UCeed
A group of early-stage investment funds, backed by philanthropic support, accelerating UCalgary and community-based startup companies to advance problem-solving research, create jobs and fuel the economy.
Shaping the Future with UCeed
What is UCeed?
UCalgary has developed an innovation ecosystem that supports the translation of research to real-world impact. UCeed is the culmination of UCalgary’s focus on entrepreneurial thinking, invention and innovation, education and community impact.
Funded entirely through philanthropic support and activated by Innovate Calgary, UCalgary's knowledge transfer and business incubator, UCeed funds, trains, mentors, and supports startup companies during the critical transitional stage between innovation demonstration and commercialization.
UCeed Momentum Update
Read about UCeed's first year of investment impact and hear from some key stakeholders on how UCeed is shaping the future of our economy.
UCalgary's Innovation Ecosystem links discovery, creativity, invention and entrepreneurship to solve local, nation and global challenges. Learn more
The challenge facing entrepreneurs
Raising capital is a daunting challenge for new startups, and founders often seek government grants, or investments from friends and family as their first source of funding to launch their business. Once those sources are exhausted, entrepreneurs often run out of options before the private sector can see the opportunity's value. UCeed was created to support startups through the funding gap.
UCeed supports critical technology research, development, and demonstration — carrying young companies across the gap between institutional funding and commercial investment.
The foundational pillars of UCeed
UCeed Funds
UCeed's early-stage funds are creating jobs and diversifying Alberta's economy. Qualifying ventures can receive investment ranging from $50,000 to $300,000 depending on the ventures stage of development.
UCeed news
Prairies Canada invests $2.65M in Social Innovation Hub focused on launching and scaling innovation
Hub will support community stakeholders, researchers, innovators, and social entrepreneurs to drive innovative solutions to our most complex societal challenges...
Invest
UCeed is funded entirely through philanthropic support from partners who believe innovation will define our future.
Apply
Applications for UCeed funding are open at various times throughout the year. Qualifying criteria is specific to the fund.