Accelerator Centre Announces Top 25 Startups Selected for the Final Phase of AC:Studio Program

The companies will move into Phase 3 of the AC’s innovative AC:Studio program and receive an additional $50,000 in seed funding from FedDev Ontario, mentorship from the AC’s award-winning mentor team, and tactical supports from industry experts like Uvaro, SnapPea Design, and Conestoga College.

They made it! The Accelerator Centre recently announced the 25 companies progressing to the final phase of their AC:Studio program. The innovative, three-phase entrepreneurial support program was launched in June of 2022 with $10M in support from the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), and aims to provide 100 high-potential, early-stage companies with up to $100,000 in seed funding by March of 2025—creating 1,000 new jobs along the way.

“Congratulations to the top 25 companies selected for the final phase of AC:Studio. These companies represent the best of the innovative technology and high-potential startups that southern Ontario is known for producing. By combining our award-winning mentorship program with the venture studio model, we’ve been able to help these companies go from startup to scaleup in record time. AC:Studio provides our startups with the additional supports needed to ensure these companies are successful once the program concludes.”
Ruth Casselman, Interim CEO, Accelerator Centre

In Phase 1, the AC selected 100 high-potential startups and supported them with initial non-repayable seed funding of $20,000 and access to the AC’s award-winning mentorship programming. In May of 2023, the best of the cohort were selected to progress into Phase 2 of the programming and receive an additional $30,000 in seed funding.

“Congratulations to the 25 companies entering the third and final phase of the Accelerator Centre’s AC:Studio program. The Accelerator Centre is providing Canadian entrepreneurs with the access to the support and services they need to grow and thrive. We are happy to support this program that will enhance Canada’s technology sector and create good jobs for Canadians.”
The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

To date, the program has made a significant impact, creating 620 new jobs in southern Ontario. Collectively, the companies have also raised $40M in additional investment and generated $21M in combined revenue.

“Waterloo is filled with high-potential technology entrepreneurs, and phase three of the Accelerator Centre’s AC:Studio program will continue to support the development of a healthy pipeline of high-potential start-up companies. This investment proves that our government values programs that help Canadian businesses grow.”
The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament for Waterloo.

Today, the AC is pleased to announce the 25 companies selected for the final phase of AC:Studio:

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