Accelerator Centre Announces 100 high-impact Canadian startups selected to participate in innovative new program, AC:Studio
These founders will receive up to $100,000 in seed funding and work with innovation partners at Uvaro, SnapPea Design, Conestoga College, Innovate Niagara and WEtech Alliance to go from startup to scaleup
September 27, 2022 — Waterloo, ON
The Accelerator Centre is pleased to announce the 100 startups participating in the first cohort of a new, regional-first hybrid venture studio program known as AC:Studio.
The innovative new program was launched in June with a $10 million Government of Canada investment through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). Through AC:Studio, the Accelerator Centre will work with these 100 early-stage companies across southern Ontario to provide up to $100,000 in critical seed funding along with mentorship and tactical support delivered through its ecosystem partnerships.
Quotes:
“We’re proud to kick off the AC:Studio program with these amazing companies. These 100 companies represent the talent, drive, and entrepreneurial spirit that our innovation ecosystem is known for. More importantly, they represent the diversity of technologies, innovations, and ideas that will tackle the large societal challenges ahead of us,” said Jay Krishnan, CEO of the Accelerator Centre. “Our AC:Studio program model will enhance theses founders’ ability to scale rapidly through access to capital, support, mentorship, and by leveraging our tremendous ecosystem and the network effects of our partners.”
“The Waterloo Accelerator Centre and the AC:Studio Program is providing Canadian entrepreneurs with access to the tools, mentorship and support they need to grow and succeed in this important sector. Supporting economic growth through Canada’s technology sector is a priority for the Government of Canada,” said the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
“The Waterloo Accelerator Centre is continuing to help support our innovators here in Waterloo and across southern Ontario,” said the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament for the Riding of Waterloo. “The technology sector is an important contributor to the local and Canadian economies and the Government of Canada is proud to support the AC: Studio program, which will provide resources directly to entrepreneurs to help them grow and establish their businesses in Canada, all while creating good jobs for Canadians.”
The following companies have been selected for the first cohort of AC:Studio:
Aqua-Cell Energy
Blue Sky Sustainability Inc. d.b.a ESG Tree
Catalyst Entertainment Technology
ENCA TECHNOLOGY & SERVICES LTD.
Glow Writers
HARDR. Powered by the Oakwood Health Network
MAPflow (Minor Ailment Prescribing Workflow)
About the Accelerator Centre
At the AC, we exist to help ambitious dreamers impact global change through their businesses. The AC is ranked Canada’s #1 private business accelerator and is among the top five such organizations globally. We offer an extensive selection of customizable opportunities for startups across Canada—allowing founders to rapidly bring their innovation to life. We work with our global partners to bolster the innovation ecosystem in Waterloo and beyond.
About FedDev Ontario
For 13 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Media Contacts
Tabatha Laverty
Director, Marketing and Communications
[email protected]
Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
[email protected]