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Increase your pace

Fast-track your ambitions—and reach unforeseen heights.

Applications for the first cohort of AC:Studio are now closed.

AC:Studio

Up to $100,000 to launch your startup

Have a high-impact startup idea or interest in joining the founding team of one? With Government of Canada funding through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), we've partnered with innovation leaders from across southern Ontario to bring high-impact startups and founders the critical capital they need to launch their businesses.

Funding, mentorship, and tactical supports

Building high-potential businesses across southern Ontario

With Government of Canada funding through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), we've partnered with innovation leaders from across southern Ontario to bring high-impact startups and founders the critical capital they need to launch their businesses.

This program provides participants with:

  • Up to $100,000 in seed funding grants from FedDev Ontario
  • One-to-one mentorship with our team of in-house and specialist mentors
  • Sales training from pros like Uvaro to build a team that delivers
  • Tactical support in product development, marketing, UI and UX from industry experts and freelancers through partnerships with experienced startup builders at SnapPea and Conestoga College's Gig Lab
  • In-kind hours with industry experts like RSM, Bereskin & Parr and Gowlings WLG
  • Access to market research, investment intelligence and lead generation reports

access funding and support

high intensity. high impact.

Supporting Canadian jobs and economic growth

In 2023, we executed on Phase 2 of the program, working with 50 incredible founders and narrowed the field to the top 25 companies.

These companies represent the best-of-the-best southern Ontario has to offer for early-stage entrepreneurs.

700+
new jobs

$40M
in investment raised

$21M
revenue generated

Eligibility

AC:Studio is available to founders from across southern Ontario

In order to qualify for AC:Studio, startups must:

  • Be based in Southern Ontario, as defined by FedDev Ontario (click here for full description online).
  • Be incorporated in Canada, or show proof of a plan to incorporate upon receiving the funds.
  • Be an early-stage company and have an innovative technology product or
  • process, limited R&D, and are working towards commercialization
  • Startups must not have received previous investment from Scientists and Engineers in Business (SEB) fellowship, NFPs and post-secondary institutions under SEB to deliver seed funding (OCE) SmartStart, RIC VentureStart, Next36, BioEnterprise, Northumberland CFDC, etc.), Commercialization fellowships (University of Waterloo, McMaster, University of Toronto, Carleton) or the AC's AC:JumpStart program
  • AC:Studio investment amount must be matched in cash (such as angel/VC investors, friends/family/founders, academic institution, government sources, and/or industry investors). Proof of matching funds must be shown in the businesses bank account before the program start date.

Please note: Any employee, or person associated with the organizations carrying out the project (Accelerator Centre, Conestoga College, Innovate Niagara, WEtech, UVARO) are NOT eligible to participate in the AC:Studio program.

Program partners

Work with our innovation partners

AC:Studio provides tactical support in product development, marketing, UI, and UX from industry experts and freelancers through partnerships with experienced startup builders.

Success stories

Client Spotlight: This Is Perimenopause with Co-founders Mikelle Ethier and Michelle Stainton

This Is Perimenopause co-founders Mikelle Ethier and Michelle Stainton are committed to supporting women through the often-isolating journey of perimenopause and menopause. They've created an online community that provides evidence-based resources and a safe space for women experiencing symptoms like hot flashes, trouble sleeping, mental health challenges, and joint aches.

Learn more

Success stories

Client Spotlight: Chao Yu, founder and CEO of LoopX

LoopX founder and CEO Chao Yu knows that every startup journey involves twists and turns. Focused initially on automating last-mile food deliveries, Yu and his team pivoted their AI and robotics technology to transform autonomous transportation in the mining industry. Today, LoopX's solutions are helping mines enhance safety and efficiency while reducing downtime—proving that the right pivot can turn an idea into a game-changing innovation.

Learn more

Success stories

Client Spotlight: Chloe Beaudoin, COO & Founder of Apricotton

Not only is Apricotton selling the best-fitting tween and teen bras—they’re the “big sisters you’ve always wanted” on TikTok. Check out the viral teen bra that’s made to grow as girls grow.

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Success stories

Client Spotlight: Sydney Robinson and Oleksiy Zaika, co-founders of Vessl Prosthetics

Vessl Prosthetics’ co-founders Sydney Robinson and Oleksiy Zaika find inspiration in the intersection of engineering, design, and the improvement of people’s lives. They have designed and engineered Isoform, an innovative, easy-to-use prosthetic volume management system for amputees who have struggled to find the right fit with traditional sockets. The socket uses a kinetic tensioning mechanism that resizes as a wearer’s leg volume changes during their daily activities.

Learn more

Success stories

Client Spotlight: Stefanie Bruinsma, Founder of AutoCate

Stefanie Bruinsma is empowering women to be confident car owners through AutoCate, a membership-based platform that aims to answer any and all automotive questions to drive equality in car maintenance.

Learn more