Selected startups will receive up to $100,000 in seed funding and work with the AC and innovation partners from CarbonGraph, Conestoga College, SnapPea Design, WEtech Alliance, to launch, grow, and scale Ontario-made solutions that drive both economic growth and the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The Accelerator Centre (AC) is proud to announce the 23 startups selected to join Cohort 2 of the AC:Studio program. Supported by $3.9M in funding from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), the Cohort supports early-stage startups focused on sustainable technologies that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing key global challenges while contributing to regional economic growth.
“We are beyond excited to welcome this dynamic group of 23 startups into the AC:Studio program. Each of these companies brings a bold vision and a deep commitment to solving a critical global challenge,” says Ruth Casselman, CEO of Accelerator Centre. “Through the strength of our ecosystem, and in partnership with leading organizations across southern Ontario, we’re committed to helping these founders scale their innovations faster to drive economic growth throughout southern Ontario and beyond—and to make lasting global change.”
Each selected company will receive up to $100,000 in seed funding, tactical product development support, marketing and UI/UX assistance, 1:1 mentorship, and access to a network of freelance experts to accelerate their path to market.
“Congratulations to the bold and visionary founders selected for the UN Sustainable Development Cohort of AC:Studio,” adds The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “These 23 startups aren’t just launching companies. They are tackling some of the world’s toughest challenges head-on. From climate action to global equity, they are turning ambition into action. Our government is proud to back this new wave of Canadian innovators as they transform big ideas into meaningful, real-world impact.”
The program focuses on the UN SDG’s bringing a mission-driven focus to the AC:Studio model. Its collaborative approach also brings together a diverse group of startups from across southern Ontario’s innovation hubs, with representation from the AC’s existing portfolio and from partner hubs including Altitude Accelerator, Boundless Accelerator, Communitech, Innovation Factory, Velocity, and WEtech Alliance, reflecting a wide range of sectors, technologies, and impact areas.
“As a proud partner, WEtech Alliance is excited to support this dynamic new AC:Studio cohort,” adds WEtech Alliance’s President and CEO, Yvonne Pilon. “We look forward to working alongside these founders to connect them with mentorship, industry expertise, and commercialization opportunities—including those that tie back to key sectors in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent, such as mobility, advanced manufacturing, and agri-tech. Together, we’re building pathways for purpose-driven innovation to thrive regionally and globally.”
Trends among Cohort 2
The selected companies represent a broad range of impact areas and emerging innovation trends:
- Clean tech and renewables
- Health and patient care innovation
- AI and robotics for accessibility and inclusion
- Circular economy and sustainable infrastructure Smart cities, mobility, and climate resilience
The following companies have been selected for the new AC:Studio Cohort 2:
To learn more about AC:Studio, or to be notified when applications open for Cohort 3, connect with our Manager of Programs and Client Experience, Susy Kusta.
Susy Kustra
Manager of Programs and Client Experience,
WEtech Alliance
