Sixteen Atlantic Canadian early stage technology startups will present their company virtually during the spring 2020 Volta Cohort Pitch Event on Wednesday, May 13. Up to five companies will receive $25,000 in investment, mentorship, and resources.

This event marks the sixth intake to the Volta Cohort program since its inception in 2017. It was created to address the lack of early stage investment and resources available to Atlantic Canadian technology startups.  

“Now, it’s more important than ever to provide meaningful support to early stage startups through mentorship, resources and investment to ensure these innovative companies can flourish here in Atlantic Canada,” said Martha Casey, Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer at Volta. “The companies participating in our upcoming Cohort Pitch Event span various sectors and are building extremely impressive technologies.” 

Given the current COVID-19 situation, the Pitch Competition for the program’s spring intake will play out differently, taking place virtually via video conference. Members of the public are invited to watch for free, and can RSVP on Eventbrite.  

The sixteen finalists include: 

• Clever Fruit (Dartmouth, NS) manufactures a fermented nutraceutical ingredient to manage cholesterol naturally 
• Current Field (Halifax, NS) is innovating non-destructive inspection systems for detection of corrosion in steel
• Dart Frog Event Software (Halifax, NS) gamifies events using augmented reality; it takes a basic event and revolutionizes it in seconds
• EndFirst Plans Inc. (Halifax, NS) helps users create amazing project plans that are simple, clear and accurate; EndFirst Plans is shifting project planning into overdrive with OVERGantt™
• Energy Absorbing Breakwater (Halifax, NS) provides emissions free sustainable energy and fresh water to shore side countries and islands
• GrowDoc (Moncton, NB) is a cannabis disease recognition mobile application that automates identifying your plant’s deficiencies
• Health Pulse (Halifax, NS) is creating a comprehensive telemedicine software solution that allows you to deliver quality virtual care to patients while streamlining clinical workflows
• In Nature Robotics (Hanwell, NB) develops and produces lightweight, solar powered, autonomous airboats for use in water monitoring applications in lakes, rivers, and coastal regions
• KorrAI (Halifax, NS) is an AI platform with domain expertise led learning to improve the operational efficiency of industrial systems
• Kute Lab (St. John’s, NFLD) is creating a two sided platform; one side offers a mobile application to users that simplifies cosmetics ingredients (A chemist in your pocket) and on the other side provides market assessment to beauty manufactures
• myFlock (Wolfville, NS) is a technology that optimizes and automates processes for poultry farmers, and unifies the surrounding industry
• SmartMed (Halifax, NS) has created SmartShift, a tool that helps auto-schedule 800 shift positions in one minute, saving time and money
• Stocked (Halifax, NS) aligns sustainable, zero plastic consumption with the growing expectation we have for convenience
• Tracker Inventory Systems (Sydney, NS) uses computer vision technology to reduce manual data entry in the management of agricultural and seafood products 
• Behavioural Engineering Technologies (Halifax, NS)  is creating JackHabbit is a growth management system using persuasive technology, sentiment analysis, human interaction and more to provide an individualized solution that melds physical, mental health together under the umbrella of behavioural science. This company was formerly known as Vendura Wellness
• VMOpro Inc. (River Ryan, NS) is a remote physiotherapy solution that enables patients to self-manage their injuries and conditions at home. The platform combines smart PhysioBalls that communicate with a mobile app and is monitored by physiotherapists through a clinical dashboard

Volta Cohort participants are selected through an application process that runs twice a year. Volta hosts a pitch event every six months to determine who is accepted into the program. Companies receiving investment are given space at Volta and access to a board of mentors, made up of CEOs and Founders of Volta’s Resident and Alumni companies. For companies outside of Halifax, support is arranged with partner organizations in other cities across Atlantic Canada. The collaboration between Volta, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), BDC Capital, and Innovacorp ensures startup founders across the region have provincial, regional and national organizations committed to their success.

 

About Volta
Volta (formerly Volta Labs) is one of Canada’s largest innovation hubs, located in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Innovation Hub houses more than 45 tech-based ventures, four Innovation Outposts, and six service and community partners that collectively employ more than 400 people in Volta’s space. Established in 2013, Volta is a place where members of the Atlantic Canadian innovation ecosystem can work, connect and learn from one another by accessing co-working space, events and programs. Learn more at www.voltaeffect.com.

 

About the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency works to create opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping businesses become more competitive, innovative and productive, by working with diverse communities to develop and diversify local economies, and by championing the strengths of Atlantic Canada. Together, with Atlantic Canadians, ACOA is building a stronger economy. For more information, please visit www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca.

 

About BDC Capital

With more than $2-billion under management, BDC Capital is the investment arm of BDC, serving as a strategic partner to Canada’s most innovative and high potential firms. It offers a range of equity, venture capital and flexible growth and transition capital solutions to help Canadian entrepreneurs scale their businesses into global champions. To find out more, visit bdc.ca/capital.

 

About Innovacorp
Innovacorp is Nova Scotia’s early stage venture capital organization. It finds, funds and fosters innovative Nova Scotia startups that strive to change the world. The goal is to help those startups commercialize their technologies and succeed in the global marketplace. In addition to risk capital, Innovacorp gives entrepreneurs access to world-class incubation facilities, expert advice, and other support to help accelerate their companies. More information at innovacorp.ca.

 

For more information: 

Laurie Snell
Marketing Manager

902-220-2544
laurie.snell@voltaeffect.com

 

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