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An immigrant-founded Canadian startup is taking centre stage in the race to solve one of the biggest barriers to electric vehicle (EV) adoption: charging. Kiwi Charge, an AI robotics company co-founded by Sudan-born entrepreneur Abdel Ali, is building autonomous chargers that move around parking lots at night to power up vehicles — at a fraction of the cost of traditional infrastructure.

“What we’re building is autonomous chargers that drive around in parking lots and charge electric vehicles while customers are asleep,” says Ali, who came to Canada nearly 25 years ago. “It’s like a smart robot for EV charging. With one robot, we replace 30 traditional level II chargers at 40 per cent of the cost.”An immigrant-founded Canadian startup is taking centre stage in the race to solve one of the biggest barriers to electric vehicle (EV) adoption: charging. Kiwi Charge, an AI robotics company co-founded by Sudan-born entrepreneur Abdel Ali, is building autonomous chargers that move around parking lots at night to power up vehicles — at a fraction of the cost of traditional infrastructure.

“What we’re building is autonomous chargers that drive around in parking lots and charge electric vehicles while customers are asleep,” says Ali, who came to Canada nearly 25 years ago. “It’s like a smart robot for EV charging. With one robot, we replace 30 traditional level II chargers at 40 per cent of the cost.”

From idea to global recognition

Ali launched Kiwi Charge in June 2023 after earlier ventures and years of experience across finance and tech ecosystems. His multidisciplinary team — spanning mechanical and electrical engineering, robotics, software, and data science — has already attracted international attention.

In October 2024, Kiwi Charge secured second place at the Supernova Pitch Competition in Singapore, part of GITEX Asia, a premier technology exhibition. Backed by the Canada Startup Association (CSA), the company stood out as the sole Canadian contender among thousands of global startups, winning US$30,000 in prize money.

“Living in multi-residential or old buildings, I realized EV charging infrastructure is either inadequate or too costly to install,” Ali explains. “Our solution is flexible and scalable — multiple robots can work in one lot, each with the capacity to charge 30 vehicles.”

The role of Canada Startup Association

Founded in 2023, CSA has supported more than 350 startups and continues to expose Canadian founders to international markets.

“As an immigrant, I’ve strong connections across the globe,” says Tehmina A. Chaudhry, Founder President of CSA. “Having a Canadian startup win its first international award is meaningful.”

But scaling remains a concern. Myriam Francisque, National Lead for Inclusive Trade at Export Development Canada (EDC), notes: “The problem is we see a lot of tech startups leaving the country. The challenge is: how do we keep them growing here?”

CSA has partnered with Expand North Star, hosting roadshows in Mississauga, Toronto, and Vancouver, and sending startups to Berlin and Dubai to expand beyond the North American market.

Canada’s scaling challenge

Analysts like Charles Plant, a researcher and entrepreneur, highlight Canada’s limited track record in scaling hardware startups. By May 2025, Canada had produced just 33 unicorns (startups valued at over US$1 billion), ranking eighth globally.

“Canadian startups often focus on smaller, vertical markets,” Plant says. “To scale, they must pursue larger horizontal, global markets rather than relying only on the U.S. or Canadian customer base.”

Looking ahead

Despite challenges, Kiwi Charge has gained traction: 140 buildings on a waitlist, pilots underway with major automakers, and partnerships with cities and real estate firms.

Ali believes Canada must rethink its approach: “If Canada wants to lead the global clean tech revolution, it must stop playing it safe. It’s time to bet big on hardware, on robotics, and on immigrant founders who are building the future. Kiwi Charge is just the beginning — we’re proving that world-changing innovation can start in a Toronto parking lot and scale across continents.”

Scaling Beyond Borders: Canadian Innovation at Global Stage

Canada is home to a wealth of talent and ambition. However, the real challenge for founders is often moving beyond local borders to compete on the world stage.

In 2025, the Canada Startup Association (CSA) took this challenge head-on, focusing on  building structured, repeatable pathways to international markets.

