Tech startups can apply for funding and get in front of industry partners with this opportunity

The seven-month incubator program is completely free of charge to start-ups.

With the backdrop of a global pandemic that’s lasted almost a year so far, it’s never been more clear: Health is an extreme priority, and one that we can’t innovate enough.

However, building your own tech startup is already challenging enough as it is, and even more so when it comes to rapidly evolving health situations like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

For those reasons and more, Ryerson Venture Zone (RVZ) in Brampton is launching its 2021 Incubator program — a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to develop and innovate in the health and wellness sector. Applications are now open until February 5, 2021.

The RVZ Incubator is a seven-month intensive program, completely free of charge, designed to quickly help tech startups iterate their solutions with customer validation and take their start-up to the next level. They’ll also get the opportunity to work and secure a pilot with industry partners such as Dynacare, William Osler Health System and SE Health.

As a one-of-a-kind program, entrepreneurs who are accepted into the Incubator will have access to one of 10 prestigious Fellowships, which provide two recipients per company with a monthly cash allowance for up to seven months — no strings attached. RVZ does not take any equity in the companies they serve and they do not own any of the intellectual property that startups have created.

Such opportunities from RVZ have enabled founders with the resources to realize their goals, and have put value back into Brampton’s community and industries, with a focus on health and wellness in 2021. MedaKi was the first place winner of RVZ’s very first Industry Challenge Awards, as an online platform connecting users to local pharmacies so they can order the products they need online.

Co-founders of MedaKi, Sundar Manku and Zain Quraishi, have always been passionate about applying technological solutions to real world problems. As Brampton and Peel Region natives, Sundar and Zain wanted to give back to their community by empowering cities to be more autonomous and support their healthcare system.

“We saw a great opportunity within the local startup ecosystem in Brampton through RVZ and the City’s other initiatives, and being provided access to the same resources as startups in Toronto.” said Sundar Manku, co-founder and CEO of MedaKi. In a joint partnership between the City of Brampton and Ryerson University, Ryerson Venture Zone in Brampton is focused on addressing hyperlocal issues in the Brampton region.

Sundar and Zain plan on using the award of $10,000 ($5,000 in cash and $5,000 in reimbursement for business expenses) to enhance MedaKi’s compliance and data security, as well as expand pharmacy and customer outreach.

Other winners include NYMO and Kinetika Performance.

If your startup could benefit from that same kind of financial assistance and valuable industry experience, then don’t wait — apply now for the RVZ’s 2021 Incubator program or visit this link for more information.

This is a competitive opportunity and only a few companies will be able to access one of the 10 RVZ Fellowships up for grabs, so be sure to apply soon.

Brampton’s Ryerson Venture Zone is part of Ryerson’s world-renowned zone learning network. To stay up to date with everything happening with RVZ, follow their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

If you’re interested in learning more about RVZ’s programs, please contact Yashin Shah, Manager, Venture Programs at [email protected].