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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260303T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260303T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T150121
CREATED:20260204T183833Z
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UID:10000012-1772550000-1772557200@www.acceleratorcentre.com
SUMMARY:Dual-Use Demystified: Could Your Tech Serve Both Commercial and Defence Markets?
DESCRIPTION:Understanding dual-use\, defence opportunities\, and procurement basics  \nCanada is increasing investment in technologies that serve both commercial and defence and security applications. If you’re building in AI\, cybersecurity\, sensing\, geospatial\, robotics\, advanced materials\, simulation\, or critical infrastructure software\, your product may already qualify as dual-use — even if you’ve never considered defence markets before.  \nJoin us for a practical\, founder-friendly session designed to help you:  \n\nIdentify credible defence and security use cases for your technology \n\n\nUnderstand the technical\, data\, and capability characteristics that typically trigger dual-use considerations \n\n\nLearn what does — and does not — change when engaging with defence-adjacent customers \n\n\nGain a clearer picture of how defence procurement works and where startups can realistically engage \n\nWho should attend: Founders\, product leaders\, CTOs\, and business development leads.   \nSpeaker: Shelby Eyre  \n \nShelby Eyre is an Economic Policy and Planning Analyst with FedDev Ontario’s Defence Services Team. She works closely with small and medium-sized firms and post-secondary institutions in southern Ontario\, helping them understand opportunities within Canada’s defence ecosystem and connect with global defence primes. With prior experience at Innovation Canada within the Department of Innovation\, Science\, and Economic Development\, Shelby brings a strong perspective on emerging technologies and their defence applications. \n  \n  \n  \n  \nSpeaker: Karim Sallaudin Karim \n \nDr. Karim Sallaudin Karim is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo and a leader in translating advanced research into real-world\, dual-use technologies. Most recently\, he served as Associate Vice President of Partnerships\, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship\, where he focused on industry collaboration and technology transfer. He is the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of KA Imaging\, which develops novel spectral and phase-contrast X-ray imaging systems used across medical\, industrial\, and defense/security applications. Technologies originating from Dr. Karim’s research are deployed globally\, including ultrasonic fingerprint sensor components now used in over 200 million mobile devices. He is a Fellow of both the Engineering Institute of Canada and the Canadian Academy of Engineering.  \n  \nSpeaker: Cameron Waite \n \nCameron Waite is the Founder and CEO of Real Life Robotics (RLR)\, a Waterloo-based company delivering real-world automation solutions across commercial\, municipal\, and defense sectors. With over 15 years of experience in robotics and automation\, he has led deployments spanning last-mile delivery\, IoT-integrated automation\, and secure\, scalable orchestration of autonomous systems through RLR’s flagship platform\, PASSENGER. \nPrior to founding RLR\, Cameron held senior roles at Canadian robotics leaders Avidbots and Aeryon Labs\, where he worked directly with clients including the U.S. military\, Canadian law enforcement agencies such as the OPP and RCMP\, and a broad network of government and defense contractors to deploy tactical robotics for ISR\, public safety\, and critical infrastructure support. \nCameron serves on the Canadian Robotics Council’s Outdoor Robotics Advisory Group\, contributes to federal smart mobility initiatives\, and is active in Canada’s dual-use innovation ecosystem\, working closely with organizations such as OCI\, IRAP\, CENGN\, and the Waterloo Dual-Use Consortium. He is a vocal advocate for sovereign robotics infrastructure and frequently collaborates with global partners on security-conscious automation strategies for domestic and allied markets. \nModerator: Ruth Casselman \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nRuth Casselman is the CEO for the Accelerator Centre\, and the Co-Chair for the Waterloo Dual-Use Technology Consortium (dualusetech.ca). Ruth’s leadership is rooted in her own entrepreneurial experience and her deep understanding of the challenges founders face in scaling technology ventures. Ruth was the founding Chief Operating Officer at Alert Labs – an IoT technology manufacturing and data analytics company specializing in reducing wasted water and CO2 emissions in commercial properties. She stewarded Alert Labs through a successful acquisition by a Fortune 500 organization\, giving her first-hand experience in fundraising\, scaling\, and navigating complex exits. \nAt the Accelerator Centre\, Ruth champions programs that accelerate innovation across sectors\, including the Aerospace Accelerator\, a collaboration with the Region of Waterloo\, that supports aerospace and aviation startups by providing tailored programming and industry connections. \nBefore Alert Labs\, Ruth held senior technical\, communications\, and crisis leadership roles at BlackBerry\, including serving as public relations lead for BlackBerry Government and Enterprise Security. In this capacity\, she worked closely with Fortune 500 corporations\, global enterprises\, and government agencies worldwide\, supporting secure communications\, cybersecurity positioning\, and mission-critical technology. She also led crisis management for BlackBerry’s Network Operations Centers globally\, operating at the intersection of secure infrastructure\, real-time operations\, and high-stakes stakeholder communication. This experience gave her deep exposure to the operational\, regulatory\, and reputational complexities of enterprise security and government technology environments.
