Seven ventures ranging in scope from the fashion, food and automobile industries have been accepted into the University of New Brunswick’s Summer Institute.
The three-month startup accelerator is run out of the J. Herbert Smith Centre for Technology Management and Entrepreneurship.
“Narrowing the businesses down from 106 applications was an incredible amount of work” said Joe Allen, Managing Director of Accelerator Programs for TME in a statement. “But we are thrilled with the results and feel each business has great potential.”
TME’s new accelerator team consisting of Joe Allen, Program Manager Melissa O’Rourke, and Operations Coordinator Luke Robertson, will be leading the program this year.
“The Summer Institute has risen the bar each year with its programming and this year will be no different” said O’Rourke. “The program has expanded into a new space in downtown Fredericton and we are excited to host participants from around the region and the world.”
Dr. Dhirendra Shukla will continue in his role as Chair of the TME Centre. Shukla is focused on finding new ways to grow the centre. He is considering a possible PhD program in entrepreneurship, as well as additional programs for more mature companies or expanding the Energia accelerator.
Previous Summer Institute participants include Wear Your Label, a clothing company that has received international media attention over the past year and even appeared at New York Fashion Week.
The accelerator kicked off on April 28th and will conclude on July 20, with a final demo day on July 19. The ventures accepted into the 2018 program are:
Potential Motors- Fredericton, New Brunswick
Engineering students, Nick Dowling, Issac Barkhouse, Sam Poirier, and Mike Barnhill are developing a method that quickly and cheaply converts gasoline-guzzling vehicles into electric-powered ones. The team, which retrofits car engines with different modules to reduce fuel consumption, sees market potential in Europe.
D.A.S Concrete Countertops -Moncton, New Brunswick
Founders Emma Theriault and Yannick Theriault are building Atlantic Canada’s first large-scale concrete countertop manufacturer.
Eggcitables -Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Hannah Chisholm has concocted a chickpea vegan egg replacement that can be used to make omelettes, scrambles, and other egg-based meals. In January the company won $10,000 cash at the third annual 100 Seeds Atlantic pitching competition.
Educated Beards- Fredericton, New Brunswick
Alicia Philips and Kevin Lebouef will grow their business that offers natural and organic beard-grooming products.
Modern Maternity Boutique - Fredericton, New Brunswick
Founder Keshia Matthews, is creating an online shop to provide functional, comfortable, affordable, yet stylish clothes for women who are expecting.
Wildland Organics- Los Angeles, California
Daane Griffeth and Marisa Griffeth are travelling to New Brunswick to grow their company that sells natural skincare and haircare products
Tücy - Truro, Nova Scotia
Chris Cameron is starting an east-coast inspired, streetwear fashion brand. He is designing unisex outerwear for young folks in the Maritimes.