A Year of Global Impact

Operating without institutional or government funding, the CSA proved that Canadian founders are ready for global expansion. From the Middle East to Southeast Asia, the 2025 impact was measurable:

• Global Reach: Facilitated 4 major delegations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, reaching 8 international markets including the UAE, Germany, and Singapore.
• Startup Success: Supported over 500 startups, including leading a record-breaking delegation of 22 companies to Expand North Star in Dubai.
• Big Wins: Secured $30,000 USD at GITEX Asia through Kiwi Charge and provided $100,000 CAD in funding to help startups participate in global initiatives.

Bridging the Gap

The CSA serves as a vital connector for immigrant, BIPOC, and women-led ventures, ensuring equity-deserving founders have the credibility to scale. Through flagship events like the AGAZ Summit 2025, the association has moved beyond simple “inspiration” to focus on actionable outcomes and policy advocacy.

Unlock the Full Story

The progress made in 2025 is just the beginning. As the CSA moves into 2026, the focus remains on keeping intellectual property anchored in Canada while scaling its value globally.

We want to bring startup ecosystem players together.

Collaboration is the key to success! [Download the Full CSA 2025 Annual Report Here]

While Canada has seen incredible growth over the last decade, scale alone does not ensure cohesion. The core challenge we face is not a lack of talent, but rather our structure. Currently, many founders, investors, and policymakers operate in parallel, leading to inconsistent information sharing and missed opportunities.

At CSA, we believe in “startup integrity” the idea that innovation must be aligned with fairness, transparency, and inclusion so that growth is durable and widely shared.

“To build a stronger Canadian startup ecosystem, founders must play an active role in shaping solutions that reduce barriers and enable global growth. At the Canada Startup Association (CSA), our aim is to overhaul the landscape to make it more resilient, inclusive, and cohesive. By better aligning government support, private investment, and international partnerships, we can create a globally connected innovation ecosystem that truly reflects our national potential.” – Tehmina Chaudhry, President.

Four Pathways for Collaborative Progress:

Drawing from our recent brief prepared in collaboration with Blackwood Consulting, we have identified four critical areas for strategic action:

• Convene the Endpoints: We are establishing regular forums for regional leaders and policymakers to share priorities.
• Simplify the Path: We aim to reduce the friction founders face when navigating complex programs and jurisdictions.
• Pilot and Learn: We support small-scale “sandboxes” where startups and public institutions can test solutions together.
• Broaden Access to Capital: We are advancing the dialogue to improve capital access across all regions and diverse founder profiles.

A Call to Dialogue

This is an invitation to policymakers, investors, and founders to engage in a sustained conversation. Progress begins with dialogue, but sustained growth requires connection.

This brief, serves as a foundation for our continued engagement with ecosystem stakeholders. Let’s work together to move Canada’s startup ecosystem from mere momentum to a unified movement.

Read this paper here: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7407814947839184898

Canada has firmly established itself as a hub for entrepreneurial activity, with a startup ecosystem that continues to grow, evolve, and attract global attention. While the country has faced its fair share of challenges, ranging from funding gaps to the complexities of navigating immigration policies, Canada’s entrepreneurial spirit remains strong. A significant factor driving this momentum is the role of organizations like the   Canada Startup Association (CSA)  , which acts as a catalyst and enabler, helping startups and entrepreneurs overcome hurdles and thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

In this blog post, we will explore the Canadian startup ecosystem, its unique strengths, challenges, and the pivotal role CSA plays in fostering growth and innovation for entrepreneurs across the nation.

The Landscape of the Canadian Startup Ecosystem

Canada’s startup ecosystem has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade. Cities like   Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and   Calgary   have become hotbeds for innovation, each contributing to the country’s growing reputation as a tech-forward nation. According to recent data, Canada is home to more than   3,000 active startups, spanning industries from technology and healthcare to clean energy and biotechnology. The country’s diverse and educated talent pool, combined with a stable economy and supportive government policies, makes it a fertile ground for startups.

