FedDev investing in Waterloo-based tech manufacturer
Posted Jan 14, 2026 03:52:09 PM.
Last Updated Jan 14, 2026 03:52:37 PM.
The federal government announced a $3.5 million investment in the manufacturing sector in southern Ontario, including in Waterloo Region.
Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced Waterloo-based Voltera Inc., on Wednesday morning.
Voltera, which specializes in electronics printing machines, will receive $1.7 million to help expand production in-house, increasing its production capabilities to better keep up with global demand.
Solomon told the gathered media and dignitaries that making investments in companies like Voltera is key to ensuring Canada remains an economic powerhouse.
“We are in a crisis. We are in a trade ware. This is the sharp end of the spear here, and people are feeling it. They’re feeling right here in your community here, in this Region here, hard hit by tariffs. So, the innovation and jobs you’re creating are more important than ever.”
The minister went on to praise the tech and innovation pipeline between the University of Waterloo and the tech companies that have set up shop here.
He said the country should emulate that formula in various sectors across the country.
“If we don’t build like Waterloo is building, get the talent, get the frontier research, get the innovation ideas, and then bridge it to commercialization. And then as you commercialize, seed funding, series A, series B, the whole value chain, so then they can actually start making manufacturing jobs here. Now that’s the future, and Waterloo is doing it. That’s the secret sauce.”
Waterloo MP Bardish Chagger was in attendance at Wednesday’s announcement and said these are exciting times for Waterloo.
“It’s fascinating to see what’s happening within our country but also right here in Waterloo. And, I often say ‘As much as the world needs more Canada, Canada needs more Waterloo,’ because we make things happen here and we make them here.”
The second company to benefit from Wednesday’s announcement is Blake Medical Group Inc. $1.9 M will help the company expand their operations in Brantford. The plan is purchase advanced equipment for their smart medical mattress line. It will help the company bring key martial sourcing in-house while also opening new international markets.
