LevelUP Program Invites Growth-Stage Tech Companies to Apply for a Chance to Win $10,000
PETERBOROUGH, ON – July 9, 2024—Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas’ (ICPK) business accelerator program ‘LevelUP’ is gearing up to begin its 2nd cohort on August 14th, 2024, the last cohort being offered free of charge to participants. ICPK is encouraging all growth-stage technology companies that have achieved a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or are in the process of deploying it, to apply by July 15th.
LevelUP’s 12-week program supports innovative tech-based businesses ready to commercialize and scale. The program focuses on validating business ideas and funding preparation, guided by industry experts who equip participants with practical knowledge, hands-on experience, and essential business skills. Program highlights include learning about branding, revenue models, go-to-market plans, customer acquisition, and funding and exit strategies. LevelUP will wrap up with a pitch competition in November where participants will have a chance to win a $10,000 cash prize, made possible by program sponsors like Prima IP, a firm specializing in all aspects of intellectual property from patents to trademarks.
Latchmi Raghunanan, co-founder of Maman Biomedical Inc., won the $10,000 pitch competition in LevelUP’s inaugural cohort, pitching her company’s trailblazing products that are disrupting the in vitro fertilization (IVF) sector.
“Winning the LevelUP pitch competition allowed us to accelerate and move forward,” said Latchmi. “On top of the $10,000 we won, the program gave us the knowledge and tools to successfully raise $30,000 in funding and increase our visibility and credibility in a very short period of time.”
Upon LevelUP completion, participating businesses will have a detailed business plan, be ready to refine and test their MVP, have a robust go-to-market strategy, have an improved investor pitch, be ready to drive sales and customer acquisition, and be well-networked among mentors, industry experts, and potential investors.
Zahra Shafiei, Program Lead for LevelUP stated, “Our first cohort saw incredibly driven and innovative entrepreneurs whose businesses continue to grow since graduating from the program. We are excited to invite all eligible and passionate business leaders to apply for our 2nd cohort so they too can experience these high levels of progress.”
Program Format
Sessions will be held every Wednesday for 12 weeks, commencing on August 14th. Participants can join virtually or in person at ICPK’s downtown Peterborough location.
Eligibility Requirements
- Open to entrepreneurs in sectors such as Clean Tech, Healthcare Tech, AgTech, and Digital IT.
- Must be an innovation-driven business with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and a team committed to growth and collaboration.
- Must be a company based in Ontario.
All interested and eligible businesses are encouraged to apply online by July 15th, 2024. https://innovationcluster.ca/programs/business-accelerator/.
About the Innovation Cluster
Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas (ICPK) is a non-profit organization that supports Clean Tech, Healthcare Tech, AgTech, and Digital IT entrepreneurs in launching, commercializing, and scaling their businesses.
ICPK supports growing businesses by providing dynamic programming, mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities to achieve their business goals and grow our local community, job market, and economy.
About Prima IP (Sponsor)
With a global network and decades of expertise, Prima IP specializes in all aspects of intellectual property, from patents to trademarks and beyond. Led by Marcelo Sarkis, their work ensures that innovators can protect and maximize their intellectual creations effectively. Learn More: https://primaip.com/
Media Contact:
Christine Crandell, Vice Chair of the Board
board@innovationcluster.ca