Unique collaboration builds on the proven Alacrity Global technology start-up model, combining academic learning with business, tech training and experienced mentorship to build the next generation of Canadian tech entrepreneurs and companies to leverage local expertise in 5G+ networking for applications such as MedTech, Cybersecurity, AI, transportation and more
The University of Ottawa and Wesley Clover International have launched Alacrity Ottawa, a new technology business program. Together, uOttawa and Wesley Clover will educate, train and support engineering graduates with mentorship and investment opportunities aimed at fostering a pipeline of new Canadian tech startups.
The collaborative program will leverage the Wesley Clover Alacrity model of start-up founding and funding, which has been deployed around the world and combines the expertise, resources and networks of Wesley Clover (and its local L-SPARK technology Accelerator) with uOttawa Faculty of Engineering’s inaugural Master’s degree in Entrepreneurial Engineering Design (MEED), a two-year program beginning in September 2021 at the University’s main campus. As students move through the two-year program, they will spend time at the uOttawa Kanata North campus and intern with local tech companies, many of which are in Kanata North, home of Canada’s largest tech park.
Alacrity Ottawa will focus on developing solutions and startups that target 5G+ networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, transportation and healthcare innovation. Given the University’s research strengths in these areas and their relevance to many of the companies in Kanata North, Alacrity Ottawa will initially focus on healthcare by addressing challenges and opportunities in the digital MedTech space. Application areas will be expanded over time. Successful applicants will form teams to tackle identified industry challenges and teams with viable and potentially scalable solutions will be presented to appropriate investors. If a match is made, teams will secure funding to form a new company and start their journey as a new technology start-up. Alacrity Ottawa is engaging with corporate partners to enhance the funding opportunities and to further support this latest addition to the Alacrity ecosystem.
The MEED program offers aspiring entrepreneurs academic instruction combined with practical business training and experience in the development of new business ideas and the creation of new companies. Through internships at local technology firms and mentorship from world-class advisors and industry experts, uOttawa graduates will gain valuable experience and insights needed to navigate their way to entrepreneurial success.
More than 10 years strong, the Alacrity Global program is a proven approach to educating entrepreneurs, founding new technology startups, and securing funding to scale these new businesses.
Through the Alacrity process, graduates get exposure to an ecosystem that would otherwise be difficult for young entrepreneurs to access, and investors gain opportunities and insights into young ventures that are already supported by a group of experienced advisors in a solid business framework.
Alacrity Ottawa is another example of the strategic initiatives supporting the University’s vision to drive greater innovation through partnership with industry. Successful startups from Alacrity Ottawa will augment Ottawa’s high-tech ecosystem by creating jobs, economic impact and investment. Alacrity Ottawa also complements uOttawa’s existing entrepreneurial ecosystem, which includes programs such as; MakerLaunch, the Entrepreneurship Hub’s Startup and Scaleup Garage and the Ottawa Health Innovation Hub, which will be housed in uOttawa’s new Advanced Medical Research Centre.
Sylvain Charbonneau, Vice-President, Research at uOttawa: “Together we will offer an exceptional learning experience that combines our new engineering degree, our deep industry research partnerships and our satellite campus located in the Kanata North tech hub with the expertise, track record and global networks of Wesley Clover. The Alacrity Ottawa program will build long-term synergistic relationships between entrepreneurs and investors that will have significant economic and social impact for Ottawa and Canada.”
Terry Matthews, Chairman of Wesley Clover: “We have been building the Alacrity ecosystem around the world for a number of years now, and I am pleased to replicate the successful partnership here in our home city. As technologies of all sorts advance at unprecedented rates, the commitment of the University of Ottawa to play an ever-more relevant role, combined with the experience of the Alacrity technology and business teams, make this a timely initiative that is sure to bring benefit to the city, the Canadian technology landscape, and the aspiring young entrepreneurs who choose to go down this promising career path.”
Click here for more information about uOttawa Master’s in Entrepreneurial Engineering Design degree program.
For media requests:
University of Ottawa
Paul Logothetis
Media Relations Agent
Cell: 613.863.7221
[email protected]
Wesley Clover International
Steve Langford
V.P. Marketing
[email protected]