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Impact global change

Take your startup global or bring your company to Canada. Our Global Frontier initiatives create an impact that reverberates around the world.

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Global Frontier

We believe that Waterloo Region is the best place to build a business.

Our Global Frontier programs bring Waterloo to the world, connecting local startups to new markets and funding. We also connect international founders and hub leaders to the magic of Waterloo, giving you platforms to tap into our proven capabilities through our AC:Hubs and Startup Visa programs.

International Program Partners

Meet Our International Program Partners

We take pride in our ability to support international businesses as they enter the Canadian market - whether its by working with them directly, or their local accelerators to develop programming of its own.

International Accelerator Programs

Access New Global Markets

Our International Accelerator Programs are developed to foster global economic impact and accelerate time to global markets.

Built specifically to support the mission of international trade and export organizations, we customize the perfect mix of education, mentorship, funding, and community events to get your startups ready for expansion into North America through Canada’s #1 private business accelerator.

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ac:Hubs

Your innovation hub

Looking to start an accelerator or incubator in your local innovation community? There is no need to reinvent the wheel. We offer licensing of our program model and delivery platform, so you have everything you need to build a company that’s proven to scale businesses.

We will walk with you, step by step, as you set up your program and will continue supporting you through the first critical years of operation.

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ac:Startup Visa

Compete on a global scale

We’re in the business of impacting change worldwide. Our Startup Visa program provides permanent residence to entrepreneurs who have the potential to build innovative companies in Canada that can create new jobs, spur economic growth, and compete on a global scale.

View the Government of Canada's Startup Visa Eligibility Requirements to see if you're qualified. Applicants are required to have $100k CAD in annual revenue to participate in the program.

Our Startup Visa programming provide entrepreneurs with addtional benefits, including:

  • 1-1 mentorship to support with our world-class mentor team
  • Access to our network of founders, partners, and investors
  • Support scaling your business in Canada
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Success Stories

Accelerator Centre Partners with Institute for Information Industry in Taiwan for EU Market Access Education Program

Expanding into international markets is a pivotal step for startups seeking rapid growth and global recognition. For internationally acclaimed organizations like the Institute for Information Industry (III) in Taiwan, facilitating a path to new markets is a key part of programming offered to support the startup community.

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Success Stories

Client Spotlight: Nicole Marchand, Founder of Dog Child

Dog Child has developed homemade recipes and meal mixes for nutritionally-minded dog parents. The startup offers dog owners a combination of recipes and mixes developed with veterinarians and nutritionists to ensure they are nutritionally complete. The recipes are available online for dog parents looking to discover new meal options that meet the unique needs of their dogs.

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Success Stories

WonderWell Toy Co. Launches The Kindness Mouse™

A thoughtful toy designed to inspire compassion one adventure at a time. The Kindness Mouse brings a new kind of kindness tradition that will inspire and nurture good values, all year long.

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Success Stories

Nfinite Nanotech Graduates from AC:Incubate

Nfinite Nanotech is on a mission to eliminate plastic waste by providing truly sustainable packaging solutions through its smart nanocoatings.

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Success Stories

Client Spotlight: Luke Begley, Founder of CircuitIQ

CircuitIQ digitizes electrical panels using their wireless multi-circuit plug-and-play smart tool that optimizes analyzing electrical circuits by enabling simultaneous testing and providing a circuit safety evaluation report identifying active electrical safety issues.

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Success Stories

Client Spotlight: Ellyn Winters-Robinson, Founder and CEO of AskEllyn

AskEllyn is a Conversational AI tool that has captured the thoughts, feelings, experiences, and voice of Ellyn Winters-Robinson on her journey with breast cancer. A shining example of AI for good, AskEllyn aims that no one diagnosed—or their loved ones—will ever walk alone.

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Get in touch

Interested in getting involved?

It’s time to activate your ambition by tapping into the opportunities that help you create, continue to think big, and actualize your business. We can’t wait to hear from you.