Innovation Park

By Rosie Hales, Communications Officer

Queen’s and Launch Lab are accepting applications for their Innovation Park-based accelerator program GrindSpaceXL, a 12-week program run by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs.

Participants will have the chance to study a core curriculum and follow an individual business development plan to strengthen and position their company to launch its product, grow its markets and sales and find funding.

“Queen’s University is delighted to be working with local and regional partners, Launch Lab, Ontario Centres of Excellence and Invest Ottawa, to support the delivery of GrindSpaceXL Fall 2014,” says Steven Liss, Vice-Principal (Research). “This exciting venture will combine and leverage our strengths with those of our partners, expanding programs and services available to startups in the region and beyond, including those emerging from our own campus.”

Launch Lab supports technology-based companies in Southeastern Ontario and aims to help these companies bring innovative products to the marketplace. Invest Ottawa delivers economic development programs and initiatives for entrepreneurs to the City of Ottawa and its surrounding regions. 

“The GrindSpaceXL program is an example of the innovative and supportive business environment that the city provides to companies ready to strengthen their sales and marketing,” says Jeff Garrah, Chief Executive Officer of the Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) and partner to the successful pilot program offered in January 2014. 

This fall’s program begins on Sept. 15 with an emphasis on youth-based companies. Startups that meet the eligibility criteria of the SmartStart Seed Fund offered by the Ontario Centres of Excellence will have the opportunity to qualify for up to $30,000 in matching funding.

GrindSpaceXL participants will receive targeted and intensive entrepreneurship training using relevant, real-world examples and one-on-one mentorship from expert advisors including entrepreneurs-in-residence who will help companies become sales-driven and investor-ready.

PARTEQ Innovations will provide intellectual property and financial expertise to participants, who will also receive introductions to qualified investors and access to various resources including lab and office space at Innovation Park and interactions with Queen’s University.

The program is open to companies commercializing technology-based products or services. To be eligible, applicants must be an incorporated company, headquartered and operating in Canada. 

Interested startups can apply online at www.GrindSpaceXL.com. The application deadline is Aug. 21.