks said they want the InnovateNB Celebration to be a day of inspiration and recognition.
Companies, agencies and entrepreneurs worked really hard over the past two years throughout the pandemic, she said.
“We have lots to be proud of, but we still have lots of work to do. It’s really about having the opportunity to network and to think through what’s next.”
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