Launch of AC:Studio Cohort 2

The Accelerator Centre (AC) has launched the UN Sustainable Development Cohorts of the AC:Studio program, providing crucial support to early-stage startups focused on sustainable technologies. This initiative follows the success of a pilot program, backed by a substantial $3.9 million funding from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). The program aims to assist 46 startups with grants of up to $100,000 to help them launch, grow, and scale solutions that promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The initiative is driven by the commitment to foster a sustainable and equitable future, aligning with the SDGs that tackle global challenges such as clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and inclusive economic growth. Ruth Casselman, CEO of the AC, emphasized the importance of combining technology development with social responsibility: “By aligning our program with the SDGs, we are not only nurturing innovative technologies, but also ensuring that our startups contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”

The program offers an extensive array of resources for participating startups, including non-repayable contributions, personalized mentorship from a team of in-house and specialized advisors, and tactical support covering various areas such as product development, marketing, and user experience design. Additionally, the AC has partnered with CarbonGraph, an alumnus from the first cohort, to assist founders in creating frameworks to assess the environmental impact of their ventures.

Building on the achievements of its inaugural program, which supported 100 startups and contributed to the creation of over 400 jobs, the new cohorts aim to accelerate the development of ventures that are not only economically viable but also contribute significantly to sustainability goals. This comprehensive approach positions southern Ontario as a leader in innovation, generating a robust pipeline of businesses committed to making a positive impact not just locally but on a global scale.

Applications for this significant opportunity are set to open on April 30, 2025. Those interested can find more information and sign up for notifications about the application process on the AC:Studio website.

In summary, this initiative represents a valuable intersection of entrepreneurship and social responsibility, providing startups with the necessary resources to drive significant change while pursuing economic success. As the focus remains on fostering sustainable solutions, the program promises to nurture the next generation of businesses that prioritize both profit and planet, significantly contributing to meeting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.