Prime Highlights:
The initiative is backed by a $3.9 million funding grant from the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario.
The Accelerator Centre (AC) partners with Conestoga College’s Entrepreneurship Collective (Gig Lab) to support 46 early-stage startups focused on sustainability solutions.
Key Background:
The Accelerator Centre (AC) has announced the launch of its UN Sustainable Development Cohorts as part of the AC: Studio program, in partnership with the Conestoga Entrepreneurship Collective’s Gig Lab. This ambitious initiative is supported by a significant $3.9 million grant from the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario. It is designed to empower 46 early-stage startups committed to addressing global challenges by creating innovative, market-ready solutions.
The announcement was made by MP Ruby Sahota, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, at the Accelerator Centre in Waterloo on February 12. Central to the program is its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a global framework aimed at achieving a more sustainable and equitable future. By supporting startups in sectors such as clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and inclusive economic growth, the program fosters both technological innovation and a commitment to solving critical global issues.
Ruth Casselman, CEO of the Accelerator Centre, emphasized the importance of nurturing entrepreneurship in Ontario, pointing to a concerning decline in the number of entrepreneurs over the past decade. She expressed that the continuation of the AC: Studio program is essential for supporting the growth of impactful businesses in Ontario, particularly those working in cleantech, electric vehicles, agri-tech, and sustainability.
Conestoga College has long been dedicated to promoting sustainability within its community, including research on energy efficiency, waste management, and water conservation. The Gig Lab plays a pivotal role in assisting these startups as they scale their sustainable solutions.
Rose Mastnak, director of the Conestoga Entrepreneurship Collective, highlighted the importance of empowering entrepreneurial talent and stated that the collaboration with AC: Studio would provide the necessary resources to help startups succeed in addressing both local and global challenges. Through the Gig Lab and its Gig Marketplace platform, Conestoga freelancers will deliver vital industry-level services to accelerate startups’ journey to market. This partnership, working alongside organizations like WEtech Alliance and SnapPea Design, ensures that the region remains a leader in innovation, equipping businesses with the tools and resources they need to drive sustainable change both regionally and globally.
