Last week, Toronto Region Board of Trade celebrated the exceptional alumni from our World Trade Centre Toronto’s Trade Accelerator Program at the Leaders in Export Excellence event. It was a power packed room with some of Canada’s most exciting small and medium sized businesses. Canada's economic future lies in its ability to expand its businesses internationally, which is why we were pleased to showcase and celebrate our alumni community of businesses thriving on the international stage.
Among the many companies who participated in our Trade Accelerator Program from coast-to-coast two were selected for special recognition. Our Export Plan of the Year recipient demonstrated innovative strategies, and a commitment to excellence in expanding their international presence and our Exporter of the Year recipient had the highest revenue growth in export sales.
Since 2013, Toronto-based Sticky Brain Studios has crafted smart, engaging games and apps, delivering over 70 projects for clients like Canadian broadcasters and not-for-profits. These interactive experiences are both smart and engaging for users – whether they are geared toward supporting brand engagement, education, or to purely entertain. The company specializes in both B2B and consumer-facing products. Their B2B work spans various industries, including film/television, consumer brands, non-profits, and government agencies, focusing on brand engagement, education, and entertainment. As founders Sasha Boersma & Ted Brunt say: "We prioritize listening and think it’s critically important that everyone gets a voice in shaping products. It feels wrong to say ‘we do work for clients’—it’s more like making cool stuff with our partners."
The company prides itself on a collaborative, communicative approach, emphasizing creativity and inclusivity in their development process. They also develop and publish their own family-friendly mobile games, with two currently available in the Apple App Store, Amazon and Google Play: Kimono and Loki’s Castle. They are set to release their newest game, Rooster, in 2025 on the Steam platform. Their commitment to compelling stories and diverse voices is remarkable.
The export plan they built as part of the World Trade Centre Toronto’s 2022, creative industries Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) cohort has significantly contributed to Sticky Brain Studios' growth and international presence.
Their export plan enabled them to increase their awareness of the complexities in entering international language markets, particularly the regulatory landscape, thereby improving Sticky Brain Studio’s preparedness to enter these markets. As a result of their export plan development, feedback from Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service is that they are among the most prepared and organized studios to approach the Chinese market.
In the future, Sticky Brain Studios aims to sign a publishing deal with a Chinese partner for simultaneous release in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese as well as exploring additional markets such as Germany, France, Spain, Brazil, and Mexico. The company is optimistic about sharing its products globally and expanding its international presence.
7DKinematic Metrology Inc. is a leader in dimensional measurement, serving critical industries such as aerospace, automotive, shipbuilding, and heavy industries. Founded in 2019, this innovative company owns and advances iGPS technology, which they develop, produce, and service from their production center in Cambridge, Ontario and offices in Quebec.
This technology is particularly valuable for large-scale assembly manufacturers, offering unparalleled accuracy and efficiency. The company has established a global customer base, with manufacturers of large scale assembly benefitting from their dynamic measurement system which allows multiple points and objects to be measured simultaneously.
7DKinematic’s products are proudly 100% made in Canada which demonstrates their commitment to quality to support their customers worldwide.
A participant in TAP’s 2023, Multi-sector Montérégie region cohort (run by our partners at the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal), 7DKinematic says the increase in export revenue has played a significant role in enhancing the company’s overall success and global footprint. They have strategically participated in key events such as expos in Germany, France, and the United States, enabling them to raise awareness and generate buzz around their technology. Beyond these countries, 7DKinematic is engaging the UK, Japan, Brazil, and India to enhance and promote their technology.
7DKinematic is preparing for a substantial presence at the Hannover Messe, one of the world's largest trade fairs, dedicated to the topic of industry development, for the third consecutive year next year, taking advantage of Canada’s role as co-host country in Germany. They are also establishing partnerships with specific countries through Canadian trade commissioners, consulates representatives and provincial ministries of development. Critically, they are also working closely with metrology integrator firms to ensure local support as well.
Trade Accelerator Program (TAP)
Get ready to expand into new markets through one-of-a-kind sessions and a creation of your own export business plan vetted by top industry experts.