In September, Velocity, an entrepreneurship initiative from the University of Waterloo, welcomed 29 new companies to its Velocity Garage, Velocity Foundry and Velocity Science programs.
These new startups will join 25 existing companies in an engaging community that fosters entrepreneurship while helping to turn ideas into sustainable businesses. Velocity focuses on peer mentorship, resource access and expert guidance for new businesses.
“This marks the largest expansion in Velocity’s history. The Velocity program helps students and entrepreneurs at all levels, from our Velocity Residence and Alpha programs for University of Waterloo students, to our programs aimed specifically at startups,” said Mike Kirkup, director of Velocity. “The peer networking and support that we are able to offer, our mentorship programs and the resources and facilities we can provide to these companies really sets our program apart.”
The new Velocity companies are working on solutions in a wide array of industries including manufacturing, healthcare, entertainment, sports, auto-tech and more. One new company, EyeCheck, is focused on providing eye care for developing countries, while another, called MAJiK, is providing real-time, machine-monitoring solutions. Suncayr is developing a UV-responsive marker, so anyone can quickly see when it’s time to reapply sunscreen. For more information on each company, please visit our sites: Velocity Garage, Velocity Foundry and Velocity Science.
The New Companies
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· AvidBots · Boogaloo Bunks · CodeConnect · Doppel · EyeCheck · ExVivo Labs · Grobo · HWKI · Labforge · Maieutic · MAJiK · Max Mixology · Medella · Meshlytics |
· MetaLux · NERV · Nicoya Lifesciences · Perceptiv Labs · Pout · Qidni · Small Ideas · Smarter Alloys · Suncayr · Tallyfi · Tapcelerate · Tempest Insight · TicketFi · Vitameter |
Velocity Foundry Opens
Velocity also officially opened its Foundry program, which provides resources and support for startups in the hardware, material and life sciences spaces. The Velocity Foundry is 11,000 square-feet of incubation space for companies to develop, build, test and launch their ideas.
“The response to the Velocity Foundry opening has been amazing,” said Peter Heuss, associate director of Velocity Foundry. “In the first month we have welcomed 25 companies. We have a great group who are in various stages of their business and I welcome the new companies to our program.”
Velocity Fund Finals BeginOne of Velocity’s initiatives, the Velocity Fund Finals, a competition for entrepreneurs in-the-making and tech-focused start ups kicks off this week as applications open for both the Velocity Fund Finals $5K and the Velocity Fund Finals $25K. This competition provides early seed money for people to take their great ideas to the next level.
More information on the Velocity Fund Finals is available online.
