For Immediate Release
June 30, 2025
Guelph, Ontario – Before artificial intelligence and robotics became global headlines, even before the internet, a small business opened in Guelph’s north end and quietly began building advanced electronics. Forty years later, Connect Tech has grown into a global leader in high-end embedded computing, designing and manufacturing the technology behind some of the world’s most advanced AI, robotics, and autonomous systems.
Connect Tech doesn’t just design products; it builds them on-site at its Guelph manufacturing facility. The company develops complex hardware solutions — including edge devices and carrier boards — that serve industries ranging from robotics, autonomous vehicles, and industrial automation to aerospace and defense, supplying customers across the world. Connect Tech is also the only North American NVIDIA Elite Hardware Partner, recognized for its decade of expertise and commitment in building AI-powered hardware based on NVIDIA’s advanced Jetson platform.
At the root of Connect Tech’s success is its co-founder and CEO, David J. Worthen. A graduate of the University of Waterloo’s Systems Design Engineering program, Worthen co-founded the company with Michael Powers, who retired in 2003. The two set the stage for forty years of growth and success that shaped the company into what it is today. In 2020, HEICO Corporation acquired Connect Tech. Having dedicated his career to growing Connect Tech, Worthen plans to retire this month. Former Chief Technical Officer, Patrick Dietrich, has served as President since January 2025. Worthen will be available as an advisor until June 2026.
As it enters this new phase, Connect Tech continues to do what surprises many: building world-class AI and robotics hardware from a facility in Guelph that few expect when they first walk through the doors.
“Most people don’t expect to find a global AI hardware company tucked away in Guelph,” said Dietrich. “That is, until they see what we’re building: advanced hardware that helps drive AI algorithms into the physical world, into robots, drones, industrial equipment, and more. The fact that this all happens in Guelph, with both design and manufacturing under one roof, is something we’re very proud of.”
AI-driven robotics and automation are projected to grow into multi-billion-dollar industries in the coming decade, and Connect Tech has been at the forefront of this transformation, providing the computing platforms that power real-time vision systems, autonomous decision-making, and industrial AI, working with Fortune 500 companies across the globe.
As it marks its 40th anniversary, Connect Tech is also looking ahead. Under Dietrich’s leadership and technical expertise, the company plans to continue pushing as an early adopter and innovator in Edge AI and embedded computing. With global demand rising, Connect Tech is expanding its operations, creating new opportunities for local skilled workers in Guelph and the surrounding region. The company is actively recruiting for roles in engineering, manufacturing, and business operations to support its next phase of growth.
About Connect Tech
Connect Tech is a global leader in embedded computing and Edge AI solutions for a wide range of industries, including industrial automation, public sector, robotics, transportation, and more. With a strong focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Connect Tech offers a diverse portfolio of products designed to meet the demands of the most challenging embedded applications. Follow Connect Tech on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.