*Disclaimer: The following content was released using our former organization name Innovate Edmonton and/or program division Startup Edmonton, prior to the transition to our new brand and name, Edmonton Unlimited.
NEWS RELEASE | Edmonton/Calgary, November 4, 2021
Tech startups from across the province can now apply to participate
Founders of startups in early stages of development can now apply to participate in the inaugural cohort of Alberta’s new pre-accelerator program. A collaboration between Platform Calgary, Innovate Edmonton, and Alberta Innovates, the pre-accelerator will provide education, mentorship, programming, and resources to help innovation-driven startups prepare for their next phase of growth.
“We are thrilled to begin welcoming founders of startups into the pre-accelerator,” said Dr. Terry Rock, CEO of Platform Calgary. “By combining our innovation ecosystem resources and networks, we are able to welcome everyone–especially traditionally underrepresented communities–into Alberta’s tech economy.”
Alberta’s pre-accelerator is a free, merit-based program series dedicated to Alberta-based startups. Divided into three phases, it is an unprecedented realignment, harmonization and expansion of start-up support in the province.
“The Alberta pre-accelerator is an exceptional opportunity for startups in the early stages of launching and growing their startup, and a huge step forward in fostering a pan-Alberta innovation system for the benefit of all Albertans,” said Catherine Warren, Innovate Edmonton CEO.
The first phase of the pre-accelerator program will support a target of 180 qualified founders per year with a program focus on solution prototyping, ideal customer profiling, creation of a minimum viable product, and validating business models.
Tech startup and founders can register for the program at albertapreaccelerator.com
Alberta’s pre-accelerator is fueled by a funding consortium led by Alberta Innovates. All three orders of government are investing about $35 million for the overall accelerator program, which includes global accelerators also landing in Edmonton and Calgary. The Alberta Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Innovation, and Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) have provided funding to Alberta Innovates to lead and manage the accelerator initiative. Municipal funding comes from Innovate Edmonton.
Note: Alberta’s pre-accelerator needs a name! Albertans can enter the naming contest at albertapreaccelerator.com
About Platform Calgary
Platform Calgary brings together the resources of Calgary’s tech ecosystem to help startups launch and grow at every step of their journey, from ideation through to scale. We focus on making all parts of Calgary’s startup ecosystem better resourced, connected, efficient, effective, and prominent.
Through collaboration and targeted programming within a purpose-built home for innovators—the Platform Innovation Centre—we are a hub for a community focused on inclusive tech-led economic diversification and job creation. Learn more about Platform Calgary at PlatformCalgary.com.
About Innovate Edmonton
Headquartered in Alberta’s capital city, Innovate Edmonton leverages, unites, and promotes home-grown innovation as a gateway to solving the world’s most pressing problems. We harness the power of the public and private sectors, ground-breaking academic research, and purpose-driven investment to build a shared prosperity and open international markets. From sustainable climate solutions to public health and digital education, Edmonton is a leading global centre for inspiration, ingenuity, and inclusion. Learn more about Innovate Edmonton and Startup Edmonton, a division of Innovate Edmonton.