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Accelerator Centre

Accelerator and incubator · UW R&T Park, Waterloo · acceleratorcentre.com

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A Waterloo accelerator with programs for early-stage tech founders, no equity taken, and coworking open to anyone.

The Accelerator Centre (AC) runs programs for technology startups from its headquarters on Hagey Boulevard, in the University of Waterloo's R&T Park. It takes no equity, so founders keep 100% of their company and IP. It also supports startups virtually across Canada and internationally.

Its programs are for technology companies incorporated in Ontario or federally, or that incorporate within 30 days of joining. AC:Incubate takes applications all year and brings in new founders at the start of each month. The other programs take applications for each new cohort.

AC:Cowork memberships are open to everyone, in a program or not. Workspace is not part of program fees and needs its own application.

What it offers

AC:Incubate: mentorship, workshops and investor introductions for early-stage tech startups, at a cost reduced by government funding

AC:Studio: up to $100,000 in non-repayable FedDev Ontario seed funding, matched in cash, for southern Ontario startups that address the UN Sustainable Development Goals

AC:RevLab: free sales and revenue coaching for southern Ontario startups with a validated product

AC:Incubate+: a free six-month program for women, women-identifying and gender diverse founders of STEM startups

AC:Health (free, nine months) and the Aerospace Accelerator (six months), for digital health and aerospace companies based in or tied to Waterloo Region

Global Impact Creator: a $12,000 stipend for University of Waterloo faculty, staff, recent grads and some students working on human, planetary or animal health

AC:Cowork memberships (Home Base, Meeting Place and Dedicated Space), with private and semi-private suites of 4 to 16 desks

Location

295 Hagey Blvd., 1st Floor, West Entrance, Waterloo, ON N2L 6R5


News & coverage

In the news (12)

Accelerator Centre
9d ago

Government of Canada Invests CAD $195 Million in Xanadu to Build the Quantum Supply Chain

Federal commitment through the Strategic Response Fund for Project OPTIMISM anchors Xanadu's plan to manufacture the components of fault-tolerant utility-scale quantum computers in Canada.

accelerator
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Accelerator Centre
21d ago

First-ever Aero Expo puts Waterloo Region’s aerospace sector on the map

AeroWR wants the world to think of Waterloo Region when they hear aerospace. Together with the Accelerator Centre, the organization hosted the first Aero Expo, featuring over 35 aerospace, defense, and dual-use companies that call Waterloo Region home.

acceleratorcommunity eventrobotics
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Accelerator Centre
23d ago

Third Cohort of the Aerospace Accelerator Program Announced by the Region of Waterloo, the Accelerator Centre, and Skywise

Building on two successful cohorts, the Aerospace Accelerator continues to support Canadian companies bringing new technologies and capabilities to the aerospace sector.

accelerator
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Accelerator Centre
Sep 9, 2026

Palitronica Closes Series A Funding Led by BDC, with Three Kings Capital, Frostbite, and Unpopular Funds

Waterloo-based cybersecurity company Palitronica has closed a Series A funding round led by BDC’s Industrial Innovation Venture Fund, with participation from Three Kings Capital, Frostbite, and Unpopular Ventures.

acceleratorfunding
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Accelerator Centre
Aug 27, 2026

Steadiwear is Bringing Earthquake Science to Tremor Care

When Emile Maamary and his co-founder Mark Elias met at university in 2014, they discovered they shared something unusual: both of their grandmothers had essential tremor. That personal connection became the foundation for Steadiwear, the Toronto-based medtech company now putting battery-free anti-tremor gloves on the hands of thousands of people across North America, Australia, and beyond.

fundinghealthtech
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Accelerator Centre
Aug 26, 2026

Accelerator Centre and City of Waterloo Welcome First AC:Health Cohort Focused on Ontario-Made Healthcare Innovation

Inaugural AC:Health cohort brings together 30 Ontario health innovators developing AI, data, and software-enabled solutions to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

acceleratoraisoftware
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Accelerator Centre
Aug 12, 2026

LoopX Raises $4.05M Seed Round Led by BDC Seed Venture Fund and Orion Industrial Ventures with Participation from Hatch

LoopX is a Physical AI company building all-condition intelligence for mining. Combining thermal vision AI, edge computing, and proprietary models trained on real-world mining data, LoopX helps equipment perceive and respond reliably in harsh, unpredictable environments—making mining operations safer, smarter, and more productive.

acceleratorfundingai
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Accelerator Centre
Jul 8, 2026

