stronger together

The Edmonton Regional Innovation Network (ERIN) is a coalition of organizations in the Edmonton region dedicated to supporting innovative startups and enterprises. ERIN, funded by Alberta Innovates’ Regional Innovation Network, backs service provider programs that help innovation companies enhance market readiness, profitability, and longevity. Our mission is to assist entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses, fostering a Regional Innovation Network (RIN) that is accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our diverse innovation ecosystem.

Membership is free and open to organizations and individuals who contribute to or benefit from the Edmonton innovation ecosystem. This includes municipalities, service providers, post-secondary institutions, investors, small businesses, innovation-based companies, founders, campus innovators, and others seeking support from the innovation community. Join ERIN today and be a part of Edmonton’s dynamic and supportive innovation community!

The Edmonton Regional Innovation Network’s Geographic Focus.

ERIN Guiding Principles: 

  1. Shared Mission: ERIN members are united by a common goal: to help entrepreneurs and ventures ("Clients") launch and grow their businesses swiftly and effectively.

  1. Collective Success: We believe that Clients will naturally seek assistance from multiple organizations within ERIN. Therefore, we see their achievements as a shared success, with credit attributed collectively.

  2. Collaborative Support: Recognizing that ERIN organizations operate at various and sometimes overlapping stages of the startup journey, we promote open dialogue and resource sharing among all members to ensure the best possible support for our Clients.

The Benefits of Being an ERIN Member

Funding and Support

By funding programs that help entrepreneurs start and grow innovative businesses, ERIN strengthens the economic well-being and competitiveness of the Edmonton region, aligning with Alberta Innovates' mandate to foster a diverse and thriving innovation ecosystem.

Community Building and Collaboration

We host events to foster relationships and provide a platform for members and key stakeholders key stakeholders to collaborate and find solutions. Our work extends across Alberta, promoting collaboration with other regions.

Resource Navigation

ERIN recognises that many resources available in the region are not always apparent. Our role as community collaborators allows us to have a mature understanding of the support system, which makes us well-positioned to help entrepreneurs access level-appropriate resources.

Visibility and recognition

ERIN enhances the visibility of founders, entrepreneurs, and innovation-based businesses by showcasing their contributions to the ecosystem. It also highlights the efforts of service providers and organizations that support these businesses, fostering connections and raising awareness within the broader community and industry.

Community voice

ERIN provides members with the opportunity to have their voices heard through regular surveys, feedback sessions, and collaborative discussions. These efforts ensure that the diverse needs and priorities of the innovation ecosystem are recognized and addressed. By participating, members help shape the programs, initiatives, and strategic direction of ERIN, fostering a more inclusive and responsive innovation community.

Neutral and non-partisan stance

ERIN maintains a neutral and non-partisan position, ensuring an unbiased approach to supporting the innovation ecosystem.

Other Benefits at a glance

Programs and Events Discount: While every effort is made to improve the accessibility of ERIN-funded events and programs by offering them free—should there be a registration fee for any event or program funded by ERIN, then members qualify for a 10% discount of that fee with a cap of 50 members for any one event.

Access to other Start-up Programs: ERIN members can access Denton’s Startup Program at a discounted rate. Dentons Startup Program provides legal services to Canadian entrepreneurs to scale their business. Other conditions apply, so be sure to read the booklet linked above.

ERIN Membership Survey 2024

The ERIN 2024 Membership Survey results are in! Our diverse community, comprising industry professionals, academic researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs, has shared invaluable insights. From networking opportunities to exclusive access to resources and events, our members highlighted the benefits and impact of being part of ERIN. Additionally, our members have identified key areas for improvement, including expanding mentorship programs, enhancing communication channels, and increasing the frequency and variety of collaborative events. Explore the infographic below to see the survey results.