UCeed

UCeed

Early-stage investment funds, backed by philanthropic support, accelerating early-stage startup companies to advance problem-solving research, create jobs and fuel the economy.

What is UCeed?

UCeed funds, trains, mentors, and supports startup companies during the critical transitional stage between innovation demonstration and commercialization. As the largest philanthropically driven, university-based investment fund of its kind in Canada, UCeed takes UCalgary and community-based research out of the lab and into the community where it will have the biggest impact.

The innovation and technology supported by UCeed provides strategic outcomes that will drive knowledge economy growth, attract investment, accelerate diversification, and enhance economic, social and environmental outcomes.

Bridging research to business

UCeed bridges the gap between research grants and commercialization funding and accelerates the translation of research to economical and societal benefit.

Evergreen funding model

With administrative costs covered by UCalgary, zero management fees, and all returns reinvested back into the program, UCeed’s investment model ensures your gift leaves a legacy that continues to propel technological innovation, talent development and the economy.

Mentoring young companies

UCeed provides commercialization expertise, mentorship, networking, education and programming to help startups become investor ready and attract further investment.


UCeed Funds

Focused on strategic priority areas for UCalgary, our city, and province, UCeed has launched a series of funds poised to make immediate impact, diversify the economy, and create new industries, opportunities and jobs.

Qualifying ventures can receive investment ranging from $50,000 to $300,000 depending on the ventures stage of development.

Haskayne Student Fund

A private equity fund managed by and for students, with oversight and coaching from Innovate Calgary and Creative Destruction Lab – Rockies. 

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Child Health Fund

Canada's first early-stage fund for child and maternal health - a priority research area for UCalgary and key to creative positive health impacts for children and families.

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Health Fund

Focused on advancing health care innovation across the field, including areas like therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices and software.

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Social Impact Fund

A unique partnership in social finance supporting an ecosystem of organizations focused on addressing social issues in our communities.

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Energy Fund

Supporting Canadian-led innovations to strengthen the energy landscape.

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Neuro Fund

Empowering neuroscience innovation through investment and mentorship to early-stage, research-based, brain and mental health startups.

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A graphic showing the accomplishments of UCeed for 2023

2023 UCeed Momentum Report

Read how UCeed continues to bridge innovation and commercialization along with the impact that portfolio companies have made in the past year. 

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UCeed in the ucalgary innovation ecosystem

UCeed news

video

UCeed company aims to change standard of care for chronic pain

Zymedyne Therapeutics is one of 44 startups in UCeed's investment portfolio

video

Now Innovating: Celebrating UCeed and social impact

A conversation with Dr. Lorian Taylor, PhD, of LyfeMD and Pete Santosham, executive director, UCeed Funds, Innovate Calgary

UCalgary celebrates 3rd year of UCeed — the largest university-based investment fund of its kind in Canada

With the launch of UCeed Neuro there are six funds with $22M in assets under management

UCalgary innovators celebrated at 2023 BioAlberta Achievement Awards

Awards highlight outstanding contributions to Alberta’s life sciences sector