PR Tips for Founders: How to Get Better Media Coverage as an Early-Stage Company

Ellyn Winters-Robinson is the Marketing and Communications Mentor at the Accelerator Centre, where she supports early-stage founders in building strong, strategic narratives that resonate with media, customers, and stakeholders. With 30+ years of experience in in-house and agency public relations and storytelling, Ellyn helps startups frame their ideas clearly, align with the news cycle, and co…

accelerator
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Accelerator Centre
Jun 22, 2026

Accelerator Centre Opens Applications for Cohort 3 of the Aerospace Accelerator Program in Collaboration with the Region of Waterloo and Skywise

The Aerospace Accelerator Program supports startups developing technologies for aerospace, aviation, autonomy, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence. Delivered by the Accelerator Centre in collaboration with the Region of Waterloo and Skywise, the program helps founders accelerate commercialization through mentorship, industry connections, and real-world validation opportunities.

acceleratorai
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Accelerator Centre
Jun 16, 2026

Juggernaut Labs is changing how teams build using AI

AI adoption is driving critical business decisions, but the people doing the work often get little say in how it’s done. Juggernaut Labs co-founders Ken Naku and JB are changing that with a model-agnostic platform that puts subject matter experts in the driver’s seat.

researchaisoftware
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Accelerator Centre
Jun 3, 2026

Deaf AI Is Closing the Information Gap for Deaf Travellers

For deaf travelers, a missed airport announcement can mean a missed flight. Deaf AI is changing that. Since joining the Aerospace Accelerator Program, founder Mehdi Masoumi has turned a deeply personal mission into a real-world solution—launching a pilot project at the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) that translates boarding announcements into sign language. With the Deaf communi…

acceleratorai
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Accelerator Centre
Jun 2, 2026

Accelerator Centre Welcomes Third Cohort of AC:RevLab, Accelerating Revenue Growth for Ontario’s Most Promising Tech Companies

AC:RevLab is a six-month revenue accelerator program designed to help early-stage startups turn initial traction into scalable, repeatable growth systems. Through hands-on mentorship, expert-led training, and access to a strong network of partners, the program supports founders in building effective sales processes, optimizing go-to-market strategies, and driving sustainable revenue growth.

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Startups listed by Accelerator Centre (390)

PoliMorph AI

polimorph.ai

PoliMorph simulates how a regulation lands on your product — product by product, region by region. Costed scenarios, prioritized actions, deterministic verification on every number, and an audit-ready evidence trail.

Accelerator Centre
2025
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Urban Stalk

urbanstalk.ca

From quality local produce to white labeling to organic waste collection, were a full-service partner from seed to shelf and back again.

Accelerator Centre
2020
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ENCA Systems

encasystems.com

Discover ENCA's innovative electric vehicle power systems for a cleaner, greener world. We offer reliable, sustainable solutions for electric buses, trucks, and commercial fleets with global partnerships and eco-friendly technology.

Accelerator Centre
2018
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Pulsar Music

pulsar-music.com

World-renowned international music competitions and learning programs made for you in 2024. Try it now! All ages and skill levels!

Accelerator Centre
11-50 employees2021
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C-COM Satellite Systems

c-comsat.com

DRIVEAWAY ANTENNAS FLYAWAY ANTENNAS MANPACKS FIXED MOTORIZED ANTENNAS CONTROLLERS & ACCESSORIES ESA ANTENNAS Under Development GLOBAL PRESENCE 11,000+ SYSTEM SOLD 100+ COUNTRIES

Accelerator Centre
1997
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NFC Authority

nfcauthority.com

Anti-counterfeiting solutions for your products, leveraging the power of NFC.

Accelerator Centre
2015
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Kik Messaging, Chat App, Groups & Communities

kik.com

Kik - Public Groups, LIVE streamers, real connections - all on Kik! It’s more than just chat. Try it today!

Accelerator Centre · University of Waterloo
1999
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- Retailr AI

retailr.ai

RestaurantsMenus · Ordering · KDS RetailMirrors · Fitting rooms Signage1 screen or 1,000 PricingPlans & packages Browse everything Restaurants Screens Menu boards & signageSynced from your POS, updated automatically Window displays3000 nits, readable in sunlight AI promo contentMenu and offer artwork generated for you Ordering Screen-to-kitchen orderingOrder from a screen or kiosk, straight to the

Accelerator Centre
2024
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Deaf AI

deaf-ai.com

Deaf AI is built to serve people who are deaf to have better experiences in public life and the digital world.

Accelerator Centre
2021
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Athel AI

athelai.com

Athel AI conducts the clinical interview before the visit and hands the physician a structured history. Less charting, more patient care.