Venture Capital Surge: The investment landscape, while showing some dips, particularly in early 2024, has remained resilient. Canada’s venture capital activity has seen a surge in early-stage startups in sectors like applied technology, biotech, and software. In fact,   800 new startups   launched in the first half of 2024 alone, a notable increase from the same period in the previous year. The combination of declining interest rates and improving economic conditions is setting the stage for renewed venture capital activity in the coming years.

Skilled Talent  : Canada boasts an educated workforce, with many universities and technical institutes producing top-tier talent. With an influx of skilled immigrants and an increasing focus on STEM education, Canada remains a competitive player on the global stage. This talent pool is one of the key reasons startups are flourishing in the country.

Challenges Facing Canadian Startups

Despite the positive indicators, Canadian startups face several key challenges that can make or break their success.

1. Access to Capital: For many early-stage startups, securing capital remains the most significant challenge. While Canada’s venture capital scene is growing, it’s still dwarfed by ecosystems like Silicon Valley. In 2024, venture capital raised was expected to be at its lowest in   a decade  , hovering around   $500 million  , compared to   $7.4 billion   in 2022. Many Canadian startups find themselves competing for limited funds, making it difficult to scale their businesses at the pace seen in other ecosystems.

2. Navigating the Ecosystem: Immigrant entrepreneurs face hurdles when trying to establish startups in Canada. Complexities make it difficult for immigrant-led startups to hit the ground running. These challenges often lead to delays in securing financial services, building networks, and accessing crucial resources.

3. Scaling Beyond Borders: Canadian startups also face challenges in scaling beyond the local market. While Canada is an excellent launchpad, with a stable economy and supportive environment, the relatively small market size means that startups must think globally from the outset. However, entering international markets, particularly the U.S., often requires additional capital, talent, and regulatory know-how that some startups struggle to access.

CSA as a Catalyst for Change

In the face of these challenges, organizations like the   Canada Startup Association (CSA)   are playing a pivotal role in supporting and enabling startups to overcome obstacles and scale to new heights. CSA operates as both a community builder and a champion for entrepreneurs across Canada, working to empower startups and small businesses by offering a range of services and support systems.

Here’s how CSA is making a significant impact:

1. Empowering Startups with Resources and Networks

One of CSA’s core missions is to provide startups with the tools and networks they need to succeed. They connect entrepreneurs with seasoned mentors, investors, and industry experts who can offer valuable guidance. CSA has built a robust mentorship program covering key areas such as   leadership development, financial modeling, product-market fit, and network building.

These mentoring opportunities are particularly crucial for immigrant entrepreneurs, who often face additional barriers to entry, such as unfamiliarity with the local market or difficulty navigating complex regulations. CSA’s support is helping these entrepreneurs integrate into the Canadian ecosystem more efficiently, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the economy.

2. Supporting Immigrant Entrepreneurs

CSA places a strong focus on supporting immigrant entrepreneurs. Immigrants account for   40% of new businesses   in Canada, yet they often face systemic barriers, including difficulties accessing financial services and navigating the regulatory landscape. CSA offers specific resources and networking opportunities for these entrepreneurs, helping them to secure funding, build strategic partnerships, and establish a foothold in the Canadian market.

In addition, CSA advocates for immigrant-led startups can access the necessary resources and support to thrive. By addressing the unique challenges faced by immigrant entrepreneurs, CSA is ensuring that Canada’s startup ecosystem remains inclusive and diverse.

3. Catalyzing Innovation with Emerging Technologies

CSA is also at the forefront of promoting   emerging technologies   like   generative AI  , which is rapidly transforming industries across the board. Through events, workshops, and mentorship, CSA helps startups leverage AI to build innovative solutions, improve productivity, and enhance their market positioning. This focus on technology ensures that Canadian startups stay competitive in the global market.