URL:https://www.acceleratorcentre.com/event-page/dual-use-demystified-could-your-tech-serve-both-commercial-and-defense-markets/
LOCATION:Accelerator Centre HQ\, 295 Hagey Blvd\, Waterloo\, Ontario\, N2L 6R5\, Canada
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.acceleratorcentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/UPDATED-Dualuse-Workshop_March-20256_Website-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260305T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260305T113000
DTSTAMP:20260417T150121
CREATED:20260206T182418Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T144030Z
UID:10000013-1772703000-1772710200@www.acceleratorcentre.com
SUMMARY:International Women’s Day: AC:Incubate+ & DGBS Showcase
DESCRIPTION:Celebrate the growth\, resilience\, and bold thinking of founders graduating from the AC:Incubate+ and Disrupting Gender Bias in Startups (DGBS) programs at our upcoming showcase. \nOver the past six months\, early-stage founders have transformed ambitious ideas into real ventures\, building traction\, sharpening their strategies\, and stepping into leadership with clarity and confidence. This showcase marks the culmination of that work and the next chapter for each company. \nThe AC:Incubate+ program is grounded in the belief that strong companies are built through intentional\, high-touch support. Through tailored mentorship\, milestone-based guidance\, and specialized training\, founders receive what they need to validate ideas\, build momentum\, and prepare for long-term growth. The result is not only stronger ventures\, but a more resilient and capable innovation ecosystem. \nThe Disrupting Gender Bias in Startups (DGBS) program addresses the systemic barriers that continue to shape who gets access\, visibility\, and opportunity in entrepreneurship. By centering the lived experiences of women and gender-diverse founders\, the program creates space for norm deconstruction\, collective visioning\, and leadership development\, equipping participants to build ventures that challenge the status quo and contribute to a more equitable economy. \nThis year’s showcase takes place alongside International Women’s Day\, offering a timely moment to reflect on how equity\, access\, and shared responsibility show up in practice. The theme\, Give to Gain\, mirrors what we see across both programs: when time\, knowledge\, and opportunity are invested intentionally\, founders—and the ecosystem around them—move further\, faster. \nWhat to Expect\n\nFounder stories that highlight growth\, challenge\, and key inflection points\nInsights into how targeted support shaped each venture’s journey\nA look at what’s next for graduating companies\nA celebration of inclusive innovation\, leadership\, and collective progress\n\nAgenda\n\n9:30 am  | Doors open\n9:45 pm  | Opening Remarks\n9:55 am – 10:15 am | Panel discussion of founders from the AC:Incubate+ & DGBS program featuring Emily Tell\, Shreyonshi Bharat\, Yvonne Ip\, and Elaine Liu\n10:15 am – 10:35 am | DGBS Impact with Anna Jones\, DGBS Program Manager\n10:35 am – 10:50 AM |  To Give to Gain Workshop featuring Christianna Chow\n10:50 am – 11:30 am | Networking & Showcase floor\n\nSpeakers\n  \n \nChristianna Chow\nChristianna Chow is the Co-Founder of Octopodi Technologies and a passionate educator\, mentor\, and startup leader focused on making the future of tech learning more human\, equitable\, and meaningful. She is graduating from AC:Incubate+\, Accelerator Centre’s flagship program supporting high-potential founders as they scale their ventures. \nAt Octopodi Technologies\, Christianna is on a mission to transform how coding is taught and learned in academic institutions. Built by educators for educators\, Octopodi combines automated code analysis with instructor expertise to help professors deliver more value-driven feedback\, track student competency development\, and significantly reduce the time spent grading. By shifting the focus from simply whether code “works” to how students think\, problem-solve\, and grow\, Octopodi helps instructors teach more—and helps students learn with greater confidence. \nChristianna’s leadership is grounded in human-centered technology\, empowerment through ownership\, and purpose-driven impact. Beyond building Octopodi\, she has mentored students and founders through programs like BETS\, teaching and venture coaching\, and continues to champion learning environments where mistakes are welcomed\, diverse voices are elevated\, and emerging talent is trusted to take on real responsibility. \n  \n  \n \nEmily Tell\nEmily Tell is the Owner and CEO of IdeaTilt\, a company that helps organizations thrive through clear\, practical approaches to AI\, cybersecurity\, and modern ways of working. With more than 20 years of experience across digital strategy\, project and program management\, people change management\, cybersecurity awareness\, and security framework alignment\, Emily specializes in helping businesses and teams adapt to disruptive technology change with simple\, proven techniques. \nEmily has led global technology and transformation initiatives across enterprise\, SMB\, and startup environments—supporting teams in more than 20 countries and multiple languages. Her work has driven major adoption and engagement outcomes\, including an award-winning learning initiative recognized as the Winner of the LinkedIn Talent Award for Learning (Companies over 10K employees) in 2022\, as well as large-scale increases in platform adoption\, communications engagement\, and operational efficiency. \nAt IdeaTilt\, Emily and her team focus on moving organizations from complex to simple—building AI-powered procedures\, human-in-the-loop workflows\, and sustainable governance models that reduce risk while increasing capability. Her work is grounded in a belief that AI and security should feel achievable without hype\, jargon\, or risky shortcuts—and that the best transformation happens when people feel informed\, empowered\, and confident. \n  \n  \n \nShreyonshi Bharat\nShreyonshi Bharat is the Founder and CEO of Saaga Events\, a B2B SaaS company reimagining how