Startup accelerator GrindSpaceXL now accepting applications for Fall 2017 program in Kingston

Posted in Blog, Press Releases
May 24, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 24, 2017, Kingston ON – Queen’s University and Launch Lab announced today that they are accepting applications for the Fall cohort of GrindSpaceXL-Kingston, a business acceleration program for high-potential technology startups. GrindSpaceXL is an intensive 12-week program that helps companies improve customer traction, grow sales, and prepare for investment. Successful applicants will participate in highly interactive workshops and receive individualized mentoring and support from experienced entrepreneurs and advisors. The program, delivered one day per week commencing September 11th at Innovation Park (945 Princess Street) at Queen’s University in Kingston, is designed and led by seasoned entrepreneurs.

GrindSpaceXL is open to incorporated companies headquartered and operating in Canada and commercializing technology-based products. Interested startups can apply online at www.GrindSpaceXL.com

More than 30 companies have graduated from four previous GrindSpaceXL-Kingston cohorts, in addition to four cohorts in 2016, which graduated from the GrindSpace program delivered by Invest Ottawa. GrindSpaceXL participants consistently comment on how impactful the program is on the development of their businesses. This is borne out by the fact that many of them have been able to make their first sales while in the program. Lisa Hallsworth, Co-Founder & President, Rillea Technologies Inc., and a graduate of the GrindSpaceXL-Kingston program in 2016, said, “I thought I would put my thoughts down before my passion for the GSXL-K program is replaced by the needs of our business. From customer discovery to product validation, from business model canvas development to due diligence consideration, intellectual property information, finance and investment thoughts, and pitching help and practice, this program was just what I needed!”

Participants have access to numerous resources through their interactions with Queen’s University, including shared lab and office space at Innovation Park, prototype, business and customer development know-how and connections, and intellectual property and financial expertise, available through the Queen’s Office of Partnerships and Innovation, and legal services via the Queen’s Business Law Clinic. Participants also have access to mentoring and coaching services provided by Launch Lab. Additionally, Secker Ross and Perry LLP meets with each company to identify areas of best practices for their corporate governance, and provides feedback, and recommendations regarding tax structuring and compliance matters.

The cohort-based program offers early-stage ventures the opportunity to engage with other motivated entrepreneurs while working on deliverables laid out in a personalized development plan based on a needs assessment. Queen’s and Launch Lab also provide support to participating entrepreneurs and startups following graduation from GrindSpaceXL, including facilitating access to funding opportunities and other resources, and making connections to partners and collaborators including Invest Ottawa and L-SPARK. Selected graduates have the opportunity to pitch their business to the Southeastern Ontario Angel Network (SOAN).

“Our time in GrindSpaceXL forced us to constantly look at our decisions and understand what would carry value for our customers. Constantly putting the customer first has allowed better adoption within our industry.” Matthew Gubasta, Co-founder and CFO, RockMass Technologies, graduate from the GrindSpaceXL-Kingston 2016 cohort and the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre Summer Initiative.

GrindSpaceXL is a key element in the suite of programs and services offered by Queen’s, Launch Lab, and SOAN under the InnovationXL banner. Supported by the National Research Council-Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), InnovationXL forms part of a broader collaboration with Invest Ottawa and L-SPARK, a B2B SaaS accelerator, to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem in Eastern Ontario.

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Media Inquiries Contact


Bryan Cunningham
Communications Coordinator, Industry Partnerships & Innovation Park
Office of Partnerships and Innovation, Queen’s University
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 613-533-6000 x79345

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