Applications for Volta’s eighth pitch competition are open for early-stage Atlantic Canada-based tech startups until March 29.
The Halifax-based innovation hub’s semi-annual pitch competition acts as an intake for its one-year cohort program, Volta Cohort, which aims to foster entrepreneurial talent and support innovative startups in Atlantic Canada with the potential to scale.
On May 19, 15 finalists will compete for a $25,000 investment and entry to Volta’s one-year program.
Fifteen finalists will present their three-minute pitches to a panel of judges at the virtual May 19 pitch competition for the chance to earn a $25,000 convertible note investment and admittance to Volta Cohort, which provides startups with investment, mentorship, and other resources. Eligible startups must not have closed a financing round yet.
“It’s imperative for us to continue supporting these startups that come through this program so they can develop tech that reaches international markets, and continue to bolster Atlantic Canada’s reputation as a national and global destination for innovation,” said Martha Casey, Volta’s CEO.
The associated investments are provided through a microfund co-founded by Volta, Innovacorp, BDC Capital, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency in 2017.
Volta Cohort was launched to address a perceived funding gap for early-stage, East Coast-based startups. Since its inception, the program has awarded over $675,000 in investment.
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Volta Cohort participants receive work space at Volta and access to programming and a board of experienced tech community mentors from its resident and alumni companies. The hub said it works with partner organizations in other cities across Atlantic Canada to ensure that support is available for non-Halifax-based companies.
Volta Cohort companies that have been in the program for at least six months and meet various criteria have the opportunity to receive an additional follow-on investment of $25,000.
At its most recent pitch competition last November, Volta selected five startups for its cohort program: Granville Biomedical, MICC Financial, Pocket Finance, Smooth Meal Prep, and Swiftsure Innovations.
The company review and selection process for the pitch competition will take place in early April. According to Volta, successful applicants will be contacted by April 20.
Image courtesy of Volta