April 30, 2019 Innovation Cluster - Local digital startup, Wakhal, has officially launched its community building platform, Community4E. Using the four (4) E’s of community building, Engagement, Empowerment, Education and Entertainment, the platform mirrors the trust characteristics of a local, “in-person” community but on a virtual and global scale. Wakhal Founder Rojit Sorokhaibam says, “Social media has existed for more than a decade and, while social media is a powerful platform, we believe it is ready for an evolution. There is an urgent need to reset the course of social media development so that the very basis of every interaction is one based on trust, privacy, and protection for those that use it.” Community4E is a modern intranet collaboration platform between organizations and their stakeholders that offers vital tools to improve productivity and aids problem-solving, making it a vital pillar in the infrastructure of a business or an association of like-minded organizations. “Using a white-label approach, the platform enhances organizational engagement by creating a community-branded social media site,” says Founder Rojit Sorokhaibam. Wakhal is currently offering its solution to the Innovation Cluster, Peterborough, in partnership with the City of Kawartha Lakes Economic Development, Spark Commercialization and Innovation Centre in the Durham Region, Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network, Muskoka, Global Homeopathy User Community and more. From all the participating communities, the platform has attracted over 40,000 registered users so far. The Innovation Cluster’s programming connects its community of startups with innovation specialists, angel investors and knowledge partners. With the number of remote clients actively growing, the Cluster is looking to use the platform to better connect these entrepreneurs to its ecosystem. “We are excited to implement our programming on this platform which will allow for more cross-collaboration that is no longer limited by geographical location,” says John Gillis, President and CEO of the Innovation Cluster. “Other key outcomes we aim to achieve through Community4E is improved reporting, more extensive client data, and a reduction in the overall administrative footprint of running an incubator.” Similarly, east of the GTA, Durham Region is experiencing a boom in the number of innovation companies calling the region, and Eastern Ontario, home. Spark Centre is responding to this boom by partnering with innovation centres from Pickering to Kingston and developing a robust Eastern Ontario innovation network that includes both regional and international innovation cells. “Community4E is exactly what we are looking for, a community platform that is private, secure and enables engagement across multiple innovation cells, time zones and cultures,” says Sherry Colbourne, CEO of Spark Centre. “The platform will allow our Startup Visa applicants to engage with the Eastern Ontario innovation ecosystem well in advance of immigrating to the region and will develop our cross cultural ties to international markets. It will also allow our local startups to capitalize on the phenomenal talent that exists in the region and abroad and supports our very deliberate polycentric development of the Eastern Ontario innovation ecosystem.” Wakhal is also participating in and has pre-qualified for Startup Canada’s Global Entrepreneur Cohort and investment competition Muskoka 4.0. With the browser version of Community4E launched, Wakhal is now inviting community organizations and business owners to sign up and use the platform in order to collaborate and stay connected with their members. Wakhal aims to be the next generation of social media platforms that connects community members and like-minded groups to one another utilizing Wakhal’s unique virtual identity and verifiable approach. This approach enables individuals to connect to others through trusted and relevant channels that allow users to share opportunities, expose their talents, and cooperate in a virtual local ‘sharing economy’. Wakhal is working to re-define social media into a productive and useful tool in an age of communication and collaboration. The research suggests that people want a safer and more relevant place online, where like-minded people can stay connected with a tangible sense of community. Community4E is that place. Those interested can contact Founder & CEO Rojit Sorokhaibam at rojit@Wakhal Community.com Visit: www.community4e.com. #NewsUpdates http://www.innovationcluster.ca/2019/04/local-startup-wakhal-transforms-social-media-can-connect-community-groups-online-platform/