J Herbert Smith Centre partners with Harvard HealthLab Accelerators to launch H2A Canada
Author: UNB Newsroom
Posted on Sep 9, 2024
Category: UNB Fredericton
The University of New Brunswick’s (UNB) J Herbert Smith Centre (JHSC) is thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with Harvard University’s Harvard HealthLab Accelerators (H2A) to launch H2A Canada, a new initiative designed to empower student entrepreneurs passionate about creating a positive social impact. This collaboration will provide a unique platform for students to develop innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing public and planetary health challenges.
"We are thrilled to partner with Harvard HealthLab Accelerators to bring H2A Canada to life. This initiative embodies our commitment to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs who are not only driven by innovation but also by the desire to make a meaningful difference in the world. H2A Canada will provide our students with exceptional opportunities to develop their ventures while contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future,” said Dr. Dhirendra Shukla, chair at the J Herbert Smith Centre.
H2A Canada is dedicated to fostering the next generation of social entrepreneurs. The program offers a comprehensive suite of resources, including tailored mentorship, networking events, workshops, opportunities to pitch ventures and co-curricular entrepreneurship education. The focus is on building ventures that contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Applications now open
Applications for the inaugural cohort of the H2A Canada Accelerator opened on Sept. 4 and will close on Sept. 30. The program is open to teams of current students and postdocs from faculties across UNB. Priority will be given to multidisciplinary teams that bring together diverse perspectives to tackle global problems.
About Harvard HealthLab Accelerators (H2A)
H2A plays a crucial role in nurturing student entrepreneurs with a passion for social impact. The program is known for its small, tight-knit cohorts, which include students from across Harvard University’s undergraduate and graduate schools. H2A Canada represents a significant expansion of the program's international reach, building on the success of similar initiatives in Africa and Brazil. The program provides individualized coaching, 1:1 mentoring, and the opportunity to present to a Venture Board composed of high-level executives from multiple industries.
About the J Herbert Smith Centre (JHSC)
The J Herbert Smith Centre is an entrepreneurship centre within the Faculty of Engineering at UNB. Since its founding in 1988, JHSC has been at the forefront of nurturing entrepreneurial talent, supporting over 260 startups, including well-known ventures such as Potential Motors, HotSpot Parking, and Symbodi. The Centre offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate and accelerator opportunities for students and entrepreneurs.
Join the H2A Canada cohort
Students interested in applying to H2A Canada should complete the H2A Canada Application Form.
Media contact: Kathleen McLaughlin, Media Relations Strategist at talktous@unb.ca.