Friday May 26, 2017 – The Costarter Accelerator Program introduced its third cohort of five innovative companies at the hub:north incubator space in Waverley Library.

The Costarter Accelerator Program is a three month intensive and mentorship-driven program in which the five companies receive a small investment of $15,000, office space, advisory assistance and access to funders. Over the three month period, each company will focus on moving their idea or early concept towards a viable and revenue generating business using a lean startup methodology.

The Costarter Program participant companies are:

Redox North – On the cutting edge of battery technology, Redox North is looking to create the next big thing in battery technology.

Kumbaya Kombucha – Following the emerging beverage trends in North America is Kumbaya Kombucha. Their locally grown kombucha tea is set to hit retailers by storm and give a new and exciting tea drinking experience.

Rent Panda – This company wants to revolutionize the living space rental industry by providing an eye-pleasing and user-friendly experience to those listing or looking to rent.

ASM Innovations – Wants to change the way people look at greenhouses. Their innovative greenhouse designs integrate cutting edge technology that stands to revolutionize how food is grown in the North.

NWO Solutions – This year’s winners of DisruptIT weekend are building an exciting customer service application that creates a better help desk experience for a telecom company’s customers, while reducing the telecom company’s costs.

The Costarter Accelerator Program is a collaboration between the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre, the Thunder Bay CEDC and Entrepreneur Centre, Thunder Bay Ventures, and Thunder Bay Public Library.

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Contact: Judy Sander, Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre – 768-6696 or judy@nwoinnovation.ca

About CEDC: The CEDC is responsible for business development, retention and expansion, entrepreneurial support, opportunity promotion, and the collection and assessment of key business data. The CEDC receives formal proposals for projects that will contribute to economic development. It responds quickly to new opportunities and initiatives to attract direct financial involvement from the government and private sectors. For more information, visit www.ThunderBayCEDC.ca.