UIT Startup Immersion pilot receives funding support
March 30, 2015 -- Sydney, NS -- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Cape Breton will benefit from an enhanced capacity for leading innovation in the region thanks to support from the federal government.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, is making a $286,135 contribution which will support Cape Breton University and Volta Labs as they collaborate to deliver the UIT Startup Immersion pilot project. The pilot is a mentor-based program that immerses students in a startup business environment with an aim to build a pipeline of innovators to launch digital technology businesses right here in Cape Breton.
Quick Facts:
• UIT is an 11-month immersion program that teaches the methods behind the world’s most successful startups. Students learn technology and business skills leading up to the launch of their own product.
• UIT is founded by Volta Labs co-founder, and Cape Breton native, Gavin Uhma, in partnership with Cape Breton University’s Shannon School of Business.
• Applications are being accepted now for September 2015. Applicants can register at UITstartup.org.
Quotes:
“Our Government is pleased to support projects like this one that inspire innovative business ideas in rural communities. The project being undertaken by UIT demonstrates that we can build world-class startups in Cape Breton. It establishes momentum for businesses and prospective entrepreneurs, and provides a strong example of what can be done in Atlantic Canada with our talent and resources.”
- Senator Michael L. MacDonald, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
"There are many success stories of small teams with little to no capital creating multi-million dollar technology companies. Thanks to the web, these companies can be created from anywhere. The tools and methods to do this were once part of a counterculture of entrepreneurship, but are now being developed into frameworks. UIT teaches these frameworks, and inspires students to launch their own companies. It's the best program I can think of to boost Cape Breton's economy."
- Gavin Uhma, Founder, UIT Immersion Program
“The Shannon School of Business at Cape Breton University is proud to be working in partnership with UIT on the development of future-oriented entrepreneurs who are innovating with new business models in the tech space. Their learning enriches the experiences of our other students and we anticipate that UIT will make a major contribution to the regeneration of the Nova Scotia economy in years to come.”
- Dr. David Rae, Dean, Shannon School of Business, Cape Breton University
Associated Links:
• UIT Startup Immersion
• CBU - UIT
• oneNS Coalition visits UIT Startup Immersion
• UIT Startup YouTube Channel
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Danielle Patterson
Community Engagement at UIT
902-537-2050
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417/902-830-3839 (cell)
Alex.Smith@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
