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Creating an environment of innovation

MTA and The University of Winnipeg Establish Pilot Project on campus

WINNIPEG, MB – The Manitoba Technology Accelerator (MTA) and The University of Winnipeg’s Faculty of Business and Economics are collaborating on a ten-month pilot project to establish an entrepreneurship and technology accelerator on the University’s campus.

The pilot project is an important vehicle for fostering innovation in the province. According to MTA CEO, Marshall Ring, “We are aware of the innovative thinking going on in our post-secondary institutions and our goal is to help convert this thinking into valuable social and commercial enterprises.”

Dr. Sylvie Albert, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics and PACE

Dr. Sylvie Albert, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics and PACE, photo supplied

The aim of the pilot project is to encourage entrepreneurship and technology acceleration across all disciplines.  “This project is a resource for the entire University and we encourage students, faculty, and staff from all departments who have ideas and research to take advantage of this unique opportunity,” said Dr. Sylvie Albert, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics. “We are so pleased to be able to benefit from the expertise of the MTA and we will mentor and link non-technology projects to the appropriate source.”

Effective today, representatives of the MTA are on campus on a part-time basis on the first floor of the Buhler Centre in Room 1BC16. Anyone who is interested in discussing their ideas in confidence with Marshall Ring, or Executive in Residence, Ab Freig, is encouraged to contact Rachel Hammerback to set up an appointment.

A steering committee will evaluate the project after ten months with the hope of establishing a permanent arrangement.     

About Manitoba Technology Accelerator
The Manitoba Technology Accelerator (MTA) is a not-for-profit business accelerator that provides commercialization support to help promising technology start-ups go from “good idea” to “investable business”.  The mission is to accelerate science and technology commercialization.

Established in 2005, Manitoba Technology Accelerator provides business mentoring, coaching, active participation, networking, infrastructure, finance and investment services. The incubation program has the goal of helping our member companies enter the market, secure investment, or get acquired. Studies show that completion of a business incubation program greatly increases the likelihood that a start-up company will stay in business for the long term: Historically, 87% of incubator graduates stay in business.

Contact:

Rachel Hammerback,Faculty of Business and Economics

R.hammerback@uwinnipeg.ca,  

204.786.9872