Innovate-Ops was founded by Dennis Kuzmenko, MSc, P.Eng., a seasoned industrial leader with over 20 years of experience in manufacturing operations, engineering, and technology-driven transformation. Dennis previously served as Director of Operations at a successful medical device startup, where he helped scale production and implement lean, efficient processes. He is also the author of Leadership at the Edge of Innovation, a bestselling book on operational excellence.
Drawing on this expertise, Dennis launched Innovate-Ops with a clear mission: to make advanced Industrial IoT accessible, affordable, and impactful for manufacturers of all sizes.
Our flagship product, IoT Octopus, is a universal, plug-and-play monitoring device that eliminates unplanned downtime, improves equipment health, and reduces energy consumption. By combining predictive maintenance, operational insights, and sustainability monitoring, we enable manufacturers to cut costs, optimize operations, and reduce their carbon footprint.
Strategic partnership with Master of Code (200 IT people) to develop and build in-house AI expertise.
CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER, P. Eng.20+ years leading engineering, product, and project teams Proven success launching scalable, customer-first solutions Track record driving adoption, partnerships, and revenue Combines technical depth with sharp business execution.
ELECTRONICS EXPERT, Eng.15+ years of experience in custom electronics design and prototyping Expert in embedded systems and IT hardware Strong track record delivering compact, reliable devices.
Innovate-Ops has earned recognition from some of Canada’s most competitive startup accelerator programs.
With an acceptance rate of less than 5%, Velocity has launched some of Canada’s most successful startups, and Innovate-Ops is proud to be part of its 2025 cohort.
We received non-dilutive funding and mentorship, including support in building our go-to-market strategy and preparing for investment readiness.
Nominated as a high-potential startup to present to the Investment Review Panel, highlighting the promise of our technology and vision.
Participation in these programs demonstrates not only the strength of our product vision but also the confidence that leading startup ecosystems have in our ability to scale globally.
Today, our team is growing with talented technical leaders in electronics, firmware, and industrial operations joining Dennis Kuzmenko. Together, we are shaping the next generation of Industrial IoT, building technology that empowers small and medium manufacturers to operate smarter, leaner, and more sustainably.
IoT Octopus isn’t just about monitoring equipment, it’s about preparing your operations for the future. By capturing high-quality, structured operational data, it lays the foundation for advanced AI analytics that predict failures, optimize processes, and equip manufacturers with the intelligence needed for long-term growth in the era of digital transformation.
At Innovate-Ops, we go beyond delivering technology. We partner with you to achieve real results. Whether you’re setting up a new facility, upgrading existing lines, or integrating advanced monitoring into your operations, our team ensures a seamless experience from installation to optimization.
