The University of New Brunswick has launched Energia Ventures, an accelerator that will help startups commercialize products and services in the energy, cleantech, and cybersecurity sectors.
The program — broadly called the university’s Energy Innovation program — is launching through UNB’s J. Herbert Smith Technology Management Entrepreneurship Centre.
Nearly $1 million in funding is being directed toward the Energy Innovation Program from both the public and private sector. The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency’s Business Development Program, is investing $405,567 in the project, while the University of New Brunswick is providing $60,000. A combined contribution of $480,000 from Siemens Canada and Mitacs – a national, not-for-profit organization – is for smart-grid related research already underway within this program.
“The Government of Canada is focused on harnessing the power of innovation to create new opportunities for growth in energy and cybersecurity innovation,” said Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA. “Today’s announcement is key to our government’s priority of helping Canadian businesses grow, innovate and participate in a global economy, creating good quality jobs and generating wealth for Canadians.”
Five startups have already been accepted into the program:
- Stash Energy
- Beauceron Security
- Trispectra Innovation
- Rising Tide Technologies
Mbissa Energy Systems