professional networking works at in-person and virtual events. Drawing on her background as an event planner\, Shreyonshi is building the next generation of AI-powered software designed to fix the broken systems event teams rely on—addressing challenges like inefficient networking\, poor data capture\, and the lack of measurable ROI for organizers and attendees. \nAt Saaga Events\, Shreyonshi leads the development of a smart\, data-driven platform that streamlines networking and lead qualification through intentional matching\, real-time insights\, and inclusive design. The technology reduces bias and fragmentation while helping event organizers\, conference hosts\, and corporate teams maximize engagement\, improve attendee experience\, and clearly demonstrate value to stakeholders. \nAs a South Asian woman founder with lived experience navigating exclusion in professional spaces\, Shreyonshi brings a deep commitment to equity and inclusion into both the product and the company’s mission. She is currently in active research mode\, engaging directly with event planners across corporate\, academic\, and organizational settings to ensure Saaga is built on real workflows\, real constraints\, and real-world pressure—earning trust when it matters most. \n  \n  \n \nYvonne Ip\nYvonne Ip is the Founding Director of Arise Architects Co-operative\, Canada’s first architectural practice operating as a worker-owned co-operative. With more than two decades of experience in architectural practice\, Ivonne has worked across a wide range of project types and is well-versed in every phase of the design and delivery process. She brings deep expertise in leading government-funded and regulated projects\, with a strong track record of guiding complex and innovative developments through planning approvals\, including the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). \nBeyond her professional practice\, Ivonne is also an accomplished artist whose work has been exhibited across Canada and the United States and is held in both public and private collections. She is deeply engaged in the cultural and societal impact of architecture through community initiatives such as the City of Kitchener Public Art Working Group\, Queen’s Green Community Garden\, and the Waterloo Region Food System Roundtable. Ivonne has also held leadership roles within organizations\, including the Trillium Waldorf School and the Grand Valley Society of Architects (GVSA)\, where she currently serves as Continuing Education Coordinator. \nA graduate of the Disrupting Gender Bias in Startups (DGBS) Program\, Ivonne is passionate about reimagining how firms can operate—building a collaborative\, project-centric culture that prioritizes community\, care\, and meaningful design. \n  \n  \n \nElaine Liu\nElaine Liu is the Chief Executive Officer of Infinity9 Cycle Corp\, a Toronto-based company transforming agricultural waste into fully biodegradable promotional products and packaging. Through innovative\, PLA-based materials and ongoing R&D\, Infinity9 Cycle helps businesses replace plastic with affordable\, high-quality sustainable alternatives—ranging from biodegradable coffee mugs and tableware to reusable bags and food film that naturally decomposes in under six months. \nElaine is also a proud participant in the Disrupting Gender Bias in Startups (DGBS) Program\, where she has championed inclusive leadership and gender equity in entrepreneurship. As she shares\, “To me\, feminism means supporting equality and fairness between all genders… It’s about ensuring that everyone has the same opportunities\, rights\, and respect\, regardless of gender.” Her work reflects a commitment to building a healthier planet—and a more equitable startup ecosystem—through innovation\, community partnerships\, and purpose-driven leadership. \n  \n \nPaniz Moayeri\nPaniz is a licensed architect and a director at Arise Architects Co-operative\, Canada’s first architectural worker-cooperative. With a career bridging practice\, research\, and advocacy\, her work focuses on the social\, ethical\, and cultural dimensions of built spaces and design. Paniz has nearly a decade of professional experience across offices in Toronto\, Dubai\, Victoria\, New York\, and Kitchener\, working on a wide range of building types\, delivery models\, and design stages. Skilled in community consultation and multi-stakeholder engagement\, Paniz is a strong advocate for participatory\, community-led design. \nPaniz’s award-winning graduate thesis\, Your Passport Doesn’t Work Here\, explored the intersection of architecture\, identity\, and Iranian queer heritage. Her writing appears in Canadian Architect\, JSSAC\, and The Signs That Define Toronto. She has taught design studio at Laurentian University\, assisted courses at Waterloo Architecture\, and served as a guest lecturer and critic at TMU and Carleton. \nAs a co-founder of Treaty Lands\, Global Stories\, Paniz has advocated for recognizing Canada’s Indigenous heritage and broadening architectural education beyond Western paradigms since 2016. She is a former Advisory Board Member to Waterloo Architecture’s Racial Equity and Environmental Justice Task Force\, and an active member of the Architecture Lobby\, where she advocates for equity and improved working conditions in the profession. \n  \n  \nMilo Aguera\nMilo Aguera brings 20+ years of software development and technology leadership across global companies including Nestlé\, Westwing\, and TIM Telecom. He founded Milo Tech Forecast\, a full-stack boutique tech agency bringing together passionate doers to build creative solutions to complex challenges. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n \nSaba Oji\nNamed one of Canada’s Top 100 AI Startups\, Saba’s company HolisticMindAI develops therapist-guided AI tools to support mental health providers through ethical\, human-first innovation. As a researcher and EDI advocate\, she brings a nuanced and compassionate view on responsible AI development—emphasizing safety\, equity\, and community-informed design. Her lens blends technical rigor with lived experience and a commitment to ethical implementation.
