Category: AC News

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Tech Start-ups Mozzaz and Plum Graduate from the Accelerator Centre

Waterloo (Ontario), CANADA, Thursday, March 12, 2015 – The Accelerator Centre® (AC), an award-winning centre for the cultivation of technology entrepreneurship located in Waterloo, Ontario, announced today the graduation of two more tech start-ups from its rigorous incubation program. Mozzaz and Plum become the AC’s 44th and 45th graduates, joining a celebrated list of highly successful AC graduate companies including, Axonify, Clearpath Robotics, Intellijoint Surgical, Kik, Miovision, Top Hat Monocle and more.

The founders of health tech start-up Mozzaz, Rini Singh and Sammy Wahab each have a deep and personal motivation to bring modern technology to people with chronic illness and/or developmental disabilities. The company’s vision is to provide affordable, mobile and Cloud-enabled solutions to assist individuals with complex healthcare needs, while providing better connectivity and collaboration to the care teams who support that person. The company offers a personalized care app, called TalkingTiles; a coordinated care solution called MozzazCare, and a clinical management solution called Mozzaz CarePRO.

Frustrated by their own hiring experiences, Plum’s founders Caitlin and Neil MacGregor and Christine Bird were inspired to create Plum, a revolutionary new hiring solution. Plum’s cloud-based hiring solution identifies job applicants with the highest potential and matches them to a company’s culture and position using the science of psychology. Plum assesses each applicant’s problem solving ability and attitude before a resume is read, allowing employers to find hidden gem candidates and predict their future performance on the job even before they are hired.

“Health and HR tech are two of the hottest and fastest growing segments within the start-up landscape and we are happy to be graduating innovative high potential companies in these markets,” says Paul Salvini, CEO of the Accelerator Centre.

Congratulations Graduates!

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Intellijoint Surgical receives $550,000

Intellijoint Surgical has received up to $550,000 from FedDev Ontario to develop and commercialize the company’s innovative Intellijoint HIP™ sensor system for orthopaedic surgery. The announcement was made by MP Peter Braid on site at Intellijoint on Tuesday March 6th, as part of a larger FedDev funding announcement.

“We are extremely grateful for the FedDev Ontario Investing in Business Innovation initiative and its continued support for great start-ups like Intellijoint Surgical”, says Armen Bakirtzian, CEO of Intellijoint. “With FedDev Ontario’s support we are able to accelerate the commercialization Intellijoint HIP™.”

Intellijoint HIP™ is a miniaturized system consisting of two disposable sensors and a display unit. It is designed to help orthopaedic surgeons in the selection and positioning of orthopaedic implants during hip replacement surgery. “Intellijoint Surgical’s technology has been leveraged by surgeons in hundreds of surgeries in Canada. Now the company is  expanding into new markets,” said Peter Braid, MP for Kitchener-Waterloo. “In fact, in September of last year, Massena Memorial Hospital in New York became the first hospital in the United States to use the technology.”

Intellijoint Surgical was one of three companies to receive FedDev investment, with Auvik Networks and Dejero also receiving funding rounds as part of the announcement. Overall, FedDev committed $1,775,000 to the three companies, which is anticipated to allow for the creation of up to 55 new jobs in Waterloo Region.

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Centre for Entrepreneurship at Conestoga College introduces program supporting manufacturing startups

A new program delivered through the Centre for Entrepreneurship at Conestoga College will provide the training, support and lab space young entrepreneurs require to get their manufacturing-related startup businesses off to the right start.

Applications are now open for AMT Catalyst, a new program designed to support early stage startups engaged in developing advanced manufacturing technology enterprises across Waterloo Region and Guelph-Wellington.

The program includes free business training, professional mentoring and networking opportunities, lab space and technical support for qualified applicants, and can be completed in six to twelve months. Funding to support startup costs may also be available.

To learn more, click here.

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AC Announces $8M in Funding to Launch AC JumpStart Program

WaterAC-JumpStart-Logo_Black compressed for websiteloo (Ontario), CANADA, January 15, 2015 – The Accelerator Centre® (AC), an award-winning centre for the cultivation of technology entrepreneurship located in Waterloo, Ontario, announced today it will receive up to $8 million in funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to establish AC JumpStart, an innovative incubation and mentorship program aimed at helping Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge technology start-ups establish and grow their businesses. The announcement was made today at the Waterloo Accelerator Centre by FedDev Ontario Minister of State Gary Goodyear, along with MP Peter Braid.

