Six new GrindSpaceXL graduates ready to take their ventures to the next level

"Grindspace XL 2017 graduates with their certificates of program completion on the final Pitch Day. Photo credit: Garrett Elliott"
Grindspace XL 2017 graduates with their certificates of program completion on the final Pitch Day. Photo credit: Garrett Elliott

KINGSTON, DECEMBER 18, 2017 – The startups that were selected in September 2017 to participate in the GrindSpaceXL-Kingston accelerator program at Queen’s Innovation Park have come a long way.

Six companies completed the accelerator program, making significant progress in validating target customers and identifying initial go-to-market strategies, including channel partnerships. In addition to achieving key product development milestones, several companies also secured commitments for customer trials and/or paid pilots while in the program.

The graduating companies include:

Airbrowz – Mobile marketing platform showcasing local businesses

BidSettle Inc. – Online legal services and automated procedures

CutlerKeys – Expanding musical keyboard possibilities for all performers

Mero Technologies – Tools giving predictive insights to cleaners and property managers

Spectra Plasmonics – Ultra-sensitive detection of contaminants in liquids

Your Mobility Innovations – Adjustable assistive devices for the elderly and persons with disabilities

Special mention:

The Queen’s Smith School of Business graciously offered a seat in one of its Executive Education programs to a founder who demonstrated the most significant progress in advancing his or her company during the 2017 program.

“GrindSpaceXL and Innovation Park are happy to announce that BidSettle is the recipient of this great opportunity,” says Paul Vickers, Director Finance & Administration for the Office of Partnerships and Innovation. “In addition to expanding its consumer-facing product line and distribution channels, BidSettle leveraged their GrindSpaceXL lessons learned to explore new opportunities for business-to-business sales and become investor-ready.”

About GrindSpaceXL:

GrindSpaceXL is a key element in the suite of programs and services offered by Queen’s University, Launch Lab, and Southeastern Ontario Angel Network under the InnovationXL banner. Supported by the National Research Council-Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), InnovationXL forms part of a broader collaboration with Invest Ottawa and L-SPARK, a B2B SaaS accelerator, to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem in Eastern Ontario.

For more information about GrindspaceXL or Innovation Park (945 Princess Street), please email Amanda Gilbert at amanda.gilbert@queensu.ca.