Canada's Top Young Entrepreneurs Launch Ground-Breaking Businesses at Venture Day - the Conclusion of The Next 36 2013 Program

TORONTO, Aug. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Thirty-six of Canada's brightest young minds today presented innovative technology solutions developed as part of Canada's unique immersion program for young entrepreneurs – The Next 36.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/62898-the-next-36-canada-program-for-young-entrepreneurs-2013

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130813/MM61995)

Supported by more than 250 Canadian business leaders – including W. Galen Weston, Paul Desmarais Sr. and Jim Pattison – The Next 36 aims to transform the country's most promising undergraduates into high-impact entrepreneurs and nation builders.

"These young people have the ability to change the world," said Brian Scudamore, Founder and CEO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and the keynote speaker for the day. "I am excited to be a part of this great entrepreneurial initiative."

These 36 students were chosen from over 1000 applications from across the country. They have received a year of mentorship from some of Canada's most successful business leaders, been taught by world-renowned faculty and received up to $95,000 in start-up funding. This year also featured a pilot executive program for 10 young science and technology entrepreneurs with pre-established ventures.

The top ventures and entrepreneurs were honoured with the following awards:

• Valedictorian - Steven Heidel, Co-Founder of Encore
• Outstanding Alumna/us Award - Omer Dor, Co-Founder of Mobicare (2012 Venture)
• CISCO Outstanding Social Venture Award - Seamless Mobile Health
• Satchu Prize - Michael Cheng, Co-Founder of Needle
• Outstanding Venture Award - Boxit, Needle and Seamless Mobile Health

Eight investment-ready ventures were also invited to present to angel investors and venture capitalists in the afternoon.

As the 2013 cohort launches their new businesses, the program is accepting applications for 2014 until October 7, 2013.

About The Next 36

The Next 36 addresses Canada's deficit of high impact entrepreneurs by providing a resource-rich program to a select group of promising undergraduates. It was founded by a small group of entrepreneurs, business leaders and academics and is championed by Founding Patrons W. Galen Weston, Paul Desmarais, Sr. and Jimmy Pattison. This entrepreneurship-immersion program offers a unique combination of education, mentorship and seed investment for new ventures. We believe that by fast-tracking the development of 36 promising young innovators each year, we will help create industry-changing businesses and grow Canada's long-term prosperity.

For more information, please visit: www.thenext36.ca

Follow us on Twitter @next36

SOURCE: The Next 36

Jon French, Director, Marketing & Events. The Next 36, [email protected], [phone]

http://www.thenext36.ca

http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130813/MM61995

PRN Photo Desk, [email protected]

http://www.multivu.com/mnr/62898-the-next-36-canada-program-for-young-entrepreneurs-2013