Quick Facts

  • AC JumpStart will be delivered in partnership with AC partners, Conestoga College, the University of Waterloo, and Wilfrid Laurier University.
  • AC JumpStart is a unique incubation and mentorship program targeting early-stage technology companies.
  • AC Jumpstart will provide qualifying companies with $30,000 in seed capital (to be matched by recipient firms), mentorship from experts in finance, sales, marketing, human resources, technology and product development, access to market research and connections to investors.
  • In total, it is expected that 180 companies will participate in the AC JumpStart program over the next four years.
  • The AC JumpStart program will begin in January 2015, with three cohorts of companies participating in the program in 2015, and two cohorts annually in subsequent years. Each cohort will receive funding and mentorship over a 12-month period.
  • The AC JumpStart program is scheduled to run from January 2015 through the end of 2018.
  • This is the second AC JumpStart program to be launched through the Accelerator Centre. Start-ups participating in the 2013 AC JumpStart program have created 212 new jobs in Waterloo Region, have generated $3.1 million in combined revenue and are expected to raise $5 million in private investment.

Quotes

“Our Government is fostering economic growth in Kitchener, Cambridge and all of the Waterloo Region by investing in our innovative businesses. Today’s announcement is a great example of how we are helping high-potential companies bring great ideas to market faster. Helping our entrepreneurs and original thinkers export their products and services to the rest of the world creates jobs, growth and economic prosperity here at home.”

– Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for FedDev Ontario

“AC JumpStart allows us to extend the reach of the Accelerator Centre’s world-class incubation programming and mentorship beyond the four walls of our facility to help hundreds of young companies across Waterloo Region.”

– Paul Salvini, CEO, Accelerator Centre

“AC JumpStart will provide critical financial support and professional mentoring for clients of Conestoga’s Centre for Entrepreneurship who demonstrate a solid commitment to developing successful technology start-ups with high potential for growth. This is an outstanding opportunity!”

– John Tibbits, President, Conestoga College

“We are very pleased with the federal funding we’ve received to support the University of Waterloo’s future entrepreneurs. Building on the successful Scientists and Engineers in Business program that helped 17 of our graduates commercialize a technology – ranging from innovations that help surgeons improve accuracy during hip replacements to skates that elevate performance on the ice for elite hockey players – we are eager to see the new Waterloo innovations grow into thriving businesses.”

– Dr. Feridun Hamdullahpur, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Waterloo

“This program is a positive step in advancing our partnership with the Accelerator Centre. It is a clear example of the importance we put on supporting young entrepreneurs who have a proven track record of success. I know that with this assistance several of our companies will move through the startup stage to become successful growth companies in our region.”

– Max Blouw, President and Vice Chancellor, Wilfrid Laurier University

AC JumpStart Recipient Quote(s)

“JumpStart provided essential building blocks that helped us to establish a scalable and sustainable company,” said Jim Moss, Founder and Chief Happiness Officer of Plasticity Labs, and 2013 JumpStart funding recipient.

About the Accelerator Centre
The Accelerator Centre® (AC) is dedicated to building and commercializing technology startups. The AC provides an essential combination of mentorship, educational programming, professional office space, and access to funding. Since 2006, the AC has developed 130 early-stage start-ups that have created 1200 new jobs and generated $350 million in revenue and funding. For more information visit www.acceleratorcentre.com.

About FedDev Ontario
FedDev Ontario delivers programs and services to help create, retain and grow businesses, cultivate partnerships and build strong communities. The Agency’s programming is designed to support a strong southern Ontario economy and position the region to compete globally. For more information, visit www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca.

Pour accéder à cette page en français, cliquez ici.

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For further information, please contact:
Ellyn Winters-Robinson
Communications Mentor/Advisor
Accelerator Centre
Cell: (519) 574-2196
E-mail: ewinters-robinson@acceleratorcentre.com

Brenda Cassidy
Director Corporate Communications
Conestoga College
bcassidy@conestogac.on.ca
(519) 748-5220 ext: 3336

Nick Manning
Director of Media Relations and Issues Management
University of Waterloo
O: 519-888-4451
C: 226-929-7627
uWaterloo.ca/news
@uWaterlooNews

Kevin Crowley
Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Wilfrid Laurier University
T: 519.884.0710 x3070
E: kcrowley@wlu.ca

 

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L’Accelerator Centre est ravi d’annoncer le lancement du programme JumpStart grâce à un financement de huit millions de dollars visant à favoriser l’implantation de jeunes entreprises à vocation technologique dans la région de Waterloo

AC-JumpStart-Logo_Black compressed for websiteWaterloo (Ontario), Canada, 15 janvier 2015 – L’Accelerator Centre (AC), un centre primé situé à Waterloo en Ontario, qui a pour objectif d’encourager la création d’entreprises à vocation technologique, a annoncé aujourd’hui qu’il recevrait une subvention à hauteur de huit millions de dollars de l’Agence fédérale de développement économique pour le Sud de l’Ontario (FedDev Ontario) afin de mettre en place AC JumpStart, un programme innovateur visant à promouvoir, encadrer et consolider l’implantation de jeunes entreprises à vocation technologique à Waterloo, Kitchener et Cambridge. Le ministre d’État Gary Goodyear responsable de FedDev ainsi que le député Peter Braid en ont fait l’annonce aujourd’hui à l’Accelerator Centre de Waterloo.

