The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has renewed its commitment to support the Co.Launch program for another 3 years! This continued partnership ensures that Co.Launch, Co.Labs’ 6-week pre-accelerator program, will continue to drive the development and growth of early-stage tech founders in Saskatchewan.
About the Program
The Co.Launch program helps founders in the idea or MVP stage validate their market, test their business model, and refine their pitch. Founders receive mentorship directly from other experienced founders to guide them through the most critical decisions for their startups' growth. Co.Launch operates twice a year, culminating in a live pitch competition (Co.Launch Finale), where the winning startup receives a cash prize of up to $20K, thanks to USask!
Impact
Pictured: Cohort 13 winners, Combine Settings & Cleanlii on stage at the 2024 Co.Launch Finale
USask has been a champion supporter of Co.Launch since its inception in 2018, contributing over $200K into the program and enabling the success of 14 cohorts to date. Thanks to this, over 149 new startups have participated in Co.Launch, with 20 advancing into Co.Labs' late-stage programs. Of the founders who’ve gone through Co.Launch, 87 have been alumni, students, or faculty - highlighting USask’s deep and ongoing connection to fostering innovation in the tech community.
“USask has been an invaluable partner to Co.Labs, enabling us to make Co.Launch a reality. This renewal solidifies their dedication to supporting Saskatchewan’s tech founders and ensures that we can keep building on the momentum we’ve created over the past 7 years together.” — Jonathan Lipoth, Executive Director - Co.Labs
This renewed agreement will provide Co.Labs with $120K over 3 years to continue delivering the Co.Launch program and award a $20K cash prize to 6 more cohorts!
“At USask we aspire to be the University the world needs and we believe playing an active role in our home innovation ecosystem is an opportunity to achieve that. We have been pleased to provide Co.Launch prize money since the inception of the program, and are looking forward to fuelling more founders into the future.” — Alix Hayden, Director of Innovation Mobilization & Partnerships - USask
In Action
This funding directly fuels Saskatchewan’s next wave of tech entrepreneurs, providing them with crucial early capital to turn their ideas into high-growth ventures. See it in action at the next Co.Launch Finale on April 10th, where Cohort 15 will pitch their startups in a final face-off to win $20K. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the tech community and see the exciting innovations emerging from SK!
Pictured: Alix Hayden (USask) speaking at the Co.Launch Finale