URL:https://www.acceleratorcentre.com/event-page/international-womens-day-acincubate-dgbs-showcase/
LOCATION:Accelerator Centre HQ\, 295 Hagey Blvd\, Waterloo\, Ontario\, N2L 6R5\, Canada
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.acceleratorcentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/UPDATED-Incubate-Showcase_March-2026_Website-Cover-Image-5.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260311T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260311T120000
DTSTAMP:20260417T150121
CREATED:20260217T145552Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T215432Z
UID:10000014-1773225000-1773230400@www.acceleratorcentre.com
SUMMARY:Global Impact Creator Showcase 2026
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an inspiring evening as we celebrate the 2026 cohort of the Global Impact Creator (GIC) Program—a collaborative initiative between the Accelerator Centre and the University of Waterloo designed to help entrepreneurs explore and advance social innovation across human\, planetary\, and animal health.  \nOver the past several months\, this year’s visionary founders have pushed boundaries\, validating critical unmet needs\, developing bold solutions\, and piloting initiatives built to create measurable real-world impact. Through mentorship\, hands-on programming\, and collaboration with experts across the innovation ecosystem\, participants have transformed early-stage ideas into ventures grounded in evidence\, purpose\, and action.  \nThis showcase marks the culmination of their journey. Founders will take the stage to present their ventures\, share key learnings\, and highlight the traction they’ve achieved—from validation insights and pilot outcomes to partnerships and next steps.  \nConnect with fellow changemakers\, engage with mentors and industry leaders\, and explore opportunities to collaborate with startups shaping a more sustainable\, equitable future.  \nWhether you’re an entrepreneur\, investor\, ecosystem partner\, student\, or passionate advocate for change\, this event is your chance to champion the next generation of impact-driven leaders.  \nBe part of the momentum. Be part of the impact.\nWe can’t wait to see you there.  \n  \nAGENDA \n10:30 AM  |  Doors open to the public \n10:45 AM  |  Opening remarks from Accelerator Centre – Meghan Gervais\, Director of Founder Experience \n10:55 AM  |  University of Waterloo remarks – Alfred Yu\, Associate Vice President of Partnerships\, Entrepreneurship\, and Commercialization \n11:05 AM  |  Presentations from GIC cohort participants \n12:00 PM |  Closing remarks and networking \n  \nMeet the Founders in this Cohort of the Global Impact Creator Program \n  \n \nSean Geobey | Groupthink Labs   \nSean Geobey is Director and Head of Research at Groupthink Labs\, where he develops and tests innovative models for participatory governance that communities of all sizes can adopt and scale. He is an Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo and serves as Director of the Waterloo Institute for Complexity and Innovation (WICI)\, advancing interdisciplinary research on complex social and economic systems. Sean’s work bridges academia and practice\, combining rigorous research with real-world application to strengthen collaborative decision-making and community impact.  \nGroupthink Labs builds digital tools for collective decision-making\, starting with Polls—a participatory budgeting platform for municipalities\, community foundations\, and organizations that must balance diverse voices and limited budgets. It helps groups allocate resources and set priorities using proven democratic methods\, delivering a process that is transparent\, efficient\, and trusted.  \nTamer Shahin | Hiro Technologies Inc. \nTamer Shahin is CEO and Co-Founder of Hiro\, where he is building innovative solutions from the heart of Waterloo’s tech ecosystem. Previously\, he served as Senior Manager of Velocity Digital\, mentoring and advising early-stage startups on business strategy\, product development\, investor readiness\, and growth. Tamer is passionate about equipping founders with the tools\, networks\, and practical guidance they need to prototype efficiently\, launch strong MVPs\, and scale with confidence. \nHiro turns children’s physiotherapy exercises into motion-based games that use a device’s camera so the child’s body becomes the controller. Built with therapists and families in mind\, it runs on phones\, tablets\, and computers\, tracks progress with analytics\, and makes home or clinic practice more engaging—without extra equipment.  \n \nSaba Oji | HolisticMind AI  \nNamed one of Canada’s Top 100 AI Startups\, Saba’s company HolisticMindAI develops therapist-guided AI tools to support mental health providers through ethical\, human-first innovation. As a researcher and EDI advocate\, she brings a nuanced and compassionate view on responsible AI development—emphasizing safety\, equity\, and community-informed design. Her lens blends technical rigor with lived experience and a commitment to ethical implementation.  \nHolisticMindAI helps therapists save time on case notes with AI-powered transcription that produces structured\, session-ready summaries. It also provides each client with a personalized\, therapist-guided AI companion built from their own sessions\, extending care between visits with guided check-ins and reinforcement of insights—while keeping the clinician in control. \nJianping (Felix) Xu | Lumos Health Inc. \nJianping (Felix) Xu is Co-founder and Founding Engineer at Lumos\, where he leads the development of the software and systems powering the company’s smart glasses technology. He designs and builds mobile applications for iOS and Android\, develops embedded software to enable seamless device communication\, and oversees secure backend infrastructure for user data management. Felix brings full-stack technical expertise and a product-focused mindset to creating intuitive\, reliable wearable technology experiences.  \nLumos Health makes smart glasses that deliver light therapy for people experiencing depression and poor sleep\, in a discreet\, comfortable form that looks like everyday eyewear. Designed for daily use\, the glasses support consistent routines; in an eight-week double-blind clinical evaluation\, they showed about 30% mood improvement (MADRS)\, 20% better sleep quality\, and a 40 ms gain in reaction time.  \n \nRobin Andrade | Patient Pro Inc.   \nRobin brings over a decade of experience teaching at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy and more than twenty years in the health care field. A registered pharmacy technician\, she has dedicated her career to education\, earning a BEd\, MEd\, and now pursuing a PhD\, demonstrating her deep commitment to lifelong learning.  \nPatient Pro began as a Master’s project during her studies at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto. Though the idea remained quietly in her back pocket\, it resurfaced after graduation\, when she recognized the potential to explore the intersection of AI and education through her doctoral research at Brock University.  \nToday\, Robin continues to support student learning in her role in work-integrated learning as an Educational Developer\, helping to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical experience.  \nDr. Tom McFarlane | Patient Pro Inc.  \nDr. Tom McFarlane teaches oncology\, internal medicine\, and autoimmunity topics to the undergraduate students at the School of Pharmacy. He has a particular interest in GI\, lung\, and prostate cancers\, and conducts practice based research in these settings which includes exploring ways of improving supportive care regimens for patients and the impact of supportive care on overall outcomes. He is also interested in qualitative research examining patient attitudes toward cancer care.  \n  \n  \n \nRunjhun Saran Narayan | MOLwise Biosciences Inc.   \nRunjhun is the Founder and CEO of MOLwise Biosciences Inc.\, an adjunct professor at the University of Waterloo\, and The University of British Columbia\, Canada; and Scientific Lead\, Life Sciences at the International Center for Applied Systems Science for Sustainable Development\, Cambridge\, ON\, Canada. I hold a PhD in Bio-Nanotechnology from the University of Waterloo\, Canada. I develop smart\, sustainable\, and robust innovations at the intersection of AI and Bio-Nanotechnology\, for advancing the field of Biosensing for Healthcare and Environmental Monitoring. I am also a passionate Scientific Writer & Storyteller\, in addition to being the mother of 2 amazing kids!  \nMOLwise Biosciences uses AI-guided aptamer discovery to design specific\, stable nucleic acid binders for small molecules\, proteins\, cells\, and viruses. It partners with diagnostic companies\, healthcare providers\, agri-dairy producers\, and environmental agencies\, enabling faster\, more affordable molecular detection and integration with microfluidics\, biosensors\, and point-of-care devices for field-ready use.  \nShreya Rao | Planted Youth Opportunities \nShreya Rao is a student at the University of Waterloo majoring in Environment\, Resources\, and Sustainability with a Minor in Entrepreneurship\, driven by a passion for climate action and youth empowerment. She is the Founder of Planted Youth Opportunities\, a youth-led platform that connects young changemakers with social impact careers through skill-building resources\, gamified learning\, and strategic partnerships. Through her work in sustainability\, advocacy\, and leadership\, Shreya is committed to creating inclusive spaces where youth can lead meaningful change and help build a more equitable future.   \nPlanted is a youth-powered platform connecting 13–30 year olds with purpose-driven opportunities—jobs\, internships\, scholarships\, fellowships\, and volunteer roles—curated for transparency and equity. Operated as a Gen-Z-led non-profit\, it vets organizations and shares resources so young people can explore careers aligned with social and environmental impact in a community-centered way. \n  \nPedro Augusto Da Silva E Souza Miranda | Skopien Inc.  \nPedro Augusto da Silva e Souza Miranda is a student in The School of Public Health Systems in University of Waterloo. He completed his master in computer science in the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil\, 2019. He has over five years of experience working with the application software engineering concepts towards the healthcare domain to provide solutions and innovations. He has been involved in projects for multinational healthcare companies as well in projects for the biggest private hospital company in Brazil.  \nSkopien provides a platform that pulls data from multiple bedside monitors and brings it together in a single dashboard for real-time bed management. Data is stored securely and available for staff to review anytime\, helping hospital teams see patient status at a glance and coordinate care across units. 
URL:https://www.acceleratorcentre.com/event-page/global-impact-creator-showcase-2026/
LOCATION:Accelerator Centre HQ\, 295 Hagey Blvd\, Waterloo\, Ontario\, N2L 6R5\, Canada
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.acceleratorcentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GIC-Showcase_March-2026_Website-Image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260407T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260407T120000
DTSTAMP:20260417T150121
CREATED:20260227T165832Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T162734Z
UID:10000015-1775556000-1775563200@www.acceleratorcentre.com
SUMMARY:Expert Founder Workshop: Preparing for Growth\, Investment & Exit Through Smart Tax Strategy
DESCRIPTION:As your company moves beyond pre-revenue and into real growth\, the financial and tax decisions you make now can mean the difference between incremental progress — and exponential value. The right strategy doesn’t just protect your business. It can save you hundreds\, thousands\, even millions of dollars over time. \nMNP is joining the Accelerator Centre for a practical\, founder-focused workshop built specifically for growth-stage companies preparing for their next chapter — whether you’re raising capital\, scaling operations\, graduating from the AC program\, or positioning for a successful exit. \nThis isn’t theory. It’s real-world insight from advisors who work alongside scaling companies every day. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies to strengthen your financial foundation\, maximize available funding\, and proactively plan for the tax milestones that can materially impact your valuation and long-term success. \nWhat We’ll Cover: \nSR&ED for Scale-Ups: Best Practices & What’s Changed\nAs your R&D investments grow\, so do the opportunities — and the risks. Get a practical update on recent SR&ED developments\, avoid common claim pitfalls\, and learn proven strategies to optimize returns as your operations become more complex. \nTax Planning Strategies for High-Growth Companies: Key Milestones\, Triggers & Timing\nGrowth introduces new tax realities. From investment rounds and ownership changes to exits and operational independence\, understand the critical milestones founders must plan for early. Learn how smart\, proactive tax strategy can unlock significant savings — and how to avoid the costly missteps many discover too late. \nWho Should Attend: \nFounders and senior leaders of growth-stage companies who are