The Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and Venture for Canada are partnering to open up opportunities for Ontario’s post-secondary students in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Together, they are establishing an OCE – Venture for Canada fellowship stream focused on allowing recent STEM graduates into top Ontario startups.
“OCE has great experience working with students, researchers, entrepreneurs in the STEM disciplines that will bring a new dynamic focus to Venture for Canada’s program,” said Dr. Tom Corr, OCE’s President and CEO. “Talent is at the core of every successful company and together we will be able to find those recent graduates who are both able to help an existing company and learn what it takes to make it as an entrepreneur.”
Fellows accepted into the Venture for Canada program spend two years working at one of Ontario’s top growing startups, including companies like Vidyard, eSight, and Nymi. Fellows receive compensation from their employers, in addition to five weeks of training at Queen’s University and ongoing mentorship and support for the duration of the Fellowship. For the most recent cohort, more than 800 applications were received, with 37 Fellows being selected.
“Venture for Canada is excited to partner with OCE to provide more recent graduates from STEM backgrounds the training, network and work experience necessary for launching their own firms,” said Scott Stirrett, executive director and founder of Venture for Canada. “The partnership with OCE provides more innovative Ontario startups with the vital talent needed for scaling their firms.”
To apply for the program, check it out here. The deadline for applications is September 25.