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Impact global change

Take your startup global or bring your company to Canada. Our Global Frontier initiatives create an impact that reverberates around the world.

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Global Frontier

We believe that Waterloo Region is the best place to build a business.

Our Global Frontier programs bring Waterloo to the world, connecting local startups to new markets and funding. We also connect international founders and hub leaders to the magic of Waterloo, giving you platforms to tap into our proven capabilities through our AC:Hubs and Startup Visa programs.

International Program Partners

Meet Our International Program Partners

We take pride in our ability to support international businesses as they enter the Canadian market - whether its by working with them directly, or their local accelerators to develop programming of its own.

International Accelerator Programs

Access New Global Markets

Our International Accelerator Programs are developed to foster global economic impact and accelerate time to global markets.

Built specifically to support the mission of international trade and export organizations, we customize the perfect mix of education, mentorship, funding, and community events to get your startups ready for expansion into North America through Canada’s #1 private business accelerator.

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ac:Hubs

Your innovation hub

Looking to start an accelerator or incubator in your local innovation community? There is no need to reinvent the wheel. We offer licensing of our program model and delivery platform, so you have everything you need to build a company that’s proven to scale businesses.

We will walk with you, step by step, as you set up your program and will continue supporting you through the first critical years of operation.

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ac:Startup Visa

Compete on a global scale

We’re in the business of impacting change worldwide. Our Startup Visa program provides permanent residence to entrepreneurs who have the potential to build innovative companies in Canada that can create new jobs, spur economic growth, and compete on a global scale.

View the Government of Canada's Startup Visa Eligibility Requirements to see if you're qualified.

Our Startup Visa programming provide entrepreneurs with additional benefits, including:

  • 1-1 mentorship support with our world-class mentor team
  • Access to our network of founders, partners, and investors
  • Support scaling your business in Canada
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Success Stories

Client Spotlight: Chad Armstrong, Co-Founder and CEO of Shearwater Aerospace

Chad Armstrong is a serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience leading software companies. After exiting his last startup, Chad co-founded Shearwater Aerospace to revolutionize drone technology by using atmospheric energy to extend flight times, improve efficiency, and fly faster.

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Success Stories

Client Spotlight: Alex D'Alton, CEO of Daltonomous

Daltonomous helps companies protect their critical autonomous assets from cyber and physical attacks. CEO Alex D'Alton shares how the startup is using artificial intelligence to protect, detect, and recover autonomous systems from electronic interference.

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Success Stories

Client Spotlight: Chloe Beaudoin, COO & Founder of Apricotton

Not only is Apricotton selling the best-fitting tween and teen bras—they’re the “big sisters you’ve always wanted” on TikTok. Check out the viral teen bra that’s made to grow as girls grow.

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Success Stories

Client Spotlight: Salar Enjedani, Founder and CEO of Innorobix Automation

Innorobix Automation is helping manufacturers use their data to improve productivity and efficiency, founder and CEO Salar Enjedani shares how his team is connecting disparate systems to move forward on the road to Industry 4.0.

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Success Stories

Client Spotlight: Stefanie Bruinsma, Founder of AutoCate

Stefanie Bruinsma is empowering women to be confident car owners through AutoCate, a membership-based platform that aims to answer any and all automotive questions to drive equality in car maintenance.

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Get in touch

Interested in getting involved?

It’s time to activate your ambition by tapping into the opportunities that help you create, continue to think big, and actualize your business. We can’t wait to hear from you.