The University of Waterloo and Accelerator Centre Launch Global Impact Creator Pilot Program
The powerhouse innovation organizations join forces to empower students, faculty, and recent graduates to explore and address unmet needs in human and planetary health through innovative entrepreneurship. Participants will research, develop, and pilot solutions in rural Canadian or global geographies, culminating in a community showcase at the AC in March of 2025.
July 10, 2024 - Waterloo, ON – The University of Waterloo (UW) and Accelerator Centre (AC) are proud to announce the launch of the Global Impact Creator pilot program, an innovative initiative designed to help students, faculty, and recent graduates from UW explore global entrepreneurship opportunities. The program focuses on exploring unmet needs in the critical areas of human, planetary, and animal health and developing innovative solutions that have the potential to make global impact.
Beginning in September 2024 and running until March 2025, this pilot program will leverage the AC’s structured entrepreneurship program methodology to guide 5-7 participants in exploring and addressing unmet needs that impact communities in rural Canadian or global geographies. With the support of AC programming, UW researchers and resources, and one-to-one mentorships, participants will develop and pilot potential solutions, gaining valuable insights and practical experience in global entrepreneurship.
“We are thrilled to partner with the University of Waterloo to launch the Global Impact Creator pilot program,” said Ruth Casselman, CEO at Accelerator Centre. “This program represents a unique opportunity for emerging entrepreneurs to make a tangible impact on global challenges while gaining invaluable experience and support from our across the Waterloo innovation ecosystem.”
“The University of Waterloo is pleased to work with the Accelerator Centre to create novel pathways for our students to explore unmet needs in a global context,” said Dr. Charmaine Dean, Vice-President of Research International at the University of Waterloo. “We will be excited to see what the bright and curious Impact Creators engaged in this superb new program will come up with over the year!”
Applications for the Global Impact Creator program are open until July 31st. For more information or to apply to the program please visit the Accelerator Centre website.
About the Accelerator Centre
At the AC, we exist to help ambitious dreamers impact global change through their businesses. The AC is ranked among the World's Top 5 private business accelerators by UBI Global. 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. Learn more at acceleratorcentre.com.
About the Waterloo Ventures
Waterloo Ventures is the central unit for the University of Waterloo on all matters related to innovation, commercialization, entrepreneurship, thought leadership and social impact. Through its work, Waterloo Ventures creates synergies across University activities to enable students, researchers, staff and founders to thrive in mobilizing ideas, knowledge, research and people towards impact. We provide support across the Waterloo ecosystem of technology transfer, incubation and entrepreneurship training, social impact creation, and innovation-oriented thought leadership activities. Waterloo Ventures is in Waterloo’s Office of the Vice-President Research and International. Its strategic priorities include enhancing evidence-based decision-making in supporting commercialization and entrepreneurship, as well as increasing inclusive and equitable practices in innovation.
Media Contacts
Tabatha Laverty
Vice-President, Marketing and External Relations
Accelerator Centre
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Rebecca (Becky) Elming
Director, Media Relations and Issues Management
University of Waterloo
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