For example, startups in the   applied technology   and   biotech sectors   are already benefiting from CSA’s programs. These sectors are seeing a significant uptick in activity, and CSA is helping these companies secure funding, refine their business models, and establish partnerships that can accelerate growth.

4. Building a Community of Collaboration and Support

At the heart of CSA’s mission is the belief that startups succeed when they have a supportive community behind them. CSA facilitates networking events, workshops, and conferences that bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. These events provide a platform for startups to showcase their innovations, share their challenges, and form lasting partnerships.

The collaborative environment nurtured by CSA is instrumental in helping startups gain visibility and connect with potential investors and clients. Additionally, CSA’s efforts to bring together startups from different sectors help foster cross-industry collaboration, which is essential for driving innovation.

5. Advocating for Policy Change

CSA is not only working directly with startups but also advocating for broader changes in public policy to create a more favorable environment for entrepreneurship. Through its active engagement with policymakers, CSA is pushing for reforms that will make it easier for startups to access capital, hire talent, and scale their businesses. This advocacy is crucial in ensuring that Canada remains competitive on the global stage, particularly as other countries ramp up their support for innovation and entrepreneurship.

6. Going International: 

One of the most exciting initiative is our Startup Tarde Delegation Program. We have partnered with Expand North Star, Dubai, which is one of the largest Startup exhibition and conference in the world. This year, CSA is taking seven Canadian Startups to exhibit at the exhibition. We are bringing world closer to Canadian Startups. 

Looking Ahead

As Canada’s startup ecosystem continues to evolve, organizations like CSA will remain critical in shaping its future. By providing startups with the resources, mentorship, and networks they need to succeed, CSA is playing a vital role in ensuring that entrepreneurs can thrive, even in challenging times.

With the global economy becoming increasingly interconnected and competitive, Canada’s startup ecosystem must remain agile and innovative. Through its continued support of immigrant entrepreneurs, its focus on emerging technologies, and its commitment to fostering collaboration, CSA is positioning Canada as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.

In conclusion, CSA is more than just a support organization; it is a catalyst driving the growth and success of startups in Canada. By empowering entrepreneurs and advocating for change, CSA is ensuring that Canada’s startup ecosystem remains strong, vibrant, and inclusive for years to come.

“If we don’t expand internationally, we’d be stunting our growth significantly and mitigating our chances of success” – As Leonard Ivey, Founder of Softdrive

In today’s interconnected world, Canadian startups have unprecedented opportunities to expand beyond borders and tap into global markets. With the right strategies and support, these innovative companies can leverage international growth to drive success and make a significant impact on the world stage.

The Importance of Going Global

For Canadian startups, looking beyond domestic borders is not just an option; it’s a necessity. The Canadian market, while robust, is relatively small compared to the global landscape. By expanding internationally, startups can access:

• Larger customer bases
• Diverse revenue streams
• Increased brand recognition
• Opportunities for innovation and collaboration

Tehmina Chaudhry, President of Canada Startup Association, emphasizes this point: “Canadian startups have immense potential on the global stage. Our mission is to help them seize these opportunities and showcase Canadian innovation to the world.”

Canada Startup Association’s Global Initiative

The Canada Startup Association (CSA) has been at the forefront of helping Canadian startups expand internationally. Recently, CSA took a delegation of promising startups to Expand North Star in Dubai, one of the largest startup events in the Middle East.

“Our participation in Expand North Star was a game-changer for many of our startups,” says Chaudhry. “It provided them with unparalleled exposure to international investors, potential partners, and customers. The connections made during this event have already started to bear fruit for several of our members.”

Key Strategies for International Expansion

1. Leverage Support Systems and Resources

Canadian startups are fortunate to have access to a robust ecosystem of support for international expansion. Organizations like the Canada Startup Association play a crucial role in this ecosystem.

Chaudhry notes, “At CSA, we provide our members with guidance, mentorship, and resources to navigate the complexities of global expansion. Our network of international partners and our participation in events like Expand North Star are just some of the ways we support Canadian startups in their global journey.”

