Clio's $3 million Powerhouse gift fuels the future of entrepreneurship and innovation in Canada
February 13, 2025
Clio is making a significant investment in Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem with a $3 million donation to UBC Sauder’s Powerhouse Project. As one of the largest contributions to the initiative, this gift underscores Clio’s commitment to fostering local talent, driving innovation, and supporting sustainable growth.
This donation will directly enhance innovation and entrepreneurship at UBC Sauder, creating long-term opportunities for students, startups, and the broader business community. By investing in a space where ambitious minds can connect, collaborate, and develop transformative ideas, Clio is helping shape the future of business and technology in Canada.
A Hub for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Housed within the Powerhouse building, Clio’s contribution will fund a dynamic space designed to bring students, faculty, and industry leaders together to tackle complex challenges and create new ventures. This space will serve as the formal home of the Creative Destruction Lab – Vancouver (CDL-Vancouver), a globally recognized nonprofit that provides support for scalable, seed-stage science and technology-based companies.
CDL-Vancouver connects entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders and corporate partners across industries such as clean tech, biomedical engineering, and computing. Through this program, participating ventures gain critical insights, industry connections, and access to a network that accelerates their path to success. The new space will also support experiential learning through workshops, seminars, and accelerators, equipping students and startups with the practical skills needed to scale their businesses.
Supporting Local Talent for Global Impact
Clio’s investment is rooted in the belief that fostering local talent is key to building a strong innovation ecosystem. The new space will host initiatives led by UBC Sauder’s Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, providing students with access to resources to transform their ideas into impactful businesses.
The company’s co-founders recognize the value of early support in building a successful company. This donation is about more than funding a physical space—it’s about ensuring the next generation of entrepreneurs can access the tools and community needed to grow their businesses. By strengthening British Columbia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Clio and UBC Sauder are creating opportunities for local talent to compete on the global stage, reducing reliance on traditional innovation hubs like Silicon Valley.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Business Leaders
The Powerhouse Project is more than an investment in entrepreneurship—it’s a commitment to using business as a force for good. Clio’s legacy of social impact is evident in its support for scholarships and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in the entrepreneurial community.
By enabling students to pursue their ambitions, Clio is helping shape future leaders who will drive meaningful change. Whether through scholarships that empower underrepresented students or initiatives that provide critical funding and industry connections, the company’s commitment to fostering the next generation of socially conscious entrepreneurs ensures that future business leaders will be equipped to create lasting impact.
A Lasting Legacy
Clio’s $3 million gift to UBC Sauder’s Powerhouse Project reflects a shared vision of innovation, industry collaboration, and community impact. This investment will empower students, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to push boundaries, develop transformative ideas, and build a stronger future.
Together, Clio and UBC Sauder are creating a thriving community of innovators who will drive progress for generations to come.