UNB joins Global Accelerator Network
Author: Communications
Posted on Jul 13, 2015
Category: UNB Saint John , UNB Fredericton
The Summer Institute, part of the J Herbert Smith Centre for Technology Management and Entrepreneurship (TME) at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, is now among an exclusive group of accelerator programs with the Global Accelerator Network (GAN).
The Global Accelerator Network was created alongside the White House’s Startup America Initiative in 2010 to increase the success rate among young entrepreneurs and to provide support and collaboration for business accelerators worldwide.
Being only the third Canadian program to join the GAN, participants now have access to world-class mentorship and enjoy global networking opportunities in addition to other special perks. While funding and talent are essential to developing successful start-ups, the ability to make the right connections to scale growth and directly reach customers can be equally essential to succeed.
“The benefits of being part of GAN will put UNB’s Summer Institute and the J. Herbert Smith Centre for Technology, Management and Entrepreneurship on the global stage, opening up new opportunities for start-ups here in Atlantic Canada.” said Dr. Dhirendra Shukla, UNB’s J. Herbert Smith ACOA chair. “It’s a very exciting time for us. We have the masters in technology management and entrepreneurship (MTME) program launching in September. With access to expertise from successful GAN accelerators, we can further improve programs to elevate our entrepreneurs into future business leaders.”
The three-month Summer Institute program launched its second cohort in May 2015, bringing together first-time entrepreneurs of different ages, backgrounds, and industries. Last year’s inaugural cohort had five businesses, including the conscious clothing company Wear Your Label and Oasis Farmery, who completed a successful kick-starter project after the conclusion of the program, raising over $12,000.
“We are thrilled to have the Summer Institute become a full member of the Global Accelerator Network,” said Patrick Riley, CEO of the Global Accelerator Network. “They are a top-notch accelerator program with a unique focus on leveraging entrepreneurial innovation. They bring a distinct approach to the network, and we look forward to our continued partnership with them.”
UNB’s Summer Institute is one of many entrepreneurial programs designed by TME. Others include an experiential learning based diploma and masters program, and grant programs such as the Technology Commercialization Program, which provides student groups and individuals with seed money to advance their technology based products or services.
About the J Herbert Smith Centre at UNB
The J Herbert Smith Centre for Technology Management and Entrepreneurship (TME) is dedicated to cultivating new ideas, creative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit in the ever-changing world of technology. The centre offers a unique and innovative undergraduate diploma program that is designed to ensure students and working professionals with technological backgrounds have the necessary business and entrepreneurial skills to succeed in today’s world. Recently, the centre has launched a new masters in technology management and entrepreneurship (MTME) program starting in September aimed at helping science, computer science and engineering graduates who are ready to bring their ideas to life.
Located on the University of New Brunswick’s Fredericton campus, the centre is part of UNB’s faculty of engineering; however, any student with a technology or business background can take TME courses.
About Global Accelerator Network
The Global Accelerator Network consists of over 50 of the top start-up accelerators from around the world including TechStars, StartupBootcamp and H-Farm Ventures. All accelerators in the network utilize a mentorship-driven, short-term model with terms that are extremely favourable to entrepreneurs. The network started alongside the Startup America initiative and continues to provide networking opportunities, training, special perks, and ongoing support for it’s members and their entrepreneurs.
About Summer Institute
The Summer Institute, which is housed in UNB’s J. Herbert Smith Centre for Technology Management and Entrepreneurship, offers an intensive three-month program to guide participants through the process of turning their vision into a livelihood. Participants access funding for living costs and prototyping, as well as skills training and coaching to create a viable business.
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