HALIFAX, NS (Feb. 23, 2021)  – Volta, Canada’s East Coast Innovation Hub, has opened applications for the eighth intake of its Cohort Program. Early stage Atlantic Canadian technology startups can apply to pitch for a shot in the program, which provides them with mentorship, resources, $25,000 in investment, and more. Every six months, Volta hosts the pitch event as an intake to the program, to help early stage, high calibre Founders to attract and secure venture capital sooner. 

“The Cohort Program continues to foster strong entrepreneurial talent and innovation-driven startups in our ecosystem that have the potential to scale,” said Martha Casey, Chief Executive Officer at Volta. “It’s imperative for us to continue supporting these startups that come through this program so they can develop tech that reach international markets, and continue to bolster Atlantic Canada’s reputation as a national and global destination for innovation.”

Fifteen finalists will present their business ideas at the Pitch Event on Wednesday, May 19 beginning at 5:30pm, and up to five companies will be invited to join the one-year program, which includes the $25,000 investment. The investments are provided through a microfund co-founded by Volta, Innovacorp, BDC Capital, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), which began back in 2017. 

Since launching in 2017, Volta Cohort has awarded more than $675,000 in investment. The program began as a way to address the gap in available funding that can help early stage innovative startups gain traction faster.

Cohort companies are given investment, work space at Volta, programming, and access to a board of mentors, comprised of experienced CEOs and Founders of Volta’s Resident and Alumni companies. The mentors offer peer support, advice and will ensure key milestones and metrics are met. Volta will work with partner organizations in other cities across Atlantic Canada, to ensure support is available for companies that are not located in Halifax.

Companies interested in learning more and submitting an application can visit www.voltaeffect.com/cohort. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 29, 2021 at 11:59pm.

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About Volta
Volta is Canada’s East Coast Innovation Hub, located in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Hub’s mission is to advance and amplify the success of technology startups in Atlantic Canada. Volta houses more than 45 tech-based ventures, three Innovation Outposts, 20 corporate members and six service and community partners, collectively employing more than 200 people in our 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.

MEDIA CONTACT

Laurie Snell, Volta’s Marketing Manager + Senior Inclusion Advisor laurie.snell@voltaeffect.com or 902-220-2544

Tags: competition, innovation hub, pitch event, volta cohort

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