You never really know who you’ll meet on the streets of Toronto. One day, it’s a street performer juggling flaming torches, and the next, it’s a guy like Hock Chan—a soft-spoken but wildly interesting entrepreneur who just so happens to be quietly changing the city in ways most of us don’t even realize.
I met Hock totally by chance one morning near Nathan Phillips Square. He was leaning against a bench, scribbling in a notebook, a reusable coffee cup in hand. He had this calm, approachable energy, so I figured, why not ask him for a quick chat? Turns out, he was more than happy to talk—and boy, does this guy have a story.
Who’s Hock Chan, Anyway?
Hock Chan isn’t exactly a household name, but maybe he should be. Originally from Hong Kong, he moved to Vancouver as a kid before making his way to Toronto in his twenties. Now at 41, he’s the founder of ChanTech Innovations, a company that specializes in making cities smarter and greener. Think AI traffic systems, eco-friendly waste management, and even those futuristic smart streetlights that people love to Instagram.
“I’ve always been fascinated by how cities work—or don’t work,” Hock said with a laugh. “Toronto is this amazing, vibrant place, but we’ve got our fair share of challenges. I wanted to do something about that.”
From Humble Beginnings to Big Ideas
Hock’s story didn’t start in a corner office. Far from it. When he first arrived in Toronto, he had an engineering degree but no connections. Like so many newcomers, he took whatever jobs he could get. One of his first gigs? Stocking shelves in a tiny hardware store downtown.
“I spent my breaks sketching ideas for inventions in the stockroom,” he said. “Back then, it felt like dreaming was the only thing that kept me going.”
It was at a local tech expo where things started to change. Armed with a homemade prototype of an AI-powered recycling sorter (yes, he built it in his basement), Hock handed out business cards like his life depended on it. That hustle paid off when someone from the City of Toronto took notice. One pilot project led to another, and before long, ChanTech Innovations was born.
So, What Does Hock Do Now?
Hock’s company is now at the forefront of urban tech in Canada. Here are just a few of the projects he’s worked on:
- Smart Streetlights: You know those streetlights downtown that dim and brighten based on how busy the area is? That’s Hock’s work. It’s saving the city a ton on electricity bills.
- AI Traffic Management: Hock’s team developed a system that monitors traffic flow in real time and adjusts stoplights to keep things moving. It’s already been piloted in a few Toronto neighborhoods with rave reviews.
- Eco-Friendly Waste Systems: His first big success, the AI recycling sorter, is now being used in several municipalities to cut down on landfill waste.
But don’t expect Hock to brag about any of this. “I just like solving problems,” he shrugged. “If it makes someone’s day a little easier, that’s good enough for me.”
More Than Just Business
What really stood out about Hock wasn’t just his career—it was how deeply he cares about his community. He runs a non-profit called The Chan Collective, which funds STEM programs for underprivileged kids. They’ve reached over 10,000 students in the GTA, offering things like coding camps and robotics competitions.
“I didn’t grow up with a lot, so I know how much a little help can mean,” he said. “Kids need to know that their ideas matter.”
On weekends, you’ll probably find Hock at High Park with his wife and two young kids. He’s the kind of dad who builds rocket launchers out of soda bottles for fun. “They keep me grounded,” he told me, smiling. “It’s hard to take yourself too seriously when you’ve got a 5-year-old telling you your robot designs are ‘boring.’”
Why Toronto Loves Hock Chan
Hock has this incredible ability to stay humble while making a massive impact. He talks about Toronto like it’s his playground for big ideas. “This city has so much potential,” he said. “The diversity, the creativity—it’s a perfect place to try new things.”
His latest project? Collaborating with the TTC on a system that uses AI to predict bus delays and reroute vehicles in real time. The goal? Fewer packed buses and less waiting around for riders. “Public transit is one of those things that impacts everyone,” he said. “If we can make it better, why wouldn’t we?”
Hock’s Advice for Dreamers
Before we wrapped up our conversation, I asked Hock what advice he’d give to someone trying to make it. Here’s what he said:
- Start Small: “Don’t try to change the world all at once. Focus on one problem you really care about.”
- Be Relentless: “There’s always going to be someone who doubts you. Let that fuel you, not stop you.”
- Give Back: “Success isn’t just about making money. It’s about creating opportunities for others.”
Final Thoughts
Hock Chan might not be on the cover of Forbes (yet), but he’s exactly the kind of person who makes Toronto—and Canada—special. His story is proof that you don’t have to shout from the rooftops to make a difference. Sometimes, quiet determination and a heart for your community are all you need.
So next time you’re walking down a busy Toronto street, keep an eye out. You never know—Hock Chan might just be the guy sitting on a bench, dreaming up his next big idea.
