Scaling Up ScaleUP WETechAlliance Unveils ScaleUP Accelerator 2.0 and Welcomes Cohort 8

WETechAlliance is set to launch the next evolution of one of its most transformative programs: ScaleUP Accelerator 2.0.

Thanks to a renewed four-year partnership with Libro Credit Union and Invest Windsor-Essex, the Windsor-based Regional Innovation Centre is excited to announce the program’s most ambitious iteration to date, with a host of new initiatives aimed at propelling participating entrepreneurs to greater heights of growth and success.

Known for its strategic focus on business development, the award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator program now includes more dedicated mentorship and curated programming to meet the dynamic needs of today’s market. The program offers intensive growth coaching, expert insight, strategic planning, and potential financial assistance to tech and innovation-based entrepreneurs in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent. Valued at up to $85,000 per participant, these in-kind resources are designed to facilitate substantial business growth. Participants will also showcase their businesses at the Final Showcase event, featuring a pitch competition with a $20,000 prize.

ScaleUP Accelerator 2.0 builds upon its predecessor with lofty objectives. The program has expanded its cohort size, increasing from five to seven companies. The program duration has been extended as well to ensure deeper and more sustainable development. Financial support has also been significantly enhanced, thanks to the renewed investment from Libro.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of our enhanced ScaleUP Accelerator program, made possible by this new four-year partnership with Libro Credit Union,” says Adam Castle, Director of Venture Services & Partnerships at WETechAlliance.

“This program will equip entrepreneurs with the skills and insights they need to thrive in a competitive business environment. Over the next four years, we aim to achieve significant outcomes, including empowering more entrepreneurs, contributing to the regional economy, and fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial community. We look forward to tackling these ambitious goals with our partners at Libro and the incredible innovators we are fortunate to work with.”

This partnership marks the biggest commitment to date between WETechAlliance and Libro Credit Union. This collaboration not only amplifies the program’s reach, but also underscores a shared vision for regional growth and innovation.

The anticipation surrounding Cohort 8 is palpable, with seven exceptional companies selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants. The cohort includes iDream Interactive, a leading video game development studio; Monerus, a provider of AI-enabled hardware solutions for law enforcement; BeAware Deaf Assistant, which creates AI-powered tools for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; MyHome Digital Dwelling & Hi-tech Inc., offering a comprehensive home maintenance app; Combinetic, a SaaS platform for managing and securing company devices; Alchemist Athletics, specializing in elite-level jump rope gear; and Scelta Customs Inc., which empowers general contractors with real-time data tools.

“The main benefit of ScaleUP is the opportunity to work with growth coaches who have been there and done that,” says David Mill, Founder and CEO of Scelta. “A startup has so many blind spots and nuances that working through them with experienced coaches who can shine the light is a beautiful thing.”

“We’re thrilled to be part of the ScaleUP this year,” adds Devin Pavao, Founder of Combinetic. “We’re excited to learn and grow with the mentorship provided, further our business growth by headquartering here in Windsor-Essex, and to continue building a great product. Combinetic is eager to leverage this experience to innovate and expand our reach in the MDM market, leveraging everything ScaleUP has to offer to help us along the way.”

“Being a part of the ScaleUP program Cohort 8 is an exciting journey for Monerus,” explains Khalid Saadeldin, Project Manager at Monerus. “This opportunity will not only provide us with invaluable mentorship and resources but has also help accelerate our growth and innovation. The program’s support is next level, and we are hoping it can empower us to enhance our product offerings and expand our reach, further solidifying our commitment to advancing public safety technology.”

“I could not be more excited to be a part of Cohort 8 of the ScaleUP Program. As a new business owner, I have so much to learn and I truly feel like this program will be life changing for me,” adds Muna Fadel, Founder of Alchemist Athletics. “I’m super grateful for this opportunity and I look forward to learning from all the mentors and fellow candidates.”

Lori Atkinson, Regional Manager at Libro Credit Union, also shared her enthusiasm for the program. “Libro’s partnership with WEtech aligns with our core coaching philosophy, focusing on community support and business development to financially assist entrepreneurs and ensure they’re equipped with the knowledge and experience to succeed in the business world. We’re anticipating this new cohort will include amazing world-class entrepreneurs found right here in Windsor-Essex!”