TORONTO, ON, June 18, 2024 – Acceleration+, a program funded by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and delivered in partnership with Global Startups Accelerator, Innovation Factory and TechPlace was awarded the prestigious 2024 Visionary Award yesterday at Global Startups’ annual conference, Navigating Tomorrow: The Trailblazers of New-Age Tech.
This honour was created by Global Startups Accelerator to recognize organizations that promote inclusion and diversity in the tech community, demonstrate a unique vision for enhancing the tech ecosystem, and facilitate entry and support for businesses originating from emerging markets to establish themselves in Canada.
Acceleration+ was a commercialization program developed for international companies looking to expand into the North American markets. This recognition highlights the collaborative effort of these partner organizations and the significant impact of the Acceleration+ program – supporting over 40 international businesses to establish in Canada. The program provided each of the international companies with a dedicated advisory board, along with more than 200 hours of training on sales, marketing, investor readiness, and HR across three cohorts, over two years.
Global Startups’ annual conference, Navigating Tomorrow: The Trailblazers of New-Age Tech featured presentations from five influential speakers representing diverse sectors of the tech industry, alongside a networking session. The event also showcased a dynamic pitch competition and concluded with an awards ceremony.
Quotes
“Congratulations to the Acceleration+ program’s delivery team on winning this prestigious award. Your efforts to welcome and support international businesses and entrepreneurs have led to a more diverse Canadian economy and provided exciting employment opportunities for traditionally underrepresented groups.” – Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario
“Ontario has one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, and Global Startups is pleased to recognize the Acceleration+ program and its partners for their contributions to our community, and for supporting international start-ups and newcomers. The Acceleration+ partners—Innovation Factory, TechPlace and FedDev Ontario—have been a great example of an ecosystem that truly embraces diversity and inclusion.” – Miryam Lazarte, CEO of Global Startups Accelerator
“We are thrilled to accept the 2024 Visionary Award and to have partnered with Global Startups and TechPlace to engage and support newcomers as they established their business here in Ontario. These tech companies are creating high-quality jobs, providing innovative solutions and growing our economy – and their success is a testament to the power of collaboration and community.” – David Carter, CEO of Innovation Factory.
“TechPlace is honoured to receive the 2024 Visionary Award in partnership with our colleagues at Innovation Factory and Global Startups. The success of the Acceleration+ program highlights our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive ecosystem for international startups in Hamilton and Burlington. By providing these companies with the resources, mentorship, and community they need to thrive, we are not only helping them establish themselves in Southern Ontario, but also contributing to the growth and innovation of our local tech sector. This award is a testament to the power of regional collaboration and the impact we can achieve together, and we look forward to continuing to work together.” – Anita Cassidy, Executive Director of Burlington Economic Development
About Innovation Factory
Innovation Factory is a not-for-profit business accelerator, serving as the catalyst for technology innovation in the Hamilton, Halton, Brant and Norfolk regions since 2010. Innovation Factory provides business services, training, mentorship, and strategic connections to drive market adoption, leverage intellectual property, and increase revenues, investment, and jobs. Innovators can also access sector-specific resources including exclusive smart transportation test environments and data; and a formal life science and health innovation ecosystem.
About TechPlace
Led by Burlington Economic Development, TechPlace exists to help technology, talent and ideation come together under one roof. But it does more than provide a base camp for tech companies to get work done. Anchored by its two co-location partners, Innovation Factory and Angel One Investor Network, TechPlace provides tech companies (both new and growing) with access to space, resources, programming and mentorship through a growing partnership network and by creating an environment that’s focused on generating opportunities for networking and growth.
About Global Startups
Global Startups is a not-for-profit accelerator in Toronto that works exclusively with international startups. A designated sponsor for Canada’s Startup Visa program, Global Startups is a pioneer in bringing the world’s top startups to Canada and helping them scale globally from Toronto. Global startups welcomed tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders alike to an annual conference, showcasing the cutting edge of technology and innovation.
About FedDev Ontario
For 14 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our investment profiles, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
For additional media inquiries:
Jennifer Gauvreau
Director, Marketing
Innovation Factory
[email protected]
905-802-7308
Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
[email protected]