2. Build Strategic Partnerships

Collaborating with local partners can significantly ease the process of entering new markets. The CSA’s delegation to Dubai is a prime example of how these partnerships can be facilitated.

“Through our international initiatives, we’ve helped Canadian startups form valuable partnerships in various global markets,” Chaudhry explains. “These collaborations have opened doors that would have been difficult for individual startups to access on their own.”

3. Adapt and Localize

Success in global markets often requires adapting your business model and offerings to suit local preferences. The CSA provides valuable insights to help startups navigate this process.

Chaudhry advises, “Understanding local market dynamics is crucial. We encourage our startups to be flexible and to tailor their approaches based on the unique characteristics of each market they enter.” Case Study: Canadian Startups at Expand North Star

Canada has firmly established itself as a hub for entrepreneurial activity, with a startup ecosystem that continues to grow, evolve, and attract global attention. While the country has faced its fair share of challenges, ranging from funding gaps to the complexities of navigating immigration policies, Canada’s entrepreneurial spirit remains strong. A significant factor driving this momentum is the role of organizations like the   Canada Startup Association (CSA), which acts as a catalyst and enabler, helping startups and entrepreneurs overcome hurdles and thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

In this blog post, we will explore the Canadian startup ecosystem, its unique strengths, challenges, and the pivotal role CSA plays in fostering growth and innovation for entrepreneurs across the nation.

    The Landscape of the Canadian Startup Ecosystem

Canada’s startup ecosystem has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and   Calgary have become hotbeds for innovation, each contributing to the country’s growing reputation as a tech-forward nation. According to recent data, Canada is home to more than 3,000 active startups, spanning industries from technology and healthcare to clean energy and biotechnology. The country’s diverse and educated talent pool, combined with a stable economy and supportive government policies, makes it a fertile ground for startups.

Venture Capital Surge: The investment landscape, while showing some dips, particularly in early 2024, has remained resilient. Canada’s venture capital activity has seen a surge in early-stage startups in sectors like applied technology, biotech, and software. In fact, 800 new startups launched in the first half of 2024 alone, a notable increase from the same period in the previous year. The combination of declining interest rates and improving economic conditions is setting the stage for renewed venture capital activity in the coming years.

Skilled Talent: Canada boasts an educated workforce, with many universities and technical institutes producing top-tier talent. With an influx of skilled immigrants and an increasing focus on STEM education, Canada remains a competitive player on the global stage. This talent pool is one of the key reasons startups are flourishing in the country.

Challenges Facing Canadian Startups

Despite the positive indicators, Canadian startups face several key challenges that can make or break their success.

1. Access to Capital: For many early-stage startups, securing capital remains the most significant challenge. While Canada’s venture capital scene is growing, it’s still dwarfed by ecosystems like Silicon Valley. In 2024, venture capital raised was expected to be at its lowest in a decade , hovering around   $500 million  , compared to   $7.4 billion   in 2022. Many Canadian startups find themselves competing for limited funds, making it difficult to scale their businesses at the pace seen in other ecosystems.
2. Navigating the Ecosystem: Immigrant entrepreneurs face hurdles when trying to establish startups in Canada. Complexities make it difficult for immigrant-led startups to hit the ground running. These challenges often lead to delays in securing financial services, building networks, and accessing crucial resources.
3. Scaling Beyond Borders: Canadian startups also face challenges in scaling beyond the local market. While Canada is an excellent launchpad, with a stable economy and supportive environment, the relatively small market size means that startups must think globally from the outset. However, entering international markets, particularly the U.S., often requires additional capital, talent, and regulatory know-how that some startups struggle to access.

CSA as a Catalyst for Change

In the face of these challenges, organizations like the   Canada Startup Association (CSA)   are playing a pivotal role in supporting and enabling startups to overcome obstacles and scale to new heights. CSA operates as both a community builder and a champion for entrepreneurs across Canada, working to empower startups and small businesses by offering a range of services and support systems.