En bref

  • AC JumpStart sera offert en partenariat avec le Collège Conestoga, l’Université de Waterloo et l’Université Wilfried Laurier, tous partenaires d’AC.
  • AC JumpStart est un programme unique d’incubation et d’encadrement soutenant les nouvelles entreprises à vocation technologique.
  • AC JumpStart fournira aux entreprises qui se seront qualifiées 30 000 dollars en financement de démarrage (moyennant contribution d’une somme égale de la part de l’entreprise) ainsi que des conseillers et des experts dans les domaines de la finance, des ventes, du marketing, des ressources humaines, du développement technologique et des produits. De même le programme facilitera l’accès à des études de marché et à des investisseurs potentiels.
  • Au total nous nous attendons à ce que plus de 180 entreprises participent au programme dans les quatre prochaines années.
  • AC JumpStart débutera en janvier 2015 avec trois cohortes d’entreprises pour l’année puis deux cohortes par an les années suivantes. Chaque cohorte recevra un financement et un encadrement pour une période de douze mois.
  • AC JumpStart couvrira la période de janvier 2015 à la fin 2018.
  • C’est le second programme AC JumpStart patronné par l’Accelerator Centre. Les jeunes entreprises qui ont participé au programme en 2013 ont créé 212 emplois dans la région de Waterloo, générant ainsi 3,1 millions en revenus combinés. De plus elles devraient pouvoir compter sur un apport de cinq millions de dollars en investissements privés.

Citations

« Notre gouvernement favorise la croissance économique à Kitchener, à Cambridge et dans toute la région de Waterloo en investissant dans nos entreprises innovatrices. L’annonce d’aujourd’hui est un exemple parfait de notre façon d’aider les entreprises à potentiel élevé à mettre plus rapidement en marché d’excellentes idées. En aidant nos entrepreneurs et nos penseurs originaux à exporter leurs produits et services au reste du monde, nous leur permettons de créer des emplois et d’assurer la croissance et la prospérité économique ici au pays. »

– Gary Goodyear, ministre responsable de FedDev Ontario

«AC JumpStart permet à l’Accelerator Centre d’étendre la portée de son programme d’incubation et d’encadrement, internationalement reconnu, au delà de son territoire pour aider des centaines de jeunes entreprises dans la région de Waterloo.»

– Paul Salvini, PDG de l’Accelerator Centre

«Grâce à AC JumpStart les clients du Centre d’entreprenariat de Conestoga décidés à créer de jeunes entreprises technologiques à fort potentiel recevront un soutien financier crucial ainsi qu’un encadrement professionnel. C’est une opportunité exceptionnelle!»

– John Tibbits, Président du Collège Conestoga

«Nous sommes ravis de ce financement fédéral qui nous permettra de fournir un sérieux coup de pouce aux futurs entrepreneurs de l’Université de Waterloo. Étant donné le succès du programme «Scientifiques et ingénieurs en affaires» qui a permis à 17 de nos diplômés de commercialiser leur technologie (qu’il s’agisse d’innovations permettant plus de précision dans les opérations de la hanche ou de patins de hockey plus performants), c’est avec intérêt que nous suivrons la transformation de ces projets innovateurs en entreprises florissantes à Waterloo.»

– Dr. Feridun Hamdullahpur, Président et Vice-chancelier de l’Université de Waterloo

«Notre partenariat avec l’Accelerator Centre se trouve renforcé grâce à ce programme. Il témoigne de notre volonté de fournir un appui aux jeunes entrepreneurs qui ont déjà fait leurs preuves. Grâce à cette aide, bon nombre de nos jeunes entreprises pourront développer leur potentiel avec succès dans notre région.»

– Dr. Max Blouw, Président et Vice-chancelier de l’Université Wilfried Laurier

Citations des récipiendaires d’AC JumpStart

« JumpStart nous a fourni les outils indispensables pour bâtir une entreprise évolutive et durable » dit Jim Moss, Fondateur et Directeur du bonheur à Plasticity Labs, récipiendaire d’AC JumpStart en 2013.

