District Digest
May 27, 2020
Volta Launches Recovery Program for Startups
Halifax based innovation hub, Volta, is rolling out a free six-week virtual course for startups and small businesses. Volta Academy: Recovery will cover topics such as runway management, financial planning, funding sources, sales, marketing in the age of uncertainty, and human resources.
Halifax Partnership Supports Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
The Halifax Partnership announced a new Virtual Adviser Program to support Halifax businesses. In partnership with BoomerPlus, the free program offers one-on-one consultations with an experienced business adviser. The Partnership also extended its Connector Program to address pressing labour demands.
Health Canada Approves Appili Trial
Last week, biopharmaceutical company Appili Therapeutics had its phase 2 clinical trial of antiviral drug Favipiravir approved by Health Canada. “Industry and academia are coming together in unprecedented ways to mitigate this crisis, and Appili is proud to be part of this unique collaboration,” said Yoav Golan, Chief Medical Officer.
Volta Announces Cohort Winners
This month, Volta announced the five winning startups in the virtual Volta Cohort pitch competition. SmartMed, Habit Forming Technologies, Kute Lab and VMOpro Inc. each took home $25,000 for their three-minute pitch presentation. “Companies selected to participate in the Volta Cohort program continue to outperform when it comes to job creation, rapid growth and raising venture capital investments,” said Volta COO and interim CEO Martha Casey.
Dalhousie and Squiggle Park Join New Research Project
Dalhousie University and startup Squiggle Park will take part in a newly announced seven-year $2.5 million research project. The project will determine how culture and technology affect literacy. “There’s huge opportunity here for us to really advance our understanding beyond looking at the brain and going, ‘Oh, that area lights up. It must do X,’” said Aaron Newman, chair of Dalhousie’s Department of Psychology and Neuroscience.
Digital Nova Scotia
Connect to the Tech Industry with Digital Nova Scotia
Digital Nova Scotia is the industry association for Nova Scotia’s $2.5 billion information and communications technology (ICT) and digital technologies sector. Through skills development, industry events, partnerships, collaborations, and the promotion of IT opportunities, Digital NS supports the ICT sector as it continues to grow, evolve and thrive.