New Brunswick Shines At Demo Day
HALIFAX—More than 200 people jammed into Neptune Theatre in Halifax for Propel ICT’s Demo Day Tuesday night, a showcase of some of the top companies taking part in the startup accelerator’s programs.
Propel was launched in Saint John in 2004 by a group of local technology boosters, including former NB Tel CEO Gerry Pond. It has continued to evolve and grow. This year the organization is Atlantic Canada-wide with companies from Prince Edward Island taking part in the programs for the first time.
“We have to really change our economy,” said Dave Grebenc, co-CEO of Saint John-based Innovatia and chair of Propel ICT, as the event opened. He staked out an ambitious goal, calling for region to produce two successful technology company IPOs (Initial Public Offering) in the coming years.
New Brunswick was well represented, with half of the 14 companies pitching at Demo Day calling the picture province home base, or having a location there.
They were a diverse bunch, with businesses built around making it easier to manage grant applications, e-gaming analytics, managing roads, using online tools to manage mental health, making public transit easier and helping local businesses engage with customers.
Propel ICT is gaining traction, with over 70 startups coming through its “Launch” and “Build” programs in just the last year. It suggests that a more entrepreneurial culture is taking root in Atlantic Canada.
Propel ICT also announced it will be launching a new program called “Grow” to help companies scale up and expand.