L’Accelerator Centre

L’Accelerator Centre (AC) a pour mission de créer et de commercialiser des entreprises en démarrage à vocation technologique. Il leur offre encadrement, programmes éducatifs, espace de bureaux et accès au financement. Depuis 2006 l’AC a permis à 130 jeunes entreprises de se développer. Celles-ci, en retour, ont créé 1 200 nouveaux emplois et généré 350 millions de dollars en revenus et financement. Pour plus de renseignements veuillez consulter www.acceleratorcentre.com.

À propos de FedDev Ontario

FedDev Ontario met en œuvre des programmes et des services pour aider à créer, conserver et développer des entreprises, cultiver des partenariats et édifier des collectivités fortes. L’ensemble des programmes de l’Agence a pour but de soutenir une économie forte dans le Sud de l’Ontario et de permettre à la région d’être en mesure de rivaliser à l’échelle mondiale. Consultez www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca pour en savoir plus.

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Pour plus de renseignements, veuillez contacter :
Ellyn Winters-Robinson
Conseillère en communications
Accelerator Centre
Cel: (519)574-2196
Courriel : ewinters-robinsons@acceleratorcentre.com

Brenda Cassidy
Directrice des communications
Collège Conestoga
(519)748-5220 poste 3336
bcassidy@conestogac.on.ca

Nick Manning
Directeur des relations médias et gestion des enjeux
Université de Waterloo
Tél: (519)888-4451
Cel: (226)929-7627
uWaterloo.ca/news
@WaterlooNews

Kevin Crowley
Directeur des communications et affaires publiques
Université Wilfried Laurier
Tél: (519)884-0710 poste 3070
Courriel : kcrowley@wlu.ca

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Corso Innovations Corporation releases ZAP IN 2.0

Corso Innovations Corporation is releasing ZAP IN 2.0 on February 9, 2015.

After two fantastic years of climbing to #1 business app status in 21 countries around the iTunes world, ZAP IN 2.0 will continue to grow within the now popular Reception Automation App category. In addition to its core features like; arrival notification emails, badge printing and on-premises reports for emergency evacuations, ZAP IN 2.0 will also launch unattended mode, SMS push notifications and an ultimate privacy feature for organizations with heightened security requirements. Technically, the software platform will be architecturally improved for scalability to millions of users, operating in real-time and allowing for future diversification of multi-platform hardware options like 55” touch screen interfaces.

Most of these advancements have been created from the feedback support from their 5000+ current user-base.

With the launch of ZAP IN 2.0, the app will lead with the most features and functionality of any reception automation app available. Developed in the heart of the technology triangle, Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada, its development and business team benefit from the diverse and engineering rich pool of talent located in that area.

To learn more, visit the ZAP IN Website

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AC CEO Paul Salvini discusses raising capital and securing funding in Watch Magazine

Raising capital to grow a business and realize an entrepreneurial dream is just one of the long list of duties that make up a startup CEO’s curriculum vitae. Perfecting the pitch is only a small part of the battle. Attracting high quality investors, and landing the deal is where the big effort comes in – and it’s not an easy road by any means. In this issue of Watch, we sat down with Dr. Paul Salvini, CEO of the Accelerator Centre, to hear his perspective on the startup funding challenge, and to learn why Accelerator Centre programming and mentorship provide startup clients with that all important investment ‘seal of approval.’

Watch: It’s not easy for a startup to secure funding, especially in the early days. What does the process look like, and do Accelerator Centre clients gain any advantage?

Paul Salvini: There are typically many rounds of funding that a venture will go through from inception through to maturity. Often funding for a business idea starts out with money from family and friends, or savings. Or for those individuals who came from previous employment, perhaps a severance package, depending on the path one takes to becoming an entrepreneur.

And then after that first round of funding from family and friends, a startup will typically go through a seed round provided by folks like angel investors, and then subsequent rounds after that depending on how the business does.

One of the things we do really well here at the Accelerator Centre is provide a structured environment that, just by being accepted into the Accelerator program, provides a startup with level of credibility – a seal of approval if you will – with future investors. It is a competitive process to be accepted to the Accelerator Centre, and it is a competitive process to stay here. So that brings a lot of comfort to those who are funding companies, to have the confidence that the team here thought the idea and the founders were likely to succeed. In addition, we are providing mentoring and guidance on an ongoing basis to these companies, that overtime gives our staff some insight into these companies which is the dream scenario for any venture capitalist.

To read the full interview, click here.

