The entrepreneurship program within the University of New Brunswick’s engineering school has bolstered its management team by selecting Joe Allen to head its accelerator programs.
The J. Herbert Smith Centre for Technology Management & Entrepreneurship, commonly known as TME, announced Friday that Allen has assumed the role of Managing Director of Accelerator Programs. Allen had previously served as Director of Investments for the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation.
In his new role, Allen will be responsible for overseeing Energia Ventures, the accelerator focused energy, cleantech and cybersecurity startups, and the Summer Institute, the design-focused program for a range of entrepreneurs.
“What UNB is doing within the startup ecosystem is miles ahead of everyone else,” Allen said in a press release issued by the university. “I’m particularly proud to be involved in the accelerator space with the J. Herbert Smith Centre and its tremendous Technology Management & Entrepreneurship programs – the leadership and innovation here is just incredible.”
The TME program has been expanding for the past few years, adding programs and bringing on new staff. For example, David Foord, the former Chief Operating Officer at Atlantic Hydrogen, has recently joined the team as an assistant professor.
Over the last five years, more than 70 startups have emerged from TME.
Energia Ventures began a year ago and has held one cohort that features four graduates -- Stash Energy, Beauceron Security, Mbissa Energy Systems and Trispectra Innovation. In January, the accelerator will accept applications for its second cohort.
The Summer Institute is a three-month program that helps entrepreneurs with ideas to progress until they have a business.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Joe join our team,” said TME Chair Dhirendra Shukla. “He brings a wealth of connections in the venture capital community, integral experience in working with startups and a diverse background in economic development.”
Click on the images below to read Entrevestor’s articles on the graduates of Energia Ventures:
Beauceron Moves Past the Adopter Stage.
Stash Explores Energy Storage Systems.
Trispectra Aims to Help Fix Power Outages.
Mbissa Plans to Expand in Africa.
