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Visit the Accelerator Centre
Located in the heart of Waterloo, the Accelerator Centre is a world-renowned, award winning centre for technology start ups, offering services and mentorship aimed at one goal: to accelerate the growth of successful new technology companies. We invite you to engage with the AC - take a tour of our world-class facilities, explore our services and programs, and meet the people who make technology success happen every day here at the Accelerator Centre.
Common Questions
- How do I get started?Very simple. Review our entry criteria. If you think your company is a good fit for the Accelerator Centre, then complete the preliminary application form available on this site and click submit.
- What do you require from prospective clients?A preliminary application form is the first step. If you proceed to later stages in the application process, you will be asked to provide specific documentation in an electronic format, including a criminal record check and credit check. You will also be asked to present your business plan to relevant members of the Accelerator Centre.
- How does the application process work?Once prospective clients have submitted a preliminary application form, relevant members of the Accelerator Centre will review the form and arrange a meeting. If there is agreement to proceed, you will be asked to fill out a longer application form, provide an electronic copy of your business plan and supporting documentation to the client review panel of the Accelerator Centre's entrepreneurship council, and respond to any questions they may have.
- Why is this a good way for me to start up my new high-tech business?Two reasons — experience and resources. When you have a question, there is always someone available who has 'been there, done that.' You can also take advantage of affordable professional resources — such as administrative support, bookkeeping, sales and marketing, legal and human resources advisory — to help your business successfully move through its initial growth phase.
- Are my ideas safe and confidential?Yes. All information shared in the application process is kept strictly confidential.
- What happens if I am accepted?Accelerator Centre management will call to advise you of your company's acceptance and discuss first steps. You will then be asked to sign a Facility and Services Agreement and provide a criminal record check, credit check, and potentially, other documentation.
- What do I get when I join the Accelerator Centre?A professional office space and stimulating work environment. Mentoring and professional support. Administrative support. Access to office equipment such as photocopiers, printers and scanners. Fully equipped meeting rooms, networking areas, and much more.
- How long do I stay with the Accelerator Centre?Successful clients will graduate from the Accelerator Centre typically within two to three years after they have completed the agreed process and achieved a level of readiness as determined through an ongoing evaluation process as conducted by the company's mentors and Accelerator Centre management.What happens after I leave the Accelerator Centre?The Accelerator Centre will work closely with other organizations in the regional network to ensure that as a graduate, you have access to the resources required for your continued growth.
- What kind of companies are in the Accelerator Centre?All of our resident companies are unique and have identified a specific market niche, and span all industries from clean energy, to healthcare, to gaming. Products in development at the Accelerator Centre include a hemodynamic monitor, an automated table gaming management solution, software to manage the exchange of clinical patient information, and a Web 2.0 site for consumer product evaluations.
- What makes this mentoring different from other mentors out there?Accelerator Centre mentors are skilled in the area of commercializing technology. Through their mentorship, start ups can decrease the time to commercialization, and increase the likelihood of success. Mentoring typically covers the common issues facing a start up company, such as high level strategic advice, development of the management team, personal skills development, and connections to other business resources, angel and VC financing.
- How do I know if I am a good candidate for the Accelerator Centre?Review our criteria. You should have an identified market for a technology, a business plan and initial funding. Equally important is the willingness to be receptive to mentoring and a business development process with pre-determined milestones.
- What is the Accelerator Centre?The Accelerator Centre is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enabling the commercialization of innovative products in the technological sector. It strives to assist new businesses in the difficult first stages of development by providing affordable resources — such as office space — as well as access to seasoned professionals who understand the challenges new businesses face.
- What if I don't need office space or administrative support?Our non-resident program is available to entrepreneurs who want to use selected services, according to their needs, but who do not require office space.
- Are there any programs for less advanced businesses?Very early stage technology entrepreneurs who do not meet the criteria to become a full Accelerator Centre client can access services through the Innovation Condo program , including a cubicle in a shared office suite, limited administrative support, as well as participation in education programs, networking events and more.
- Where will I work if I join the Accelerator Centre?Our offices are located on the first floor of the Accelerator Building in the University of Waterloo Research and Technology Park.
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