actively generating revenue and preparing for expansion\, investment\, or transition. \nPosition your company for sustainable growth\, protect enterprise value\, and plan strategically for what comes next. \n  \nJay McLean – Partner\, National SR&ED Leader\nJay McLean is a MNP Partner and national leader of the Government Incentive practice including: Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credits\, Ontario Interactive Digital Media tax credits (OIDMTC)\, and more. \nHe is a designated accountant and engineer with more than 20 years of experience working with companies from varying industry sectors. The majority of Jay’s client work is with SME private companies. Jay is committed to providing clients the highest and most efficient service possible in all situations\, and as such will coordinate service engagements. \nAs the leader of the national SR&ED practice\, Jay’s experience spans a variety of R&D settings\, prototyping\, and production environments including: development of new materials\, engineering consulting companies\, software development\, manufacturing settings\, and more. Jay also has considerable experience leading SR&ED audits with the Canada Revenue Agency to very successful outcomes. \n  \nScott Chartrand – Senior Manager\, Tax\nScott Chartrand\, CPA\, CA is a Senior Manager in MNP’s Tax Services practice in Waterloo\, Ontario. With more than 14 years of experience in public practice and within one of Canada’s largest insurance organizations\, Scott helps small and medium sized businesses navigate complex tax and regulatory matters with confidence. \nScott delivers tailored tax compliance and advisory solutions grounded in a disciplined\, client focused approach. By taking the time to understand his clients’ goals\, he develops clear and practical strategies to support long-term success. His areas of focus include corporate structuring\, succession planning\, tax minimization\, and acquisitions and divestitures. Known for his strong technical expertise and problem solving skills\, Scott provides innovative solutions while ensuring clients remain compliant. \nScott earned his Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) from Laurentian University in 2011. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2014 and completed CPA Canada’s InDepth Tax Program in 2018. He is actively involved in the accounting and financial services community through volunteer leadership and mentorship roles\, including involvement with CPA Ontario and the Insurance Institute of Canada. \n  \nTony Papa​ – Partner\, ​Regional TMT Leader\nTony is a senior Business Advisor with MNP’s Assurance and Accounting team in Waterloo and the firm’s Regional Leader of Technology\, Media\, and Telecommunications. Tony is a leader with more than two decades of experience serving companies with international\, national and local operations. \nTony works closely with clients across several industries\, including technology\, manufacturing\, consumer business\, services\, retail\, and distribution. He supports his clients in reporting across a multitude of frameworks\, such as International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)\, U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)\, and Accounting Standards for Private Enterprises (ASPE). \nPrior to joining MNP\, Tony served as the director of financial reporting and corporate finance for a publicly listed Canadian company and was also an audit partner at a global accounting firm. \nTony earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1998. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)\, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (CA) in 2001. Tony is a board member with the Kitchener Soccer Club.
URL:https://www.acceleratorcentre.com/event-page/expert-founder-workshop-preparing-for-growth-investment-exit-through-smart-tax-strategy/
LOCATION:Accelerator Centre HQ\, 295 Hagey Blvd\, Waterloo\, Ontario\, N2L 6R5\, Canada
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.acceleratorcentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EFW_April-2026_Website-Image-1.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260416T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260416T190000
DTSTAMP:20260417T150121
CREATED:20260316T161821Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T160103Z
UID:10000017-1776358800-1776366000@www.acceleratorcentre.com
SUMMARY:She Talks Tech: The Neurodiverse Advantage
DESCRIPTION:At She Talks Tech: The Neurodiverse Advantage\, we’re creating space for honest\, thoughtful conversation about what it really means to work in tech as someone who identifies as neurodivergent — and what it means to build teams\, companies\, and ecosystems where neurodiverse talent can thrive. \nThis event brings together founders\, professionals\, leaders\, and allies to share lived experiences\, challenge assumptions\, and explore how diverse ways of thinking strengthen innovation. \nWhat to Expect: \nLived Experiences in Tech & Leadership: Hear from women who identify as neurodivergent about navigating careers\, entrepreneurship\, and leadership — on their own terms. \nInclusion in Action: Learn from team leaders and allies who are rethinking hiring\, communication\, management\, and workplace culture to better support neurodiverse colleagues. \nBeyond Awareness: Move past surface-level conversations and into practical insights on fostering environments where different thinking styles are valued — not accommodated as an afterthought but recognized as an advantage. \nCommunity & Connection: Whether you identify as neurodivergent or want to be a stronger advocate\, this is a space to listen\, learn\, and build meaningful connections. \nInnovation thrives on difference. By embracing neurodivergent perspectives\, we build better products\, stronger teams\, and a more human tech industry. \nJoin us for a conversation rooted in experience\, respect\, and possibility. \nMeet the Speakers: \nWanda K. Deschamps \nWanda is the founder and principal of Liberty Co – a consultancy focused on increasing neurodiverse employment with a special emphasis on autism due to her own diagnosis at midlife. \nA champion for inclusion\, she enjoys speaking and writing under the banner of the Inclusion Revolution\, a worldwide movement launched in 2018 to spearhead broader thinking about disability\, especially disability employment. As part of this\, Wanda is a proud advocate for autistics\, including as an advisor and participant in research into autistics experiences in the workplace and beyond. \nPrior to founding Liberty Co\, Wanda enjoyed a twenty-five-year career in the philanthropic sector serving with leading Canadian institutions. Now a neuroinclusion thought