2015-2016

News Release

REF NO.: 1

SUBJECT: Memorial University's Genesis Centre selected to join Microsoft BizSpark Program

DATE: September 3, 2015

The Genesis Centre today announced it has been selected to join the Microsoft BizSpark Program as a network partner.

The BizSpark Program is a global program designed to accelerate the success of early stage startup companies by connecting them to network partners: active members of the global software ecosystem who can provide mentorship, guidance and resources to BizSpark startups. BizSpark creates an ongoing, mutually beneficial relationship between Microsoft Corp., startups and network partners.

The Genesis Centre is an award-winning business incubator for technology startups. The centre helps to accelerate startup companies through all stages of idea development, connecting startup clients with top mentors and advisors and providing assistance with marketing, funding and office space.

“The BizSpark offering at the Genesis Centre will provide startups with valuable resources as they navigate exciting but challenging ventures,” said Greg Hood, chief executive officer, Genesis Group. “The Genesis Centre is committed to working together with BizSpark to deliver access to networks that can offer guidance and support that will lead new startups toward success.”

The BizSpark Program is committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurialism by offering startups the support they need most at a time when it may be least affordable and accessible – during a company’s first three years, with no upfront costs and minimal requirements.

BizSpark provides fast and easy access to Microsoft’s current full-featured development tools and platform technologies, as well as production licences to bring to market innovative solutions for the next generation of user experiences.

To be eligible for the Microsoft BizSpark Program, a company must be actively engaged in development of a software-based product or service that is a core piece of their business model, have been in business less than three years at the time of enrolment and have less than USD$1 million in annual revenue. Startups may enrol for the program by obtaining an enrolment code from a designated BizSpark network partner.

About the Genesis Centre

The Genesis Centre, located at Memorial University, is an incubator for technology-based ventures with high-growth potential. It is one of the top ranked incubators in Canada and was named Canadian Incubator of the Year in 2011. Since the Genesis Centre was founded in 1997, it has helped almost 60 startups raise more than $85 million in private equity. Genesis alumni are among the leading startups in Atlantic Canada and include Verafin, Rutter Technologies, Avalon Microelectronics (acquired by Altera), Solace Power, SubC Imaging, EMSAT, ClearRisk, Genoa Design and Virtual Marine Technology. For more information, please visit www.genesiscentre.ca.

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