First cohort of entrepreneurs for InnoCité MTL, the new accelerator for start-ups, for a smarter city

MONTRÉAL, Sept. 10, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - InnoCité MTL, accelerator for start-ups, is proud to announce its very first cohort, comprised of five start-ups. The five projects were selected after various coaching and development activities were held over the summer. Evaluation criteria included business plan quality, growth potential and relevance with the six fields of action of the Montréal Smart and Digital City Action Plan 2015-2017, which are: Public Wi-Fi, Ultra-High-Speed Multiservice Network, Smart City Economic Cluster, Smart Mobility, Participatory Democracy and Digital Public Services.

"We are extremely happy with the response from entrepreneurs. We received over a hundred applications. The rigorous project selection process has been a truly memorable experience. Our selection committee had the chance to discuss with entrepreneurs, from home and abroad, who are committed to using their expertise and creativity to find solutions to concrete urban issues," indicated Jacques Bernier, President of InnoCité MTL's Board of Directors.

"Montreal's startup community is a dynamic one, and the response we've received from startups reflects that energy. This first cohort will be part of the smart city economic cluster's development and as such will meet the objectives of the City and its citizens by proposing innovative urban solutions for all." stated Harout Chitilian, vice-chair of the executive committee in charge of smart city initiatives, information technology, administrative reform and youth.

The 12-week acceleration program was launched on September 1, 2015. It includes a $50,000 private investment to help better define the company and a variety of coaching services, including the support of experienced mentors. The goal of the program is to equip participating companies with all the tools and knowledge they need to export their solution worldwide.

The companies will have the opportunity to present their solution during a demo session, where they will each have 5 minutes to showcase their business in front of a group of potential investors and customers. This activity, to which members of the public and the media will be invited, is to be held in Montreal on December 2.

Once the acceleration program is completed, the entrepreneurs will be able to take part in another 12-week program to realize their project.

Prkng
Prkng develops digital tools to improve urban mobility and facilitate parking. The mobile "prkng" app shows users where they can legally park nearby and sends alerts to avoid getting parking tickets. The free app is available on the App Store, in Montréal and Québec City. - prk.ng

Ubios
Ubios is the future of the smart connected home that promises increased security, unparalleled comfort and lower heating and insurance bills, and seamless integration with the surrounding neighbourhood, city and spaces.- ubios.co

Sensequake
Sensequake is making city safer and smarter. Sensequake is the first sensing-based earthquake vulnerability platform to deliver fast and accurate seismic assessment of structures. - sensequake.com

Digital State
DigitalState is a complete Digital Public Services platform that transforms the way governments deliver services online.  It lets governments use drag and drop tools to rapidly build digital services, engage with citizens, and report on service performance. - DigitalState.ca

Dasbox
The Dasbox offers a collection of industrial sensors that are reconfigurable, available at a low price and easy to connect to Internet applications. The versatile Dasbox allows you to gather a variety of data, making it an exceptional measuring and analysis tool for smart cities.

"We wish to congratulate the first cohort whose contribution will help fulfill the smart city's vision," says Benoit Simard, Vice President, TELUS Business Solutions Eastern Canada – Marketing, Strategy and Planning. As major partner of InnoCité and active member of Montréal's business community, TELUS is proud to support these start-up companies as well as the innovative spirit of our Québec entrepreneurs."

Partners
In addition to the Ville de Montréal, several organizations contribute financially to this project, including TELUS and PagesJaunes, as sponsors of InnoCité MTL, as well as Real Ventures, PagesJaunes and Québecor, as investors for the start-ups selected to take part in the program. 

About InnoCité MTL
InnoCité MTL is a business accelerator program that meets the needs of Montrealers. As such, the private sector, notably start-up businesses, will propose solutions to urban issues, focusing mainly on the programs defined as a priority in the city's smart and digital action plan for 2015-2017. Website: //villeintelligente.montreal.ca/

Members of InnoCité MTL's Board of Directors:

Jacques Bernier, Senior Partner, Teralys Capital
David Nault, Investment Director, iNovia Capital
Jean-Nicolas Delage, Partner, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
Damien Lefebvre, Co-Chair, w.illi.am/

For more information on the Acceleration program, please visit www.innocitemtl.ca.

SOURCE InnoCité MTL

Audrey Dussault, Communications & Marketing, InnoCité MTL, Phone: [phone], [email protected]