In the heart of Niagara, where innovation quietly brews and community spirit runs deep, one name consistently stands out, Dino Miele. Widely regarded as a Niagara tech leader, Dino’s journey is not only inspiring but emblematic of what it means to transform a region through vision, purpose, and relentless execution.
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing his evolution, from a Canadian CIO dedicated to educational advancement, to the driving force behind the innovation ecosystem Niagara now proudly calls its own. What makes Dino’s story compelling isn’t just the milestones, it’s the mission, the mindset, and the heart behind everything he does.
An Origin Rooted in Education and Technology
To truly understand Dino Miele’s impact, we must start with his remarkable career as a Canadian CIO. For 38 years, Dino served as Chief Information Officer at the District School Board of Niagara, where he led the digital transformation of public education across the region.
His work in that role wasn’t about flashy tools or buzzwords. It was about purposeful tech integration, ensuring that every student—regardless of their background—had access to technology that could elevate their learning outcomes. Dino Miele believed deeply in using digital tools to bridge inequities, and that philosophy became a cornerstone of his leadership.
Under his stewardship, EdTech Ontario initiatives became more than just policy—they became practice. From smart classrooms to virtual learning environments, Dino brought innovation where it mattered most: to the everyday lives of students and teachers.
The Spark That Ignited a Movement
While his work as a Canadian CIO was transformative, it was never the endgame. Dino Miele saw the potential to take his insights beyond the classroom and into the community. He began to envision something broader: a thriving innovation ecosystem in Niagara that could empower not just students, but founders, professionals, and changemakers.
This vision materialized through the creation of Spark Innovation Educational Centre Inc., a not-for-profit incubator designed to support early-stage ideas and entrepreneurs in Niagara. It was followed by Spark Enterprises Inc., a for-profit accelerator committed to taking those ideas to scale.
These weren’t just startups or side projects—they were foundational structures that helped shape what the innovation ecosystem Niagara is today. Dino Miele knew that economic and social transformation didn’t require a big city; it required big belief. And he believed in Niagara.
Leading the Charge: The Rise of a Niagara Tech Leader
The region needed a champion, someone who understood both the technical intricacies of innovation and the human elements of mentorship and collaboration. Dino Miele became that champion.
As a Niagara tech leader, Dino didn’t just create spaces, he created momentum. He co-founded the Niagara Falls Ryerson Innovation Hub in partnership with the City of Niagara Falls and Toronto Metropolitan University’s DMZ. This initiative wasn’t just a name on a building. It was a signal to the world that Niagara was ready to lead, not follow, in the tech and innovation space.
With Dino Miele at the helm, this ecosystem flourished. He built bridges between generations pairing experienced entrepreneurs with emerging innovators and brought world-class mentorship into a region that had long been overlooked in Canada’s broader innovation narrative.
EdTech Ontario: Still at the Core
Despite his expanded role in economic development and entrepreneurship, EdTech Ontario remains at the core of Dino Miele’s mission. Whether it’s launching STEAM-based micro-credentialing programs or developing gamified learning experiences through his Ultimate Gaming Challenge, Dino continues to reimagine what learning looks like.
He often says, “Education is the foundation. If we get that right, we can build anything.” That belief is evident in every initiative he touches—from youth tech workshops to advanced training for educators in the Niagara Region.
Today, as a Niagara tech leader, Dino leverages EdTech Ontario not just as an educational tool, but as an economic driver. He recognizes that future-ready communities are those that integrate learning and innovation seamlessly.
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Human-Centered Innovation: Sustainability Meets Technology
Beyond the boardrooms and incubators, Dino Miele remains deeply human in his approach. A sustainability advocate, he practices indoor farming with aeroponics, an embodiment of his belief in zero-mile agriculture and environmental consciousness.
To Dino, innovation isn’t just about coding or startups. It’s about solving real-world problems, whether that’s food insecurity, energy inefficiency, or access to technology. This approach to holistic innovation is one of the many reasons why he’s considered a cornerstone of the innovation ecosystem in Niagara.
From volunteering with charities like Socks and Snacks to leading tech donations for underrepresented communities, Dino’s work always reflects a balance of vision and values.
The Legacy of a Canadian CIO
What sets Dino Miele apart is the seamless way he blends technology, community, and education into a cohesive model for regional development. As a Canadian CIO, he proved that leadership isn’t just about managing systems—it’s about inspiring people.
As a Niagara tech leader, he’s shown that even in a region often overshadowed by metropolitan giants, local brilliance can shine just as brightly. The innovation ecosystem Niagara enjoys today didn’t appear overnight, it was cultivated, invested in, and grown by Dino’s relentless commitment to the region.
His leadership has sparked not only new businesses but also new ways of thinking, collaborating, and solving problems—hallmarks of a truly sustainable innovation model.
written by Adrian Dcosta
From Niagara, to Niagara, for Niagara
Perhaps the most powerful thing about Dino Miele’s journey is that it is firmly rooted in Niagara. This isn’t a story about someone leaving home to build success elsewhere—it’s about bringing the world to Niagara and elevating it from within.
Dino Miele has often said that innovation starts at home. He lives by that mantra. Whether he’s mentoring a student, advising a startup, or shaping public policy around EdTech Ontario, he never loses sight of who he’s doing it for, Niagara’s people.
It’s why he continues to host and support community-driven events, entrepreneurship accelerators, and digital transformation initiatives across St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, and beyond. His footprint is everywhere, and yet his humility remains constant.
A Final Word: Why Dino Miele Matters Now More Than Ever
In today’s fast-changing world, where buzzwords often replace substance and short-term trends overshadow long-term impact, leaders like Dino Miele are rare. He embodies what it means to build, lead, and empower with both intention and integrity.
His legacy as a Canadian CIO laid the foundation. His rise as a Niagara tech leader shaped the future. And his unwavering dedication to the innovation ecosystem Niagara ensures that the work continues—long after the headlines fade.
For anyone seeking to understand what true community-driven innovation looks like in Canada, all roads lead to Dino Miele.