Waterloo’s Accelerator Centre, or AC, is accepting applications for the first cohort of its newly developed Phase One program launching in September.

Phase One is an intensive four-month program focusing on market validation and investment readiness.

Paul Salvini, CEO of the Accelerator Centre, said the program offers expert sessions and peer-to-peer learning, blended with world-class mentorship.

“The select 10 companies we accept into Phase One will also have access to our newly developed Advisory Network, a group of incredibly talented advisors from industry,” Salvini said.

The Accelerator Centre focuses on building and scaling sustainable, globally competitive technology firms. It also works to commercialize advanced research technologies emerging from academic institutions.

The new program is the first of four phases within the AC’s recently restructured two-year incubation platform, which is tailored to meet the needs of each company as they scale.

The first phase culminates with Presentation Day, an open house event where companies present to a panel of experts and business leaders who determine who is ready to enter the second phase.

Companies successfully entering Phase Two are automatically considered for up to $40,000 in funding and mentorship through the AC JumpStart program, which provides eligible companies with $30,000 in seed capital (to be matched by recipient firms), $10,000 in mentorship, and access to market research and connections to investors.

The deadline to apply to the Accelerator Centre is Sept. 9. Applications can be submitted online at acceleratorcentre.com/programs.