The Accelerator Centre (AC) is launching the UN Sustainable Development Cohorts of the AC:Studio program in collaboration with the Conestoga Entrepreneurship Collective's Gig Lab. Backed by $3.9 million in funding from the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario, this pioneering initiative is set to empower 46 early-stage startups dedicated to transforming global challenges into groundbreaking, market-ready solutions.
MP Ruby Sahota, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, announces new funding at the Accelerator Centre in Waterloo on February 12.
At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) a global blueprint for a more sustainable, equitable future. Aligning the program with the goals means not only nurturing innovative technologies, but also ensuring startups contribute to solving some of the world's most pressing challenges in areas like clean energy, sustainable agriculture and inclusive economic growth.
"Our commitment to reinvigorating Ontario's entrepreneurial spirit has never been more critical. A recent report by the Business Development Bank of Canada highlights a concerning trend: there are fewer entrepreneurs today than there were a decade ago. This decline threatens not only our local economic growth, but also our ability to address the world's most pressing challenges," said Ruth Casselman, chief executive officer of the Accelerator Centre. "The continuation of the AC:Studio program represents a critical pathway for startups to build innovative, impactful businesses right here in Ontario. Through this program, we are empowering entrepreneurs to develop solutions in cleantech, electric vehicles, agri-tech and sustainability, ensuring that our region remains a global leader in solving some of the biggest challenges of our time."
Conestoga is committed to promoting sustainability across campuses and the college community including employees, students and alumni. Sustainability initiatives and research underway encompass energy efficiency, waste management, transportation, water conservation and biodiversity. The Gig Lab will provide vital support to the startups as they launch, grow and scale their sustainable solutions.
"At Conestoga, we believe that empowering entrepreneurial talent is key to building a more sustainable and innovative future. Our continued collaboration with the AC:Studio program will equip early-stage startups with the resources and support needed to develop transformative solutions for both local and global challenges," said Rose Mastnak, Conestoga Entrepreneurship Collective director. "Through the Gig Lab and Gig Marketplace platform, Conestoga freelancers deliver industry-level services in areas such as marketing, web design and software development, helping startups accelerate their journey to market."
Working in close collaboration with Conestoga's Gig Lab, WEtech Alliance and SnapPea Design, the program offers a dynamic suite of resources including:
- Up to $100,000 in seed funding grants from FedDev Ontario
- One-to-one mentorship from a team of in-house and specialist advisors
- Tactical support in product development, marketing, UI/UX, and more from industry experts and experienced startup builders.
Building on the success of the inaugural program, the new cohort is designed to accelerate the growth of ventures that are not only economically promising but also aligned with global sustainability priorities. This integrated approach ensures that Southern Ontario remains at the forefront of innovation, building a robust pipeline of businesses that can make a lasting impact both regionally and globally.
Applications for the program open on April 30. For more information, visit www.ac-studio.ca.
For more information
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