October 18-20 | Tucson, AZ

The Research Institution GAP Fund and Accelerator Program Summit

TEC Edmonton breaks ground on newest technology accelerator with Merck Canada

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October 18-20, 2023 / Tucson, AZ
The annual summit for research institution gap fund and accelerator programs, including proof of concept programs, startup accelerators, and university venture funds

The Story

TEC Edmonton broke ground on a new business accelerator for technology companies on Tuesday.

The accelerator, a partnership with pharmaceutical company Merck Canada Inc., will connect emerging Alberta-based health-focused companies with the health research expertise of Merck to bring innovative health technologies to the market.

“Working in partnership with TEC Edmonton to provide both scientific expertise and funding to this new business incubator will help propel Alberta-based, health-focused startups to new heights, all the while fostering the innovation, entrepreneurship and competitiveness of the region,” said Mr. Chirfi Guindo, President and Managing Director of Merck Canada Inc. “This type of collaboration with promising, key players is essential to the future of the health sector, as we work together to provide meaningful benefits to patients.”

“It’s a great time to be a startup company operating in Alberta’s health innovation space,” said TEC Edmonton CEO Chris Lumb. “Merck Canada will provide important connections and expertise that young companies otherwise would not have access to.”

Companies accepted into the program will access new growth opportunities through linkages with defined market needs and experienced mentors.

The accelerator is made possible by funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada and the Alberta Merck Innovation (AMI) Health Fund, a larger collaboration between Merck Canada, the University Hospital Foundation and the Government of Alberta Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. The space will be shared with the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry.

“Partnerships like this one—partnerships that connect industry, government and researchers—bring tremendous capacity to the university’s work. The new health-technology incubator will help to magnify the impact of health research at the U of A—it’s a key part of how we can serve the public good. We’re fortunate to draw on the expertise and support that Merck, the provincial government, and the University Hospital Foundation have to offer,” says David Turpin, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Alberta.

To learn more about the program or to apply, please contact Randy Yatscoff, Executive Vice President of Business Development at randy.yatscoff@tecedmonton.com.

Source: TEC Edmonton breaks ground on newest technology accelerator with Merck Canada

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