Who we are
about us
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) is one of 17 Regional Innovation Centres in Ontario. We are a not-for-profit organization dedicated to economic development and diversification in the science and technology sectors in the Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma region.
Our Mission
To drive business growth, facilitate research and commercialize innovation in science and technology through partnerships, expert advice, community development, business incubation, youth outreach and sector development activities.
Our Values
we achieve our mission through our divisions
WHO:
SSMIC has experts in business development, GIS, software solutions, IT, agriculture, research, and science & technology. Our team is dedicated to empowering you.
WHY:
Our job is to make sure you succeed. We are dedicated to empowering people from the Algoma region to achieve their business, research and learning goals.
We exist to make starting or growing your business easier. We find solutions for existing businesses in a range of sectors from the agri-food sector to GIS. We want to arm you with the blueprint for success.
WHAT:
As a Regional Innovation Centre, SSMIC helps entrepreneurs and innovators succeed in the market by helping them work through the challenges of developing their ideas to make them marketable and attract talent, capital and customers.
At SSMIC, we have multiple divisions that address research and development needs in the following areas:
SSMIC we also specialize in
- Agri-tech and agri-food (RAIN division)
- GIS, location intelligence, data analytics, and custom software solutions (Acorn Information Solutions division)
- The SSM Academic Medical Association is responsible for supporting faculty development, research, academic programming and clinical teaching in the Algoma District
- YouLaunch exists to build better futures by acting as a catalyst for youth to develop skills in entrepreneurial thinking, technology, and agri-food.
HOW:
We support projects that foster effective partnerships, encourage sustainability and develop talent in and for the Algoma region.
We create and facilitate programs that meet the needs of the region. Check out our programs page to see how we achieve our mission.
OUR TEAM
SENIOR MANAGEMENT
-
PETER BRUIJNSList Item 1
Executive Director
With more than 20 years of senior executive experience in entrepreneurial start-ups, publicly traded corporations, not-for-profit and international business particularly in China and the United States, Peter is responsible for the leadership and management of SSMIC in accordance with the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors.
-
KAREN MADIGANList Item 2
VP of Administration
Karen has over 25 years leadership experience in finance and administration, with various non-profit organizations. At SSMIC, Karen is responsible for leading all accounting and human resource functions, including budgeting, reporting, policy development, compensation, HR planning and legislative compliance.
-
SHAWN CROISIER
VP of Sales and Technology
With 25 years of experience, Shawn is a seasoned leader in GIS projects across private and public sectors, including municipal GIS management. Shawn manages the sales strategy and operations for Acorn Information Solutions, collaborating closely with our internal teams to ensure we meet our clients’ needs effectively. His expertise is instrumental in our commitment to delivering exceptional solutions.
-
DAVID THOMPSON
Director, Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN)
As the RAIN Director, David leads the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) to connect and build the capacity of Algoma farmers, agri-businesses and entrepreneurs through research and market development.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OUR FUNDERS
Thank you to our funders. With their support, the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre can build and actively develop an innovative science and technology hub in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma region.
