INFINITI Announces Nine Startups Selected for INFINITI LAB Pre-Accelerator Program

TORONTO, May 25, 2017 /CNW/ - Today INFINITI LAB Toronto, a Smart Cities and Internet of Things (IoT) accelerator program from premium car brand INFINITI, announced the nine startups that will participate in the inaugural four-week pre-accelerator program in Toronto.

The nine participating startups have raised $2.7M in funding between them, and during the program they will receive education, mentorship and access to technology from corporate and technology partners including IBM Canada, TribalScale, Techstars, OMERS Ventures,and the City of Toronto.

The month-long Toronto program kicks off on May 29, and the most proficient startups will be fast-tracked into the three-month global program, which takes place in Hong Kong, the home of INFINITI's head office. Into its third year, INFINITI LAB Hong Kong is driven by Nest, a Hong Kong-based investment company.

"Selecting the startups to participate in the inaugural INFINITI LAB Toronto program was no easy task thanks to the hotbed of talent in Canadian startups surrounding Smart Cities and IoT ," said Stephen Lester, Managing Director of INFINITI Canada. "We've selected companies that have the potential to transform the way we interact with our cities and with the objects around us, and we're excited to provide mentorship, access to technology, and expertise through the program to further accelerate their growth."

The selected startups are:

• Pitstop Predictive Maintenance
• Has gone through Techstars Mobility program in Detroit and is backed by BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada).
• Pitstop is a proactive virtual technician. With a powerful combination of a mobile app, a telematics device and artificial intelligence, Pitstop has the ability to monitor and report vehicle data.
• InnerSpace
• InnerSpace is a mapping company that helps create 3D models of indoor spaces, which is where people spend 90% of their time.
• Rover Parking
• A marketplace for shared parking.
• Pull Technologies
• Pull is an ambient connections app that helps users connect automatically to the people and places around them, and gives businesses a new way to connect with customers.
• Tap Report
• Tap Report is a digital solution for any workplace inspection including washrooms, fire equipment, preventative maintenance (PM) and more.
• Ubiqweus Inc.
• Ubiqweus Inc., is currently designing and developing an electronic IoT device called qBiq. qBiq is a social sensing and monitoring device that builds data-sharing communities around people, places, and things.
• RoadLaunch
• RoadLaunch was built to make shipping easier. We delivered an IoT platform that makes transportation management fast and automated.
• NXCAR
• NXCAR is the first connected car solution for the extended warranty industry. It transforms new and used vehicles into smart cars with new safety, security and convenience features.
• DRVEN
• DRVEN offers a service suite that allows drivers to upgrade their car to a connected car via their smartphone.

The month-long program features guest speakers from partners IBM Canada, TribalScale, T4G, Techstars,OMERS Ventures,TELUS Ventures, the City of Toronto, and Fleet Complete. The program will also feature Smart Cities and IoT experts from around North America, as well as guest speakers on topics including marketing, finance, sales, and data science. The program will culminate in Demo Day on June 28, where each startup will pitch to a panel of venture capitalists.

The announcement of the participating startups was marked with an evening celebration that featured remarks from Stephen Lester, Managing Director of INFINITI Canada, Dane Fisher, General Manager, INFINITI Global and Clare Barnett, Vice President, Investment Growth for the Ministry of Economic Development and Growth. The Toronto program is produced in partnership with Multiplicity, a Toronto-based non-profit that provides education and mentorship to startups.

"We've chosen startups with real potential for innovation and change in the Smart Cities and IoT industry," said Chris Kay, co-founder of Multiplicity. "This celebration has been a great kick-off to the program and a chance for the startups to meet the other participants and hear from the INFINITI team. We're excited to see what these talented ventures will produce with the help our corporate partners and the guidance of the INFINITI team."

To learn more about INFINITI LAB Toronto visit: http://www.infiniti.ca/en/about/infiniti-lab.html

To learn more about INFINITI LAB Hong Kong visit: infiniti.com.hk/infiniti-lab.html

Social media links:

INFINITI Canada

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/infiniticanada/?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/infiniticanada

About INFINITI:

INFINITI Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with representations in 50 markets around the world. The INFINITI brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan, the United States, United Kingdom and China.  INFINITI design studios are located in Atsugi-Shi near Yokohama, London, San Diego and Beijing. INFINITI is in the middle of a major product offensive.  The brand has been widely acclaimed for its daring design and innovative driver-assistance technologies. From the 2016 season, INFINITI is a technical partner of the Renault Sport Formula One team, contributing its expertise in hybrid performance.

More information about INFINITI and its industry leading technologies can be found at www.INFINITI.com. You can also follow INFINITI on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.

SOURCE Infiniti Canada

Press contact: Nicky Powell, INFINITI CANADA, [email protected], [phone]

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