Accelerator Centre
2025
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Quadrical AI

quadrical.ai

Quadrical’s homepage presents one platform to monitor, analyze, and manage Solar, Storage, Wind & FDRE, powered by AI Digital Twins. It highlights the workflow, key metrics, Ask Q AI, testimonials, FAQs, and add-ons.

Communitech · Accelerator Centre
51-200 employees2018
View profile

Pression

pression.com

A non-invasive heart therapy designed to support patients with CSA, simplify clinical delivery, and deliver better care economics.1

Accelerator Centre
1999
View profile

Upcoming events

Sun, Oct 18 · 10:00 AMIn person

Socratica F26: Act VI

Accelerator Centre

​Please RSVP if you're planning on coming - this will help us manage food + other logistics!​What's this?We host co-working sessions for you to get started on your passion projects. It's time carved out for deep work, giving you space to finally work on what you've always been itching to start.​Not school, not your job!​Eat, exchange feedback, demo, find inspiration and make new friends <3​Who's it for?​Makers, artists, learners, researchers, founders, and doodlers. Whether you're writing a personal blog, building the next moonshot company, labouring on your next piece of art, or starting a side project, come join!​CODE OF CONDUCT​By attending our events, you agree to follow our Code of Conduct. TL;DR, be curious, respectful, and kind!​Disclaimer & Notice of Photography​By registering, you agree to share your information with Socratica sponsors. By attending a Socratica event, you consent to being photographed or recorded for promotional purposes.​https://socratica.info

Wygo
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Free
Wed, Oct 21 · 6:30 PMIn person

Women in Communications and Technology - The Myth of Merit: Building Visibility Through the Strength of Your Circle

Accelerator Centre, 295 Hagey Blvd, Waterloo, ON N2L 6R5

Hard work matters, but so does who knows your work. Learn how visibility, relationships and advocacy can shape career growth. We often hear that if you work hard, do good work and prove yourself, opportunities will follow. But career growth isn’t always that simple. The people who know your work, recognize your potential and advocate for you can play an equally important role in what comes next. In this session, you'll learn how hard work alone is not enough, discover where career decisions happen and how to build strategic visibility. We'll explore how to break free from the executor trap, pinpoint your visibility gaps, and take action to ensure your impact is recognized. This session ties directly to this year’s Mentoring Circles theme, The Power of the Circle – Leading Through Change, highlighting the role our professional relationships can play in helping us navigate change and create new opportunities. Because you don’t have to navigate your career alone — and sometimes the strongest opportunities come through the people in your corner. Milja Saari-Hembruff VP, Data & AI Adoption at SAP and Co-Founder of The LeadWell Collective Milja is a Vice President and Chief of Staff at SAP, where she works hand in hand with executive leaders to drive the adoption of SAP Data & AI solutions globally. Over the last two decades, she has been dedicated to building teams, developing top performers and empowering women. She is also co-founder of the LeadWell Collective[3], where she is driven by a mission to help women unlock their potential and lead with confidence.

WatCamp (KW Tech Calendar)
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Thu, Oct 22 · 1:00 PMIn person

Accelerator Centre - AC Open House: Meet the Mentors

Accelerator Centre, 295 Hagey Boulevard, Waterloo, ON

Big startup decisions are easier when you have the right people in your corner. Join us on Thursday, October 22 for the Accelerator Centre Open House: Meet the Mentors. This high-energy afternoon brings together early-stage founders, experienced mentors, investors, startup advisors, and trusted service providers who can help you tackle what is next. Whether you are preparing to raise, refining your go-to-market strategy, building your team, or navigating the day-to-day realities of scaling, this is your chance to get practical advice and make connections that can move your business forward. What’s in it for you? Speed Mentorship Get focused, one-on-one advice during 10-minute mentorship sessions with people who have built, funded, and supported growing companies. Bring your biggest question, current challenge, or next big idea. Meet Your Startup Support Network Connect with experts in funding, legal, finance, marketing, product development, talent, operations, and more. Discover the people and resources available to support your next stage of growth. Meaningful Networking Keep the conversations going over refreshments with fellow founders, mentors, ecosystem partners, and industry leaders who understand the startup journey. Who should attend? Early-stage founders looking for practical advice and fresh perspective Entrepreneurs seeking trusted mentors and service providers to support fundraising, growth, and scaling Professionals interested in mentoring, advising, or supporting startups in Waterloo Region’s innovation ecosystem Come curious, bring your questions, and be ready to connect. One conversation could unlock your next opportunity.

WatCamp (KW Tech Calendar)
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