Fredericton entrepreneurship hub Planet Hatch has announced the 12 companies participating in its inaugural Newcomer Startup Accelerator, which targets international students and other new arrivals to Canada.
The accelerator will run until Aug. 26 and is geared towards helping entrepreneurs gain an understanding of Canadian business practices and culture. It will also include one-on-one business counselling and access to Planet Hatch’s workspace facilities.
Entrepreneurs who need help obtaining visas will also join the incubator’s Startup Visa Program, which aims to secure permanent resident status for up to five co-founders and their families.
Several of the participating companies were awarded access to the accelerator as a prize for winning the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation’s Breakthru: Newcomer Competition, which it hosted in collaboration with Planet Hatch and the NB International Students' Association.
“Supporting newcomers and international students in achieving Canadian entrepreneurial success is a key part of Planet Hatch's global competitiveness strategy,” said Planet Hatch Director Adam Peabody in a press release. "We're so proud of the program participants for choosing to start their businesses right here in New Brunswick.”
Here’s a look at the participating companies:
Amerdad
Amerdad is developing software to reduce the possibility that spacecraft and satellites will collide.
Inspired by a lack of clothing options in Fredericton, Azusa Studios sells affordable and environmentally friendly “athleisure” clothing, such as sweat pants and tank tops.
Calatheay
Calatheay says it “strives to be the best at empowering people to act and reach their potential.”
Cato Analytics
Cato sells tools and services for data analytics, information visualization and executive dashboards.
CommunX
Communx is creating an online platform to provide information to new immigrants.
HomeschoolToGo is a website offering homeschooling materials for parents. The content is designed to fulfill government-standard curriculum guidelines.
InvestoMedia
InvestoMedia is developing a platform to allow for “micro-investments” into startups by connecting investors to pre-vetted companies.
MelQui Desserts
MelQui is a bakery selling healthy desserts, including muffins and “crownies,” which are brownies with a layer of cookie dough on top. The company offers sugar-free, gluten-free and lactose-free options.
MODA Technologies
MODA stands for "Mobile Digital Out of Home Solution.” The company is building technology to display real-time weather information on the windows of vehicles, and will make money from advertising.
Reliance
Reliance provides IT services and solutions.
VAMVAM is an online store that sells handmade earrings and hairpins made from materials sourced from its founders’ home country of Honduras.
ZHEM Tech
ZHEM says it is developing an artificial intelligence algorithm.
