Information and Communications Technologies

The fast-growing information and communications technologies (ICT) sector in Windsor-Essex is helping the region diversify its economy to fit modern communications and information technology needs. Many companies in the burgeoning industry are putting down roots in Windsor-Essex, helping the sector grow at a rate faster than the overall economy.

With more than 8,500 people working in ICT across close to 250 plus businesses in the region, taking advantage of more than 1,850 km of fiber optic cable, the region is quickly becoming well-known for ICT in Ontario and beyond. Many of the industry’s organizations partner with other key sectors, such as manufacturing and healthcare, to develop best-in-class, cutting-edge solutions for information technology (IT) and communications needs.

Incubators and accelerators

Our region is also home to multiple incubators and accelerator programs that encourage and enable the development of ICT initiatives, projects and startups.

EPICentre

The EPICentre is the hub for all entrepreneurial endeavours on the University of Windsor campus. From extra-curricular activities in the university’s entrepreneurship centre to hands-on workshops in the makerspace, students from any discipline and post-secondary institution, and community members, have the opportunity to explore and practice entrepreneurial thinking and culture.

The EPICentre offers:

  • Co-working space
  • Networking events
  • Mentorship
  • Workshops
  • Makerspace
  • Competitions
  • Funding opportunities
  • Accelerator programs

WEtech Alliance

WEtech Alliance‘s vision is to build a regional technology community that fosters entrepreneurship, innovation and collaboration, creating a wealth of opportunity and prosperity for Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent. They assist today’s entrepreneurs to launch new ventures, connect with academia, provide education and networking opportunities to accelerate business growth for small-to-medium enterprises, and serve as advocates for the region’s technology and innovation companies.

They focus on three main pillars:

  • Business advisory services
  • Building and engaging the tech community
  • Champion tech and innovation

The Accelerator

Centrally located in Windsor, the Accelerator is an entrepreneurial ecosystem with co-working spaces specifically designed to help accelerate the growth of start-ups and emerging businesses. The 55,000 sq ft facility features on-site training and mentoring programs in a collaborative environment.

The Accelerator offers a variety of programs:

  • Business seminars
  • On-site mentoring
  • Business plan development
  • Free on-site legal assistance for members

Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre

The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre is a department of Invest WindsorEssex and provides complimentary consultations, easy access to information and resources on all aspects of your business needs, every step of the way.

Education, innovation and research

A wide variety of post-secondary educational opportunities in information and communication technologies await students and learners in Windsor-Essex.

The University of Windsor and its Odette School of Business offer programs in accounting, finance, management, management science, marketing and strategy. You can also improve your skills with programs in computer science, applied computing, computer information systems, software engineering and applied information technology.

St. Clair College offers 140 programs, with several related to ICT, including computer programming, computer  systems technology, data analytics, cybersecurity and web development and internet applications.

Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network

With the goal of advancing cross-border connectivity to move goods, people and services within Canada and abroad efficiently, effectively and safely, the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is a regional technology development site that develops, validates and tests connected and autonomous vehicles through a virtual environment.

Virtual Reality CAVE

The Windsor-Essex (WE) Virtual Reality CAVE is an immersive and active virtual reality environment, integrated with state-of-the-art hardware and software. The facility serves as a teaching, training and research tool for the region and beyond, designed to support connected and autonomous vehicle development.

Competitive wages

Our region offers thousands of satisfying careers in ICT, with competitive wages for employers and employees compared to the rest of the province.