Deloitte Opens Innovation Lab at Communitech

KITCHENER, ON--(Marketwired - April 23, 2015) - Deloitte and Communitech today announced the opening of d { } (pronounced dee space), an innovation lab facility that will serve as a hub to accelerate the development of emerging technologies. d { } will be located in Communitech, an innovation center in Waterloo Region that supports technology companies at all stages of their growth and development.

 "Deloitte's involvement with Communitech puts us right in the hub of Canadian innovation," said Jeff Bowman, Partner in Consulting at Deloitte. "Through d { }, Deloitte will offer industry insights and technical solutions to help technology companies bring their best ideas to life in functional and practical applications."

The 770-square foot facility will include working space for a team of Deloitte designers and developers, a discovery zone and a demonstration area for rapid prototyping where organizations can transform ideas into tangible models. d { } will also offer applications including intelligent automation, advanced wearable and digital technologies and communications networks.

"We're excited about the partnership with Deloitte, because it's such a great opportunity for both organizations." said Iain Klugman, CEO of Communitech "Being located in the Communitech Hub will give Deloitte a window into the latest innovations, while also providing our companies with access to industry analysis, as well as new potential customers and partners through Deloitte's network."

As the only professional services partner with an innovation outpost embedded in the Communitech Hub, Deloitte will also take part in Communitech Collision events that bring together global brands with small and medium enterprises and start-ups to explore strategic collaborations, partnerships, investments and acquisitions. Deloitte will also support Communitech's women in entrepreneurship & innovation mentoring program and the Communitech Rev start-up accelerator.

"d { } will also provide Deloitte clients with direct access to new disruptive technologies and a glimpse into the realm of what is possible beyond their current perception," said Terry Stuart, Chief Innovation Officer at Deloitte. "Embedding ourselves inside a vibrant startup environment with the latest technologies is critical to changing our talent agenda and accelerating our new solution development."

d { } opens on April 23, 2015.

About Deloitte
Deloitte, one of Canada's leading professional services firms, provides audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services. Deloitte LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership, is the Canadian member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see www.deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited and its member firms.

About Communitech
Founded by a group of entrepreneurs in 1997, Communitech is an industry-led innovation center in Waterloo Region, supporting a tech cluster of nearly 1,000 companies employing 30,000 people. Communitech supports tech companies at all stages of their growth and development -- from startups to rapidly growing mid-sized companies and large global players. A member of the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs, Communitech supports companies in commercializing innovation and technology, with the goal of creating a greater number of successful global businesses.