Today@Dal

Dalhousie University, a hub for world-leading research, innovation and entrepreneurship, has opened applications for its second Ready2Launch cohort. Atlantic Canadian university students and recent graduates can apply to participate in a 3-month immersive virtual accelerator program starting in June 2021 to grow and refine their tech-enabled ventures. Undergraduate, graduate and PhD students as well as postdoctoral fellows are welcome to apply.

"Dalhousie University is pleased to once again present the Ready2Launch program, empowering university students and graduates across Atlantic Canada to explore tech-enabled ventures in a supportive environment,' said Alice Aiken, Vice President, Research and Innovation at Dalhousie University. "The program serves as an important addition to the Dal Innovates suite of programs, which is not only cultivating a pipeline of creators, innovators and entrepreneurs, but creating local and global impact."

Ready2Launch will take teams on a journey through customer problem identification, refining product value and developing a viable business model. A total of 10 teams will be accepted to participate in the program receiving mentorship, personalized training, and skill clinics as well as up to $15,000.00 in funding. The program will culminate in a demo day in early September and will include in-kind perks and benefits from corporate partners.

In 2020, the program accepted and graduated eight teams: 3DBioFbR, Caldi Controls, Chipn, Clean Valley Bio-filtration Technologies CIC, Haligone, MyPAQ, Remote Energy Systems, and Smart Design Systems, who have since gone on to raise significant funding as well to participate in globally renowned accelerators.

Ready2Launch is based on the successful Delta V Accelerator program at MIT in the United States. Led by Dalhousie University and supported by Morrison Park Advisors, funding to participating teams is provided with support from the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).​

Those interested in learning more about Ready2Launch are encouraged to join one of the upcoming information sessions on April 8, April 15, or April 22. Program applications can be submitted at Ready2Launch.ca before 5:00 p.m. April 26, 2021.