December 13, 2007

ONTARIO COMMERCIALIZATION NETWORK

The Waterloo Accelerator Centre is part of the McGuinty government’s $30-million Ontario Commercialization Network. This group of organizations builds connections between researchers and entrepreneurs in key sectors and regions throughout Ontario to move promising technologies to market.

One of the benefits of this network is its ability to bring commercialization services closer to the clients that need them — small firms, researchers, entrepreneurs and investors. The regional networks also facilitate access to other commercialization resources, including MaRS, Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc., the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI), and Communitech.

Waterloo Accelerator Centre

The not-for-profit Accelerator Centre seeks to commercialize the innovative work of researchers and entrepreneurs. It focuses on early-stage technology enterprise issues and promising technology companies.

The centre is the result of a multi-stakeholder partnership that includes the Province of Ontario, University of Waterloo, Region of Waterloo, City of Waterloo and the Government of Canada. Other stakeholders include the University of Guelph, Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College.

Clients of the centre – emerging technology companies – can access the plug-and-play office suites in the its 22,700-square-foot building, located in the Waterloo Research + Technology Park. Suites range in size from as small as 250 square feet to as large as 800 square feet and include office furniture, Internet access and telephones. Suite fees pay for access to meeting rooms, reception, photocopying, light administrative support and a networking kitchen.

The centre has assembled an entrepreneurship council made up of business and

technology leaders to provide mentorship to its companies. The council offers experience in growing an enterprise, such as financial management, investment, research and development, product development, marketing, sales and human resources.

As well, the centre works with innovation partners, including Communitech, Canadian Innovation Centre, Infusion Angels Innovation Centre (sponsored by Microsoft), Ontario Centres of Excellence and the National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program to help nurture and grow their clients.

Typical clients will remain at the centre for one to three years and graduate when appropriate. They will either move into the Waterloo Research + Technology Park or remain within Waterloo Region. Ideally, they will maintain a connection to the centre, acting as a resource or mentor for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

For more information, visit: www.acceleratorcentre.com