Summer Institute Accepting Applications From Early-Stage Startups
FREDERICTON – The Summer Institute at UNB will accept up to seven companies to participate in their paid accelerator program supporting early-stage startups.
The program, which started in 2014, has helped launch over 43 companies. Alumni come from different regions and sectors and include Stash Energy, Koffee Organics, UpFront Cosmetics, Vertiball, and Educated Beards.
“We look for early-stage ventures that want to make a social impact, as well an impact to their bottom line,” said Summer Institute Managing Director Joe Allen in a release.
“This is our eighth cohort and every year we get a wonderful array of people keen to do amazing things and we expect the same this year.”
Successful applicants receive stipends for living expenses, grants to develop a prototype, and, according to the release, “intense, mentor-led programming aimed at developing sustainable and profitable companies.” The 2021 program will run from April 27 through July 16.
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“My business has blossomed because of the time spent in the Summer Institute,” said Hannah Watson, founder of Snak. Watson graduated from the program in 2020. “I’ve learned so much during the program from instructors, mentors and the other companies in the cohort. I highly recommend the Summer Institute.”
The program is operated by the University of New Brunswick’s J. Herbert Smith Centre for Technology Management & Entrepreneurship. It has gained global recognition within the startup community due to its mentorship and network-building.
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“For years, The Summer Institute has been working to help early-stage companies with a big vision that encompasses more than just the bottom line, and we’re happy to be launching our next search for great people with great ideas” said Allen.
Liam Floyd is a reporter with Huddle. Send him story suggestions: [email protected].