Companies ranged from offering a nursing app to beauty services in this year’s Ascend Accelerator program.
PRESS RELEASE
LAKE HEAD UNIVERSITY
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THUNDER BAY — On July 22, Lakehead University celebrated the graduation of its second cohort of the Ascend Accelerator boot camp-style program hosted by incubator space Ingenuity, which helps entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into reality.
In addition to receiving funding provided by FedNor, participants in the student-based business ventures received weekly mentoring and workshops. They were responsible for the milestone goals created during the 12-week Ascend program.
This year, the cohort included six participants who explored five ideas. Mill manager Alyson MacKay said it was exciting to help the students build their businesses.
“Ascend’s second cohort was an incredible success,” said MacKay.
“It includes a diverse group of companies at all different stages. The students impressed me daily with their passion and commitment. I look forward to continuing to support their business development now that the program has ended.”
Businesses range from offering a nursing app to beauty services and more. Maxwell Robinson founded Infusionist, the iPhone and Apple Watch app designed for nurses and care staff to efficiently track and manage infusions, care task reminders and customizable timers.
These features help nurses working in a busy care environment through smart, dynamic notifications that alert you when a task, such as a medication reminder, needs to be done.
“The opportunity to participate in the Ascend program at Ingenuity Lakehead has been a great learning experience for me,” said Robinson.
“Ingenuity provided the experience in business creation and inspired an entrepreneurial spirit that allowed me to bring my idea to life.
“As a nursing student, I was skeptical of my ability to meet my business development milestones, however, through Ingenuity’s guidance and many invaluable workshops, my startup and personal insight for businesses really benefited from this program.
“I would recommend anyone who has an idea or a new business venture at Lakehead University to consider the Ascend program,” said Robinson, who wasn’t the only one inspired by the Ascend program.
Zakary Williams created Gaze Guitar, a software development company that is working on creating a virtual musical instrument to enable people with physical disabilities to create and play music.
Gavin Shields and Derek Patterson launched Portal North, a storytelling and marketing media company that specializes in developing 360-degree virtual tours that allow their clients to showcase a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.
Esther Ukiomogbe founded A26 to provide beauty services starting with eyelash extensions and eyelash care products.
Christopher Silver started Silver Vantage Software, which is developing a fall and fever detection system using thermal sensor technology.
The product is for the aging and elderly population. It is used in the client’s home or in a long-term care facility, with notifications sent via a mobile app.
Dr. Andrew Dean, Vice President of Research and Innovation at Lakehead, congratulated each participant on making it to graduation.
“This is the second year of the Ascend program, which gives Lakehead students a great platform to launch their creative ventures,” said Dr. Dean.
“This year’s cohort again showcases the diversity and imagination of the participants. From beauty products to 360-degree videos to cutting-edge app development, the businesses building this year are poised to rise to the next level.”