The University of Ottawa’s Startup Garage has unveiled the next cohort of eight companies that will be run through its accelerator this year.
For nearly a decade, the post-secondary institution’s in-house startup support service has run dozens of early-stage Ottawa companies through the paces of building a business. Notable graduates from the garage include The Growcer, Desk Nibbles, Spoonity and Welbi.
Solutions from young firms in the latest cohort run the gamut from babysitting to a night out on the town. Check out a brief description of the eight companies below.
OBJ360 (Sponsored)
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SitterNextDoor
Founded by three high school students coming out of the Technovation program, SitterNextDoor looks to simplify date night for moms and dads. With a roster of local babysitters, the company’s platform can connect parents in need of a night off to a qualified sitter in their neighbourhood.
Nitelife
On the other end of the night-out spectrum, Nitelife collects information about local venues such as ratings and upcoming events to give party-goers a full view of their options for the evening. The app connects to a credit card too for advance payments on cover charges. For managers, the app provides marketing services as well as analytics on wait times, anticipated crowds and more.
HireFast
The HireFast program streamlines tech firms’ search for software developers by contacting candidates automatically with personalized emails after job-seekers merely upload a job description.
MyPitboard!
Designed specifically for motocross athletes, MyPitboard! allows riders to monitor their performance in real-time through a dashboard that rests on the bike’s handlebars. The device tracks lap time data, lets riders know where their current time stands and includes virtual races to push users to the next level.
EcoVision
EcoVision puts recycled plastic to new use, making eyeglass frames affordable for people in need.
Point3D
Through the use of highly-detailed 3D imaging, Point3D creates virtualized tours of offices and spaces for companies in retail, engineering, health care, real estate and more.
Oversee
In another sight-focused venture, Oversee visualizes data collected from sensors deployed in factories and other buildings on a platform accessible to users of any background.
Smallworld
Hoping to bring fresh life to Ottawa’s live music scene, Smallworld promotes concerts and events in the National Capital Region. The company started out as a media platform in 2015 but has since evolved into a promoter in its own right.
