The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas has selected 18 tech companies for its LevelUP business accelerator program’s first 2025 cohort. Participants will engage in workshops and mentorship over 12 weeks, with eight companies competing for a $10,000 prize. The program aims to assist ventures with minimum viable products in agriculture tech, healthcare tech, cleantech, and digital tech sectors. Applications for a second 2025 cohort are now open.
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas has announced the selection of 18 tech-based companies for its LevelUP business accelerator program in the first cohort of 2025. Over the next 12 weeks, participants will enhance their skills in commercializing and scaling their businesses through a mix of workshops, mentorship, and guidance from industry experts. Notably, eight of these companies will compete for a $10,000 cash prize upon completing the program.
Since its launch in February 2024, the LevelUP program has experienced overwhelming demand, and the latest cohort continues this trend with 47 applications from companies across agriculture tech, healthcare tech, cleantech, and digital tech sectors. The selected businesses include Assertive AI, Cherie AI, DocumentPro, FuturU Global Health Inc., and others from various Ontario locales.
Christine Crandell, the vice chair and interim CEO of the Innovation Cluster, remarked on the necessity of providing specialized knowledge and coaching to companies at the minimum viable product (MVP) stage, emphasizing that such programs are crucial for fostering economic growth and creating job opportunities. LevelUP program lead Zahra Shafiei noted an eager interest from firms with MVPs seeking to expand their markets.
Throughout the program, participants will benefit from the expertise of the Innovation Cluster’s mentors specializing in key business areas such as AI, sales, and finance. Crandell pointed out that many entrepreneurs face challenges when transitioning from product development to effective sales strategies, underlining the significance of bridging this gap.
The diverse range of innovative products and services presented by the participating companies includes Internet of Things (IoT), automation, and artificial intelligence. Both Crandell and Shafiei highlighted the unique offerings of these firms, which are tailored to address specific market needs.
Upon completing the LevelUP program, companies will gain a robust go-to-market strategy and investor pitch, preparing them for scaling their business. The pitch competition, sponsored by notable firms, will highlight eight businesses vying for the $10,000 cash prize by demonstrating their investment proposals.
The spring cohort is currently underway, with a second cohort scheduled to start on August 6, 2025. Companies interested in applying for the upcoming fall cohort must be in Ontario’s specified tech sectors and possess an innovative MVP. Applications are open until July 15; further details can be found online.
The Innovation Cluster’s LevelUP accelerator program continues to support tech-based enterprises by providing essential mentorship and resources geared towards growth and market entry. With the first 2025 cohort showcasing 18 innovative companies, the initiative enhances the economic landscape by focusing on reducing the gap between product development and market success. Interested businesses are encouraged to apply for future cohorts to secure the same opportunities for learning, growth, and competition for financial support.
Original Source: kawarthanow.com
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