What is IGNITE Atlantic
IGNITE Atlantic is a rural innovation hub that brings people together to explore how to make change possible in rural communities. IGNITE aims to create a culture of innovation by engaging youth, communities, startups and industries to find solutions and create opportunities.
What makes IGNITE unique is we create coalitions with different industries to innovate new solutions that can be applied to existing challenges that our province is facing – across many different sectors.
We encourage everyone to explore how they can make change possible in a rural community by engaging youth, communities, entrepreneurs, and industry.
IGNITE’s goal is to be the key resource for innovative businesses throughout rural Nova Scotia.
With our partner organizations we host events, programs, and projects to help anyone learn the fundamentals of starting a business, how to use technology to grow your business, and where to find resources to help you transition your businesses.

Innovation

Growth

Launch

Learn

Support

Network
The IGNITE Atlantic Team

Doug Jones
CEO/Founder

Wade Cleveland
Events Coordinator

Wes Surrett
Northern Regional Manager

Monica Rivers
Community Engagement Specialist

Anamika Saxena
Project Coordinator

Ross Kelleher
Industry Projects Coordinator

Izzy MacKay
Marketing Coordinator (co-op)
The IGNITE Atlantic Board of Directors

Chris Crowell
Board Chair - Deloitte

Jim Hanlon
Vice-Chair - Retired CEO COVE

Mev Joshua
Treasurer - Deloitte

Joey Jollymore
Board Member - VP Sobeys

Deanna Mohamed
Board Member - NSCC

Julien Lambert
Board Member - CEO Atlantic Wild

Matthew Doucette
Board Member - CEO XONA Games

Malary Schurman
Board Member - Microsoft for Startups

Marc Njoh
Board Member - Crown Attorney

Howard Thaw
Board Member - CEO Help VC

Doug Jones
CEO IGNITE Atlantic

INNOVATIVE STARTUPS
We support innovative startups and founders bring their ideas to life and grow their startups into thriving businesses.

INDUSTRY 4.0
We help traditional industries throughout Atlantic Canada innovate through programming, corporate challenges, and working with industry professionals.

ENTREPRENEURIAL YOUTH
We believe in exposing youth to Entrepreneurship and STEAM programming. Building the future innovators in Rural Communities.