Here’s how CSA is making a significant impact:

1. Empowering Startups with Resources and Networks

One of CSA’s core missions is to provide startups with the tools and networks they need to succeed. They connect entrepreneurs with seasoned mentors, investors, and industry experts who can offer valuable guidance. CSA has built a robust mentorship program covering key areas such as   leadership development, financial modeling, product-market fit, and network building.

These mentoring opportunities are particularly crucial for immigrant entrepreneurs, who often face additional barriers to entry, such as unfamiliarity with the local market or difficulty navigating complex regulations. CSA’s support is helping these entrepreneurs integrate into the Canadian ecosystem more efficiently, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the economy.

2. Supporting Immigrant Entrepreneurs

CSA places a strong focus on supporting immigrant entrepreneurs. Immigrants account for   40% of new businesses   in Canada, yet they often face systemic barriers, including difficulties accessing financial services and navigating the regulatory landscape. CSA offers specific resources and networking opportunities for these entrepreneurs, helping them to secure funding, build strategic partnerships, and establish a foothold in the Canadian market.

In addition, CSA advocates for immigrant-led startups can access the necessary resources and support to thrive. By addressing the unique challenges faced by immigrant entrepreneurs, CSA is ensuring that Canada’s startup ecosystem remains inclusive and diverse.

3. Catalyzing Innovation with Emerging Technologies

CSA is also at the forefront of promoting   emerging technologies   like   generative AI  , which is rapidly transforming industries across the board. Through events, workshops, and mentorship, CSA helps startups leverage AI to build innovative solutions, improve productivity, and enhance their market positioning. This focus on technology ensures that Canadian startups stay competitive in the global market.

For example, startups in the   applied technology   and   biotech sectors   are already benefiting from CSA’s programs. These sectors are seeing a significant uptick in activity, and CSA is helping these companies secure funding, refine their business models, and establish partnerships that can accelerate growth.

4. Building a Community of Collaboration and Support

At the heart of CSA’s mission is the belief that startups succeed when they have a supportive community behind them. CSA facilitates networking events, workshops, and conferences that bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. These events provide a platform for startups to showcase their innovations, share their challenges, and form lasting partnerships.

The collaborative environment nurtured by CSA is instrumental in helping startups gain visibility and connect with potential investors and clients. Additionally, CSA’s efforts to bring together startups from different sectors help foster cross-industry collaboration, which is essential for driving innovation.

5. Advocating for Policy Change

CSA is not only working directly with startups but also advocating for broader changes in public policy to create a more favorable environment for entrepreneurship. Through its active engagement with policymakers, CSA is pushing for reforms that will make it easier for startups to access capital, hire talent, and scale their businesses. This advocacy is crucial in ensuring that Canada remains competitive on the global stage, particularly as other countries ramp up their support for innovation and entrepreneurship.

6. Going International:

One of the most exciting initiative is our Startup Tarde Delegation Program. We have partnered with Expand North Star, Dubai, which is one of the largest Startup exhibition and conference in the world. This year, CSA is taking seven Canadian Startups to exhibit at the exhibition. We are bringing world closer to Canadian Startups.

Looking Ahead

As Canada’s startup ecosystem continues to evolve, organizations like CSA will remain critical in shaping its future. By providing startups with the resources, mentorship, and networks they need to succeed, CSA is playing a vital role in ensuring that entrepreneurs can thrive, even in challenging times.

With the global economy becoming increasingly interconnected and competitive, Canada’s startup ecosystem must remain agile and innovative. Through its continued support of immigrant entrepreneurs, its focus on emerging technologies, and its commitment to fostering collaboration, CSA is positioning Canada as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.

In conclusion, CSA is more than just a support organization; it is a catalyst driving the growth and success of startups in Canada. By empowering entrepreneurs and advocating for change, CSA is ensuring that Canada’s startup ecosystem remains strong, vibrant, and inclusive for years to come.