Startup Zone, the startup house in downtown Charlottetown, said Wednesday it has accepted nine companies into its residency program.

Ranging from arts and culture to information technology to food, the new companies bring fresh ideas, energy, and diversity to the program, said the organization in a statement. The new companies are: Becka Viau Inc.; codeAtlantic; Island2Island Products; KangarooHub; Kim Roach Designs; Onset Communication; R & L Inc.; Salty; and 24STRONG.

Onset Communication, whose technology helps film crew members communicate with one another more effectively, previously went through the Propel ICT Build program. 

The CBC did a feature on 24Strong last November, noting the founder of the organization to empower young women, Lacey Koughan, was only 17 years old. 

The value in the space is that it can bring together entrepreneurs and startups from a variety of sectors to build upon each other,” said Startup Zone CEO Christina MacLeod in a statement. “Surrounding founders with other startups from across Prince Edward Island has already shown to be successful and we are very excited to see what this next group will accomplish with support.“

The Startup Zone residency program now hosts 21 startup companies. As Startup Zone residents, these companies have access to office hour support for legal and accounting services, information sessions, mentorship, and workspace.

Meanwhile, the Startup Zone also said Wednesday that Startup Zone resident Ryan Abdallah has won the Food Xcel Accelerator program. The prize was $15,000 in cash and $15,000 in-kind support from Canada’s Smartest Kitchen.Abdallah’s product, Maroun’s Garlic Paste, is a condiment from the menu of his Charlottetown restaurant, Cedar’s Eatery.