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The Accelerator Centre joins Canada's Start-up Visa Program

The Accelerator Centre® (AC), an award-winning centre for the cultivation of technology entrepreneurship located in Waterloo, Ontario, today announced it has been selected by the Canadian Association of Business Incubation (CABI) to join Canada’s Start-up Visa Program. The AC becomes one of a select group of certified technology incubators and accelerators across the country who can help foreign entrepreneurs with strong business ideas establish their businesses in Canada.

Canada’s Start-up Visa Program, established in 2013 by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, is a first of its kind and first in the world program, linking immigrant entrepreneurs with experienced private sector organizations that have expertise working with start-ups.  Under the program, a foreign entrepreneur can facilitate immigration to Canada with support from a designated Canadian organization such as a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.

“The Canadian Association of Business Incubation (CABI) is excited to have the Accelerator Centre become one of the Start-up Visa Program designated organizations. The Accelerator Centre is a world-class facility that has had great success supporting some of Canada’s top talent,” says Gail Gillian-Bain, President of CABI.

“Innovation and entrepreneurship knows no geographic boundaries,” says Paul Salvini, CEO of the Accelerator Centre.  “The Accelerator Centre is celebrated the world over for its world-class incubation program and mentorship, and now, we are on a mission to attract the very best entrepreneurial talent and brightest technology start-ups from around the world to our doorstep. As a certified member of Canada’s Start-up Visa Program, we can help more fledgling companies move from business concept to global leadership.”

Interested parties can learn more about the Accelerator Centre’s Start-up Visa Program here.

About the Accelerator Centre

The Accelerator Centre® (AC) is dedicated to building and commercializing technology start-ups. The AC provides an essential combination of mentorship, educational programming, professional office space, networking, and access to funding, with a goal of building successful companies. Over a two- to three-year period, we help entrepreneurs move from start-up to scale-up, accelerate their time to market, and attract customers, investment and revenue.

Since 2006, the Accelerator Centre has developed and nurtured over 130 early-stage technology start-ups, creating 1100+ new jobs, generating more than $350 million in revenue and funding. Forty-three companies have graduated from the Accelerator Program, and more than 85 percent of these companies have remained in Waterloo Region. For more information visit www.acceleratorcentre.com.

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Bonfire Interactive, Eyedro Green Solutions, and Plasticity Labs Graduate from the Accelerator Centre

Waterloo (Ontario), CANADA, Thursday, December 11, 2014 – The Accelerator Centre® (AC), an award-winning centre for the cultivation of technology entrepreneurship located in Waterloo, Ontario, today announced the graduation of three technology startups, Bonfire Interactive, Eyedro Green Solutions and Plasticity Labs from its internationally recognized Accelerator Program.

Trusted with more than $3 billion in public spending decisions, Bonfire Interactive is the easiest, simplest and friendliest way for purchasers to accept and evaluate supplier quotes and proposals as part of an RFx process. The company was founded by Corry Flatt, a serial entrepreneur with a passion for building products and companies from the ground up.

Eyedro Green Solutions is a software and electronics design company making electricity usage easy to understand. Co-founded by Trevor Orton and Nick Gamble, Eyedro provides consumers and businesses with simple solutions for monitoring their electricity use in real-time.

How does happiness drive performance? This question, and their own life-changing experience drove co-founders Jim Moss and Jennifer Moss to create Plasticity Labs, a company dedicated to helping global organizations connect their employees, measure emotional intelligence in real-time, increase engagement and create the happiest, highest performing workplaces. The company recently closed a $2.1 million financing round led by Fibernetics Ventures.
“Today’s graduates are all exceptional companies with significant market traction in their respective industries and we are delighted to celebrate their achievements to date,” says Paul Salvini, CEO of the Accelerator Centre. “Our focus and mission here at the AC is to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills they need to not just get a business off the ground, but take it to the next level of sustainability. I’m proud to say that our Accelerator Centre graduates are responsible for building tomorrow’s tech sector success stories.”
About the Accelerator Centre

The Accelerator Centre® (AC) is dedicated to building and commercializing technology start-ups. The AC provides an essential combination of mentorship, educational programming, professional office space, networking, and access to funding, with a goal of building successful companies. Over a two- to three-year period, we help entrepreneurs move from start-up to scale-up, accelerate their time to market, and attract customers, investment and revenue.
Since 2006, the Accelerator Centre has developed and nurtured over 130 early-stage technology start-ups, creating 1100+ new jobs, and generating more than $350 million in revenue and funding. Forty-three companies have graduated from the Accelerator Centre, and more than 85 percent of these companies have remained in Waterloo Region.

For more information visit www.acceleratorcentre.com.