leader and speaker\, she partners with public\, private and non-profit organizations across Canada\, and is known for bringing creativity and passion to every session\, panel and keynote. \nIn recognition of the impact she is making\, Wanda is the 2024 recipient of the Phillip Emmerson Award for Employment Excellence from CASE (Canadian Association for Supported Employment) and the 2023 Life Sciences Ontario volunteer award. \n  \nSarah-Beth Bianchi \nSarah-Beth Bianchi wears many hats – coach\, community organizer\, mom\, spouse\, friend\, and lifelong learner. Through these roles\, she understands firsthand the balancing act of building a fulfilling life while managing the many demands of career\, family\, and personal growth. \nSarah-Beth works with individuals navigating the wonderfully messy middle of their careers and lives. She coaches through the lens of her lived experience with neurodivergence and evidence-based\, ADHD-affirming approaches to motivation\, strengths\, and goals. Sarah-Beth supports clients in moving from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered\, helping them make intentional changes and design lives that reflect their values\, priorities\, and aspirations. \n  \n  \nIsabella Chawrun \nIsabella Chawrun is a PhD candidate supervised by Lili Liu\, where she has interest applying wearable health technologies that have been successfully adopted by people living with dementia to populations of older autistic adults with and without intellectual disability. Her dissertation focuses on the lived experience of heath\, health care experiences\, and aging for older autistic adults. In addition to being a graduate researcher at the AIRP\, she is a research trainee at the Centre of Addiction and Mental Health\, at the Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics\, where she applies big data and machine learning techniques to cohorts of underserved populations\, specifically older autistic adults with and without intellectual disability. \nIsabella completed her Honors Bachelor of Science in Biological Anthropology at University of Toronto\, Mississauga in 2018 and her Master of Arts at York University in Social Anthropology in 2020. Isabella has lived experience of autism and mental health\, which guides her research and advocacy work. Isabella loves learning about all things technology\, machine learning and big data\, and mixed methods research\, and is happy to connect. \n  \n Jennifer Seberras\, P.Log. \nJennifer Seberras is an entrepreneur\, business coach\, and founder of LeadershipHub.ca\, dedicated\nto supporting women as they step into — and grow within — entrepreneurship.\nShe built and scaled a transportation and logistics company in a male-dominated industry\, growing\nit from the ground up into a multimillion-dollar business and eventually selling it. Navigating rapid\ngrowth\, industry barriers\, and high-stakes decision-making gave Jennifer a deep\, firsthand\nunderstanding of what it truly takes to build and lead a business from the inside out.\nThrough that experience\, she recognized a recurring gap: many women were capable\, driven\, and\nambitious\, yet lacked practical support\, confidence\, and real-world guidance to navigate the ups\nand downs of entrepreneurship. After selling her business\, Jennifer founded LeadershipHub.ca to\nhelp fill that gap. \nToday\, Jennifer works with women across all stages of business — from those just starting out to\nfounders leading established\, high-growth companies — helping them build clarity\, confidence\,\nand sustainable strategies. What sets her apart is simple: she’s been there. She understands the\npressure\, uncertainty\, wins\, setbacks\, and everything in between. \nJennifer often describes her work as being the person she wished she had while building her own\nbusiness — someone who offers honest\, practical insight rooted in lived experience\, not theory or\nhype. Her approach is grounded\, strategic\, and real — focused on helping women not just dream\nabout growth\, but actually build it. \n  \nMeet the Moderator \n \n \nStefanie Bruinsma \nStefanie Bruinsma is the founder of AutoCate\, a Canadian automotive technology and education company focused on transparency\, empowerment\, and accessibility in car care. She is a licensed Automotive Service Technician\, a Mechanical Engineering graduate from the University of Waterloo\, and an entrepreneur whose lived experience with ADHD informs how she thinks about problem-solving\, leadership\, and innovation. Stefanie is passionate about creating more inclusive pathways into skilled trades and technical fields\, and her work has been recognized through business award nominations and media coverage for its impact in advocacy\, innovation\, and community building. \n  \nThank you to our sponsor!
URL:https://www.acceleratorcentre.com/event-page/she-talks-tech-the-neurodiverse-advantage/
LOCATION:Catalyst Commons\, 137 Glasgow St Unit 210\, Kitchener\, ON\, N2G 4X8\, Canada
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260422T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260422T160000
DTSTAMP:20260417T150121
CREATED:20260316T144029Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T144029Z
UID:10000016-1776862800-1776873600@www.acceleratorcentre.com
SUMMARY:Accelerator Centre Open House: Meet the Mentors
DESCRIPTION:Behind every successful startup is a strong network of mentors\, advisors\, and trusted service providers who help founders make smarter decisions and move faster. At the Accelerator Centre Open House\, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with experienced startup mentors\, industry experts\, and service providers who support early-stage companies in areas like funding\, legal\, marketing\, talent\, and scaling operations. \nWhat’s in it for you? \nSpeed Mentorship: Participate in 10-minute mentorship sessions and gain rapid insights from experienced founders\, investors\, and startup advisors. \nExpert Connections: Meet mentors and service providers who work closely with startups and can help with legal\, finance\, marketing\, product development\, talent\, and other key growth areas. \nNetworking Reception: Connect with founders\, mentors\, ecosystem partners\, and industry leaders over refreshments and meaningful conversations. \nWho should attend? \n\nEarly-stage founders looking for strategic advice and expert insights.\nEntrepreneurs seeking mentors and trusted service providers to help navigate fundraising\, growth\, and scaling.\nProfessionals interested in mentoring or supporting startups within the innovation ecosystem.\n\nCome ready with questions\, challenges\, and an open mind—because one great conversation could change the course of your startup journey.
