Velocity, the University of Waterloo’s incubator program, is planning to hire for two roles: a science lead and a hardware lead. The incumbents will provide the program’s students and alumni with the mentorship, tools, and resources they need to develop competitive and sustainable companies that are primarily based on science and hardware innovations.
Velocity’s decision to hire a science and hardware lead comes in a year that the incubator experienced a significant staffing change. In April, Velocity’s former director Mike Kirkup announced his departure from the incubator; Jay Shah was appointed as the new director a few months later.
According to Velocity, the science and hardware leads will join a team of 15 to help with the direction and growth of different aspects of the program. Specifically, they will contribute to Velocity Science, an on-campus lab and community for science startups; Velocity Fund, a startup pitching competition that grants $375,000 in grants each year; Velocity Residence, a dorm for student entrepreneurs; and Velocity Start, a place where students can access workshops, coaching and other resources.
At Velocity Science, the science lead will mentor and support entrepreneurs whose ideas are rooted in scientific innovation. The lead will work with teams to enhance their science research and develop profitable startups that can grow beyond the North American market. At Velocity Garage, the hardware lead will assist with the work of students who are building hardware-based companies by providing insight into how to plan, prototype and manufacture products. Other responsibilities for both leads will including helping companies seek grants and funds, gain partnerships, and assist with the overall development of the program.
By bringing on a hardware and science lead to its team, Velocity plans to continue improving its program so aspiring entrepreneurs can develop innovative and sustainable solutions to global problems.
More information on the positions and the application process can be found here.