The Startup Ecosystem of Kingston

Kingston has 152 startups in our sample database. This represents about 3% of Canada’s startups. Kingston is the 9th best startup ecosystem in Canada.

CITY RANKING

In 2023, the startup scene of Kingston shows much promise after advancing in the Global Ecosystem Index by 3 spots.

National Ranking

9th
0
In Canada

Regional Ranking

62nd
+
8
In North America

Global Ranking

180th
+
3
Worldwide

In Partnership with

Kingston Ecosystem Partner logo

Ecosystem

Startup Ecosystem Overview

white house and body of water
Kingston’s central location between Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, as well as its convenient access to markets in Syracuse, New York, make it an ideal hub for business. The city’s transportation infrastructure is well-developed, with a VIA Rail stop connecting it to Canada’s main railway network.


Kingston, also known for its highly educated workforce, boasts a strong startup ecosystem supported by its exceptional education institutions. With the highest number of PhD graduates per capita nationally, Kingston is recognized for its intellectual capital. The city is home to three prestigious post-secondary institutions: Queen’s University, the Royal Military College of Canada, and St. Lawrence College.


In terms of innovation and research, Kingston offers a range of commercialization services through institutions like the Center for Advanced Computing and the Human Mobility Research Lab. These facilities contribute to the city’s thriving R&D scene.


To foster entrepreneurship and startup growth, Kingston hosts events such as the Mayor’s Innovation Challenge, encouraging startups to tackle smart city challenges. The city invests in the winning team’s idea, promoting the development of its startup ecosystem.


Private investment is also vital to the ecosystem, with the Southeastern Ontario Angel Network actively supporting local companies with the potential for growth and job creation.


The public sector plays a significant role in supporting startups through initiatives like Futurpreneur, which provides coaching, financing, and mentoring for young entrepreneurs. The Starter Company Plus program offers business training and grants for entrepreneurs aged 18 and over. Additionally, FedDev Ontario has invested over US$1B to drive innovation and growth in the region, specifically supporting high-potential firms with innovative products, technologies, and processes.


Kingston Economic Development plays a pivotal role in building a strong community and supporting the local economy. With a focus on attracting foreign direct investment, business retention and expansion, as well as nurturing startups and entrepreneurs, they leverage Kingston’s unique assets to meet the demands of the 21st-century economy.


Overall, Kingston’s startup ecosystem thrives through its educated workforce, strategic location, supportive events, private investment, and various public sector incentives. The city’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship positions it as an attractive destination for startups and investors alike.

Startups

Kingston Top Startup Industries

Energy & Environment icon
Energy & Environment
#31 worldwide

17 startups

Hardware & IoT icon
Hardware & IoT
#97 worldwide

18 startups

Edtech icon
Edtech
#108 worldwide

10 startups

Ecosystem HealthCheck

Kingston Ecosystem Health Check

The health check tables allow you to look at the performance Kingston has in each of the parameters that are part of StartupBlink's ranking algorithm. There are five tables, corresponding to the three subscores, the subscore analysis and industry ana...

  • Overperformance
  • Performance equal to global ranking
  • Underperformance
ParameterParameter Global rankParameter rank change since 2022ResultContribution to total scoreRank gain / loss due to parameter
Total Score18033.449100%0
Quantity Score124-90.73521.3%35
Sample size of startups114-615212.71%123
Sample size of accelerators43-21266.52%19
Sample size of coworking spaces360-141112.07%-10
Community Score633-1139-30600%-9

ECOSYSTEM

Browse the startup ecosystem database of Kingston

Ecosystem

The Startup Ecosystem in Kingston

Startups in Kingston excel in Energy & Environment, Hardware & IoT, and and Edtech. There are some notable success stories contributing to the city’s growing Energy & Environment industry. One of the most promising startups in Kingston in 2023 is Sparq Systems, MetalMaker 3D, and FireRein.

Global Rank

Kingston is ranked within the top 200 startup ecosystems globally.

Top Industries

Kingston’s startups excel particularly in Energy & Environment where it ranks 31 and in Hardware & IoT, and Edtech. Find out more

Top Cities for Startups in Canada - Ranked by StartupBlink
StartupBlink ranks the startup ecosystems of 100 countries and 1,000 cities. Download our latest Global Startup Ecosystem Report.
Rows:
2023 National Rank & Change ▲
2023 National Rank & Change City
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Global Rank & ChangeTotal Score
Access subscores for 1000 cities and 100 countries
Quantity Score
Quality ScoreBusiness Score
1st
0
23rd
+
1
32.630
00.00
00.00
00.00
2nd
0
41st
-
1
17.592
00.00
00.00
00.00
3rd
0
44th
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1
15.755
00.00
00.00
00.00
4th
0
68th
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21
9.033
00.00
00.00
00.00
5th
0
76th
+
15
8.508
00.00
00.00
00.00
6th
0
111th
-
7
6.390
00.00
00.00
00.00
7th
+
1
129th
+
13
5.531
00.00
00.00
00.00
8th
-
1
144th
-
4
4.505
00.00
00.00
00.00
9th
0
180th
+
3
3.449
00.00
00.00
00.00
10th
+
2
224th
+
9
2.282
00.00
00.00
00.00
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Startups

Notable Startups in Kingston
Sparq Systems startup icon
Sparq Systems
MetalMaker 3D startup icon
MetalMaker 3D
FireRein startup icon
FireRein

Startups

Successful Energy & Environment startups in Kingston
Sparq Systems startup icon
Sparq Systems
FireRein startup icon
FireRein
ESG Solutions startup icon
ESG Solutions

ECOSYSTEM

Why should you join Kingston's Startup Ecosystem?

Overview

Within Kingston there is an increased attraction for entrepreneurs to set up their startups in industries such as Energy & Environment, Hardware & IoT, Edtech. These three industries represent about 30% of the startups represented on the Startup Ecosystem Map of Kingston.

9th

National Rank

62nd

Regional Rank

Overview

Kingston is Canada's 9th best startup ecosystem and is ranked 62nd in North America. With a population of 0.1M - 0.5M people, Kingston is ranked 180th in the world. The city has some notable startup success stories including Sparq Systems.

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