Eight Ontario-based startups developing COVID-19 solutions are set to receive $30,000 in seed funding and $10,000 in business support through the Accelerator Centre’s COVID-19 cohort of its AC JumpStart program.
ApplyBoard, which recently claimed a unicorn valuation, has previously participated in JumpStart.
Usually, the AC JumpStart program is aimed at helping tech companies establish and grow their businesses in southern Ontario. This new 10-month COVID-19 cohort is intended to drive business growth in the region to support the province’s pandemic recovery and enable economic expansion following the pandemic.
The funding is intended to help companies accelerate the launch of products and services. The AC JumpStart program is funded by FedDev Ontario and is delivered in partnership with Conestoga College, the University of Guelph, the University of Waterloo, and Wilfrid Laurier University.
“In the fight against COVID-19, we must harness the talents of both our public and private sectors, and it’s inspiring to see so many Canadians mobilizing,” said Minister of Economic Development Melanie Joly. “I want to thank AC JumpStart and the eight companies working with it for making such important contributions to this endeavour.”
The startups receiving funding include:
Carmina de Young Fashion Design: A sustainable fashion startup that will use the funding to create and distribute reusable isolation gowns.
JASPR: A company developing air purification technology that will use the funding to reduce lung strain for COVID-19 patients.
LayerCI: A startup developing computer systems testing that will use the funding to increase the speed and efficiency of remote collaboration.
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MobiStream: An enterprise software company that will use the funding to build “ultra-secure” communication tools to support remote work.
Ryna: A rental platform that will use the new funds to help displaced women find affordable and reliable housing solutions.
TyItGo: A delivery platform that will use the funding to offer fast and affordable delivery to retailers while maintaining brand identity.
Unlearn: An equity-focused social enterprise that will assist in launching digital initiatives to identify and eliminate discriminatory practises in schools, workplaces and communities.
Former participants in the AC JumpStart program include companies like ApplyBoard, which recently raised $100 million and claimed a unicorn valuation. Other participants include NERv Technology, SmartBail, and AlertLabs. A total of 297 participants have received support from the program since it launched in 2015.