The City of Maple Ridge is inviting business leaders and educators to a new ‘igniter’ event.
That’s what the city is calling the Feb. 26 launch for the Catalyst Innovation Network – a long-term initiative aimed at supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, future-ready jobs, and economic growth.
The Catalyst Innovation Network is designed to build a connected innovation ecosystem and bring together entrepreneurs, businesses, educators, community organizations and regional partners. The initiative supports economic diversification, talent attraction, and high-quality job creation in Maple Ridge and across the region, said the city.
The network will officially launch at the Igniter event, hosted by the ISACA Vancouver Chapter in partnership with the city on Feb. 26 at the ACT Arts Centre, from 6 to 9 p.m.
The event will feature a keynote address by Dr. Jon Thomas, director of the Esposito Family Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of the Fraser Valley. Participants can register at MapleRidge.ca/Catalyst.
“Innovation is at the core of economic growth, and the city is committed to supporting the conditions and connections needed for new regionally impactful ideas and ventures to happen in Maple Ridge,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “The Catalyst Innovation Network is a practical, community-driven approach to help support new business ideas, attracting talent, and creating high-quality jobs that will help our economy grow and diversify over the long term.”
The goal is to create an ecosystem where ideas can be shared, partnerships form, and innovation can be tested and scaled. By connecting start-ups, established businesses, and post-secondary institutions, the network seeks to strengthen regional competitiveness and position Maple Ridge as an emerging hub for innovation and scalable entrepreneurship.
The initiative will be guided by four interconnected streams of work:
• Community Engagement – Working with residents, businesses, educators, youth, and industry partners through interviews, focus groups, and conversations to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities.
• Innovation Events – Hosting interactive events that bring people together to share ideas, highlight local innovators, and spark collaboration across sectors.
• Strategic Partnerships – Building relationships with post-secondary institutions, accelerators, and industry organizations to support talent development, entrepreneurship, and business growth.
• Media and storytelling: Promoting Maple Ridge’s innovation ecosystem by showcasing local companies and success stories to attract talent, investment and partnerships.