URL:https://www.acceleratorcentre.com/event-page/accelerator-centre-open-house-meet-the-mentors-2/
LOCATION:Accelerator Centre HQ\, 295 Hagey Blvd\, Waterloo\, Ontario\, N2L 6R5\, Canada
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260513T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260513T160000
DTSTAMP:20260417T150121
CREATED:20260410T160515Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T155112Z
UID:10000018-1778680800-1778688000@www.acceleratorcentre.com
SUMMARY:Aerospace Innovation Showcase
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a dynamic day of aerospace innovation at the 2026 Aerospace Innovation Showcase\, where industry leaders\, startups\, researchers\, and innovators come together to spotlight Waterloo Region’s rapidly growing aerospace ecosystem. \nThis event celebrates the progress and impact of the Accelerator Centre’s Aerospace Program—a high-touch\, milestone-based accelerator designed to support early-stage aerospace and aviation companies as they validate\, build\, and scale their technologies. Through access to industry experts\, strategic partners\, and real-world testing environments\, including connections to regional aviation assets\, participating companies are advancing solutions across areas like sustainable aviation\, advanced air mobility\, and next-generation aerospace systems. \nThe program is also closely aligned with the Region of Waterloo’s AeroWR strategy\, which is focused on positioning the region as a globally recognized hub for aerospace innovation. By supporting high-potential companies\, strengthening industry partnerships\, and building on local assets like the Region of Waterloo International Airport\, this work contributes directly to growing a coordinated\, competitive aerospace cluster in the region. \nExperience the future of flight through cutting-edge technologies\, groundbreaking ventures\, and visionary ideas emerging from this program. Connect with founders\, industry experts\, and ecosystem partners shaping the next generation of aviation and aerospace solutions. \nWhether you’re an investor\, operator\, researcher\, or enthusiast\, this showcase offers a unique opportunity to explore what’s being built—and what’s next—in aerospace innovation\, right here in Waterloo Region. \n  \nAgenda:\n2:00 – 2:30 PM | Registration & Showcase Floor Open \n2:30 – 2:40 PM | Opening Remarks – Ruth Casselman\, CEO\, Accelerator Centre \n2:40 – 2:50 PM | Regional Aerospace Innovation Remarks – Karen Redman\, Regional Chair\, Region of Waterloo \n2:50 – 3:10 PM | Keynote – Adam Gryfe\, COO\, Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation \n3:10 – 3:15 PM | Closing Remarks – Ruth Casselman\, CEO\, Accelerator Centre \n3:15 PM – 4:00 PM | Networking + Showcase Floor Open \n\n  \nMeet the Startups:\n \nABRO Manufacturing Inc\nABRO Manufacturing is a modern aerospace machine shop that uses advanced manufacturing and engineering expertise to deliver high-quality parts faster and more reliably than traditional shops \n  \n \nAIM Robotics\nRPAS Wilco is an all-in-one drone operations and compliance platform that helps Canadian drone operators plan flights faster\, stay compliant\, and manage teams\, aircraft\, and regulations in one place. \n  \n  Aeromagnetics Holdings Inc.\nAeromagnetics is developing a fuel-free magnetic propulsion engine for small aircraft to reduce emissions and operating costs\, enabling greener and potentially longer-range aviation. \n  \n\nDeaf AI\nThis solution turns live airport announcements into real-time sign language videos\, giving Deaf and hard-of-hearing travelers clear\, timely access to boarding updates in the right sign languages for their flight. \n  \n \nDROCITY\nDROCITY builds solar-powered charging stations that let drones recharge mid-route\, extending flight range and enabling reliable operations in remote or off-grid locations. \n  \n    Falcon\nFalcon is building an AI-based air traffic control simulator that helps select the right candidates earlier\, reducing costly training failures and improving how future controllers are chosen and trained. \n  \n \nFlybi Technologies Inc.\nFlybi is an AI-powered platform that helps airport ground handlers manage tasks\, staff\, service agreements\, and billing in one system—reducing errors\, speeding up invoicing\, and improving on-time performance. \n  \n \nSixpenny Additive Inc.\nSixpenny Additive helps companies adopt metal 3D printing by providing advanced equipment\, local production services\, and hands-on support\, reducing risk and upfront costs. \n  \n \nVigelon\nVigelon uses flight and telemetry data to predict maintenance issues in drones and eVTOL aircraft\, helping operators prevent breakdowns\, reduce downtime\, and lower operating costs. \n  \n \nXeos Space\nXeos helps early-stage space startups design and test multi-payload satellites using AI-driven design tools and low-cost near-space flight testing\, cutting years of development time and cost. \n  \n  \nMeet the Keynote\n \nADAM GRYFE \nAdam Gryfe is the Chief Operating Officer at Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation (CSMC)\, where he leads the growth of one of Canada’s fastest growing space and defence companies with a focus on micro-nuclear technologies. He is also the Co-Founder and Executive Chair of evika.io and the Assistive Technology Clinic\, delivering intelligent platforms and health services that empower people with disabilities to live more independently through accessible technology.  Prior to his current positions\, Adam was a founding employee of Clearpath Robotics where he led Strategic Project\, helping to build the company from a team of 10 to a team of 200 with clients worldwide. With a strong background in developing early start-up revenue\, operations\, partnerships\, and innovation\, his career is rooted in advancing cutting-edge solutions across industries including aerospace\, robotics\, healthcare\, and accessibility. \n  \n  \n  \n\nThank you to our partners!\n     
URL:https://www.acceleratorcentre.com/event-page/aerospace-innovation-showcase/
LOCATION:Accelerator Centre HQ\, 295 Hagey Blvd\, Waterloo\, Ontario\, N2L 6R5\, Canada
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