Post secondary institutes in Vancouver and Victoria have partnered to create a new startup business accelerator.
Simon Fraser University, the University of Victoria, the BC Institute of Technology and Emily Carr University of Art + Design have launched VentureLabs.
The new accelerator is designed to help British Columbian entrepreneurs commercialize new technology companies.
It is part of a network of business accelerators in the BC Acceleration Network, which includes other accelerators such as Wavefront and the new Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre.
The BC Acceleration Network is funded by the provincial government through BC Innovation Council.
"B.C.'s technology sector brings significant job and economic growth to our province," said Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services Andrew Wilkinson.
"By supporting programs such as VentureLabs, our government, along with BCIC, can help provide B.C. tech companies and entrepreneurs with the support and guidance they need to thrive."
Startups accepted into the program receive mentoring with experienced executives and a range of networking opportunities to help secure investment and reach new markets. Four of the startups accepted into the program are developing medical based inventions and innovations.
Startups in the VentureLabs program are:
- Semios, which is developing organic pest control systems;
- Nugg, a web interface and mobile application for increasing team performance;
- Lungpacer Medical Inc., a medical device that helps wean patients from ventilators;
- PHEMI, a clinical care management and research data system;
- UR In Control, a urinary incontinence medical device;
- SnugVest, a vest that uses pressure to calm people with autism;
- V7 Entertainment, a platform for testing mobile and social media games;
- HireTheWorld, a global online outsourcing service.
