Tech accelerator seeks support

The newly established South Georgian Bay Innovation and Technology Accelerator has made a pitch for funding to Clearview council and its new Economic Development Advisory Committee.
Jason Gillham is the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of 2G Robotics, underwater imaging and inspection specialist. He started the company in Waterloo, where he went to university, and remained there to take advantage of available supports.
As executive director of South Georgian Bay Innovation and Technology Accelerator, Gillham explained that some companies may remain in a region or relocate to one where there is an existing “ecosystem.”
The goal is to create an environment that fosters and attracts innovation in technology in the south Georgian Bay region by connecting companies that would benefit from technology, innovators with technology based intellectual property, business experts and mentors in order for companies to grow and prosper by bringing together the talent, capital, and ideas.
Gillham said he believes the timing is right because of the current migration of people coming into the region to seek out the recreation and culture that the area provides.
“Covid has accelerated the influx and has highlighted the importance of a well diversified economy,” he said.
In the accelerator’s first phase, the team is looking for donation, sponsorships, memberships from the private sector and municipal funds that can be matched by upper tiers of government.
South Georgian Bay Innovation and Technology Accelerator has received $200,000 from Collingwood and Blue Mountains.
In addition to being the catalyst for this ecosystem and drawing together the different members through networking and relationship building, Gillham said the goal is to engage eight companies to a target increase of 20 per cent.
Further expansion plans include ramping up funding and outreach, eventually having a physical space that can be a clubhouse for innovation and technology, said Gillham.
For more information about how to apply and participate in the program, visit southgeorgianbayaccelerator.com.